Who is Fiston Mayele? 32-Year-Old Veteran Takes DR Congo to World Cup 2026 Knockouts

DR Congo have scripted history as they have qualified for the World Cup 2026 knockouts, on their grand stage debut.

The African nation pulled off a superb 3-1 win over Uzbekistan to seal their place in the Round of 32 stages, and will take on England.

Despite trailing the match, Yoane Wissa scored a brace, while Fiston Mayele gave them the crucial lead in the 78th minute of the match.

Who is Fiston Mayele?

Fiston Mayele has emerged as one of Africa's most clinical strikers, earning a reputation for his goal-scoring instincts and big-match performances. Born on June 24, 1994, in Mbuji-Mayi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mayele currently plays for Egyptian club Pyramids FC and represents the DR Congo national team.

Mayele began his professional career with AS Vita Club, one of DR Congo's most successful clubs. His breakthrough came during the 2020-21 Linafoot season when he finished among the league's top scorers, attracting attention from clubs across Africa. In 2021, he joined Tanzanian giants Young Africans SC (Yanga), where he became an instant fan favourite after scoring the winning goal on his debut against arch-rivals Simba SC.

His two seasons at Yanga were extraordinary. Mayele fired the club to back-to-back Tanzanian Premier League titles, won multiple domestic trophies, and finished as the league's top scorer and Most Valuable Player in the 2022-23 season. His exploits in continental competitions further enhanced his reputation as one of Africa's deadliest forwards.

In 2023, Mayele signed for Pyramids FC in Egypt, where he continued his remarkable rise. He scored the winning goal in the 2024 Egypt Cup final before playing a pivotal role in helping Pyramids win their maiden CAF Champions League title in 2025. He finished the competition as the tournament's top scorer and was later crowned the CAF Interclub Player of the Year.

Known for his strength, movement and clinical finishing, Mayele has become a key player for DR Congo on the international stage. And with his goal against Uzbekistan, the 32-year-old has scripted history for his nation.