Michel-Ange Balikwisha makes his choice between Belgium and DR Congo | OneFootball

Michel-Ange Balikwisha says yes to the Leopards

Michel-Ange Balikwisha/@walfoot

It’s a tough decision, but a completely natural one. When asked about his international career preferences, Michel-Ange Balikwisha didn’t beat around the bush, revealing his desire to play for DR Congo rather than Belgium.

The 24-year-old winger, born in Ghent, is turning his back on his adopted country, with whom he was a youth international, to represent his country of origin, DR Congo. This is a major boost for the Leopards as they prepare for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, kicking off next December in Morocco.

“I’m announcing that I want to represent the country, just as you all expected. May God bless us, and I hope we’ll make the Stade des Martyrs roar and go far in every competition,” Balikwisha declared to Leopardsfoot.

“Congo means a lot to me. Ever since I was a child, I told my parents I wanted to play for Congo. And I hope I’ll get to fulfill my dream of playing alongside my brother (William, already a DR Congo international),” he added.

Balikwisha has just left Royal Antwerp, where he racked up 30 goals and 17 assists in 145 appearances, to join Celtic Glasgow in Scotland.