Paul Bonga Bonga

Who is Paul Bonga Bonga?

Paul Bonga Bonga was a Congolese footballer of the 1950s and 1960s. He rose to prominence during his time in Belgium at Standard Liege and was perhaps best remembered as the first African footballer to be selected in the World Soccer Magazine world XI, when he was chosen in 1962.

Bonga started playing football barefoot, in 1948 for the Golden Lion and then for Sporting, St. Anne College team. In 1950, he joined Union and put on his first boots. He was transferred in 1952 to Daring Club Motema Pembe. In 1956, while on a European tour, he was noticed by sports journalists, particularly for his match against the Standard Liege. In late 1957 he was invited to Standard, and became Belgian champion in the seasons of 1958–1960. In 1962, he became the second European player, after Paul van Himst. After playing for more than 10 years in Belgian clubs, Bonga retied in 1970 and became a coach at FC Tubize. After returning home in 1972, Bonga led Daring Club Motema Pembe before assuming the post of President Sportif. In 1991 he was appointed National Technical Director of the Leopards.