DR Congo forward, Cedric Bakambu, is now Africa’s most expensive player of all time following a record-breaking switch to China.
After scoring 46 goals in two-and-a-half seasons at Villarreal, the 26-year-old’s release clause was triggered by Chinese Super League side, Beijing Guoan last week.
However, on top of the €44million transfer fee, Beijing will also have to pay an additional €33million in tax to the Chinese government, who recently introduced such levies to stem the influx of expensive foreign players into their league and force clubs to nurture local talent.
Altogether, Bakambu will cost €74million (not to mention his €18million salary) thus taking him way beyond Mohamed Salah (€38.7million) as Africa’s most costly footballing export.
In the wider scheme, Bakambu is now the 13th most expensive player in the entire history of football and the eighth highest-paid player on the planet.
Here are five stunning facts about the forward.
1. Born and bred in France
Bakambu was born in Vitry-sur-Seine, the southeastern suburbs of Paris even though his parents are from the DRC. About growing up outside his homeland, he said “I grew up with both cultures and I am very proud of that. I think it’s something that enriches you.”
2. Received footballing lessons there too
Aside from growing in the European nation, Bakambu owes his meteoric rise to the country. He started his career at local side, US Ivry, at the age of 10 before transferring to FC Sochaux four years later.
3. Represented Les Blues at youth levels
Sprouting forth in France, it was almost unthinkable not representing Les Blues at the cadet levels. Bakambu featured for the country’s U18’s, U19’s and U20 before eventually switching allegiance to DRC at senior level.
4. Football brought him back home
Having been born in Europe, Bakambu had no clue about his people, culture and tradition. Not until he oddly opted to play for the Leopards in 2015. “I hadn’t even played a match yet they made banners for me,” he recalled. “It’s really something else. It was through football that I discovered my country.”
5. Survived Brussels terror attack
Bakambu and international teammate Dieumerci Mbokani were at Brussels Airport when it was struck by terror attacks in March 2016; both escaped unharmed
