33·Legends

Chancel Mbemba vs Paul Bonga Bonga

DR Congo against DR Congo. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

CM

Chancel Mbemba

DR Congo · 1974–2025 · CB

Almanac rating
84
Rank in DR Congo
#5 of 33
Clubs
R.S.C. Anderlecht, Newcastle United

He marked his hundredth cap on 13 November 2025 with a stoppage-time winner against Cameroon, and three days later DR Congo beat Nigeria on penalties and were on their way to a first World Cup since 1974. Record holder with 113 caps, best XI at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, two Primeira Liga titles and two cups at Porto, a Belgian championship with Anderlecht, and the 2023 Marc-Vivien Foé prize. Career record: club career at R.S.C. Anderlecht, Newcastle United.

vs
PB

Paul Bonga Bonga

DR Congo · 1958–63 · CM

Almanac rating
85
Rank in DR Congo
#2 of 33
Clubs
Daring Club Motema Pembe, Standard Liège, Royal Charleroi S.C.

In 1961 World Soccer picked him for its world XI beside Pelé, Di Stéfano and Puskás, the first African ever chosen, and a year later he became the first non-naturalised African to play a European Cup semi-final when Standard Liège met Real Madrid. Three Belgian championships at Standard between 1958 and 1963, runner-up for the 1960 Golden Shoe, and later technical director of Congo's national team. Career record: club career at Daring Club Motema Pembe, Standard Liège, Royal Charleroi S.C..

The verdict

The almanac puts Paul Bonga Bonga ahead by 1 rating point, 85 against 84.

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