Sunderland star Noah Sadiki reveals why he rejected Belgium before DR Congo’s England World Cup clash | OneFootball

Sunderland’s Noah Sadiki has explained choosing DR Congo over Belgium, with his words resurfacing before the Leopards face England at the World Cup.

“My choice of DR Congo did not go down well at home, and my parents did not understand why,” he said. He was speaking to Olympics.com earlier this year.

Born in Belgium, he came through Anderlecht’s academy and played up to under-20 level for the country. Vincent Kompany gave him his senior Anderlecht debut, so Belgium once looked the natural route.

The 21-year-old committed to DR Congo in 2023 and has since become an important part of the squad. “But like I always say, this was, as is, a deeply personal choice.”

His decision reflects a wider shift of dual-national players choosing African nations. Sunderland signed him from Union Saint-Gilloise last summer, and he has quickly enhanced his reputation on Wearside.

He could face several Premier League opponents on the biggest stage. “There will be setbacks along the way, but you have to grit your teeth and see it through,” he added. “That’s why I’m one of the first of my generation to openly choose Congo - because I know it could open doors for others.”

Source: Sunderland Echo