International football may look simple — play for the country where you were born — but for many, identity is more complex. Few understand that better than former Peterborough defender Gabriel Zakuani, now helping players with Congolese roots represent the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Born in Kinshasa, Zakuani moved to England as a child and later featured for clubs like Leyton Orient and Gillingham before retiring in 2020. Today, he works as a technical consultant for DR Congo, helping the team find players across Europe with Congolese heritage.
Spotting talent beyond borders
DR Congo’s recent squads have included footballers who once represented England, France, Belgium, and Switzerland at youth level. Premier League names such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Yoane Wissa are among the players who switched allegiance to the African nation.
Zakuani’s role began informally during his playing days when he convinced then Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie to join the national team. Since then, he has spent years identifying talent — often just by noticing surnames on team sheets and tracing family backgrounds.
‘The key is the parents’
According to Zakuani, the biggest challenge lies in convincing players and their families. “You have to visit the parents,” he explains. “They know me from my playing days, which helps. Once they feel it’s a good environment for their son, the conversation becomes easier.”
His persuasion paid off when Wan-Bissaka and Wissa finally agreed to represent DRC. Wissa, born in France, joined in 2020, while Wan-Bissaka made his debut earlier this year after missing out on an England recall.
Better structure, stronger squad
When Zakuani first joined the national team in 2005, facilities were minimal — players even trained in their club kits. “Now we have physios, proper gear, everything,” he says. “The environment has changed completely.”
He helps new recruits adjust by accompanying them to national camps. With many now based in Europe, communication has also improved. “Most speak English or French. I speak eight languages, so that really helps,” he adds.
A growing global model
Other nations are adopting similar approaches. Morocco and Algeria have built scouting networks to identify players abroad, while Cape Verde and Ghana have successfully tapped into their diasporas.
Zakuani believes this model strengthens African football. “These players bring European experience but play for their roots,” he says. “It’s about pride, identity, and giving back to where it all began.”
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