📹 Look at his moves! BR-26 gringo celebrates his country's World Cup spot | OneFootball

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s historic qualification for this year’s World Cup was cause for major celebration in Chapecó, in western Santa Catarina.

But... how so?

A new signing for Chapecoense this season, Yannick Bolasie celebrated on his social media after his nation ended a 52-year World Cup drought.

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The 36-year-old forward represented DR Congo between 2013 and 2022, making 50 appearances with nine goals and five assists.

That includes matches in the qualifiers for the 2014, 2018, and 2022 World Cups.

"What a moment! What a feeling for our country and for our people all around the world! I’m very proud of everyone involved. Now, let’s enjoy the World Cup and show the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the world," he said.

The Leopards are heading to only the second World Cup in their history.

DR Congo’s only previous appearance came in 1974, when the country was still called Zaire.

They were in Group 2 with Brazil, Yugoslavia, and Scotland. They lost all three matches without scoring a goal.

Bolasie is now at his third club in Brazil’s top flight.

He was a new arrival at Criciúma in 2024 and, despite Tigre’s relegation, stood out.

That was followed by a spell at Cruzeiro, where he did not get the playing time he wanted.

📸 Photo: Rafael Bressan/ACF

He has made nine appearances for Chape, six of them in the Brasileirão. Still no goals.

📸 Main photo: Reproduction

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