Exclusive interview – Yves Diba Ilunga: Mputu is the best player I’ve played with, Eto’o a pride for

Former “Leopard” Yves Diba Ilunga is among the select group of strikers who have left a lasting mark on Congolese football history.

After proving himself in the domestic league with FC Saint Éloi and AS Vita Club, he moved abroad to Belgium before continuing his career in the Gulf, making stops in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Also read: After his re-election… The three challenges awaiting Motsepe at CAF

For over a decade, he wore the Leopards jersey and was one of the key architects of DR Congo’s triumph at the 2009 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

Now retired, Yves Diba Ilunga graciously took the time to share his insights by answering questions from the Foot Africa editorial team.

Enjoy!

After retirement, what are your future plans?

My plans are first and foremost to succeed in my transition to coaching (manager in English), and above all, to build a major economic empire.

What are the highlights of your career?

The highlights of my career include signing for $2,500,000 in Qatar under top professional conditions, playing alongside greats like Raul, Nene... and working under top coaches such as Sabri Lamouchi, Gianfranco Zola, and Xavi Hernandez.

Do you regret not having played in Europe? What adventure left the biggest mark on you?

I regret nothing; on the contrary, I thank God for my destiny. I was with the reserves at Molenbeek Brussels in 2005 but didn’t sign a pro contract. After two strong seasons in Saudi Arabia, Mons came for me through their sporting director Dimitri Mbuyi (ironically, he was at Molenbeek during my unsuccessful stint in Brussels). But the value and reputation I’d built in the Gulf meant I couldn’t accept Mons’ terms: €10,000 gross when I was already earning $50,000 net.

What do you remember from your international career with the “Leopards”?

I have unforgettable moments with the Leopards, especially my goal in Garoua against Cameroon, which featured Samuel Eto’o, Nicolas Nkoulou, Aurélien Chedjou, as well as my goal and the penalty won against Egypt with Mohamed Aboutrika, Ahmed Hassan, Gedo... Also, my goal against Mali with Cédric Kanté, Mamadou Diarra… And of course, winning the 2009 CHAN in Côte d’Ivoire… I bless God for his grace throughout my career. With hard work, discipline, and patience, nothing is impossible in football… My only regret is not qualifying with DR Congo for the 2013 AFCON and not making the final squad for AFCON 2006, even though I was among Claude Leroy’s young prospects (he spotted me in 2005 in Lubumbashi).

Which player impressed you the most with the Leopards?

The player who impressed me the most with the Leopards is Trésor Mputu, whose technical quality was out of this world—never a technical mistake, whether in training or official matches. Players like him must be managed with great care for national pride. There’s also Zola Matumona, who’s of the same caliber but more of a playmaker, whereas Trésor was more of a finisher... Mulumbu and Makiadi round out my list; those two guys fought tooth and nail in midfield. It was a real pleasure to play alongside them.

What are your thoughts on the much-anticipated match against Senegal in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers?

DR Congo is an unpredictable team, capable of both the best and the worst. Honestly, Senegal is the favorite given the market value of its players, but a good DR Congo side, with coherent tactical choices from coach Desabre, can compete with any African nation. The last AFCON was a perfect illustration.

What do the “Leopards” need to overcome the Senegal hurdle?

To beat the Lions, you have to match them physically (their main strength), be tactically well-organized, and above all, capitalize on even a half-chance that comes your way. The home crowd and the synthetic pitch will also be significant psychological assets.

Why can’t DR Congo recapture its former glory?

Past organizational issues have held back performance. Everything’s been in order for some time now, thanks to the personal involvement of the President of the Republic. Just look at the results from the last AFCON to confirm the positive momentum injected by coach Desabre. It’s true that the pressure of World Cup qualification weighed on some of the coach’s decisions and affected our national team’s playing style (high pressing, quick transitions). The arrival of Bissaka and the emergence of young players like Mukau and Sadiki at club level could free the team so that the useful (qualification) is combined with the enjoyable (attractive football).

How do you assess Desabre’s tenure as head coach of the Leopards?

His tenure has been impressive—the results speak for themselves. Caution is necessary, though; the narrow wins in recent matches against less formidable nations are a sign that the positive momentum is stalling a bit, and it’s time to reinvent things by bringing in new players (especially on the wings) whose motivation matches the nation’s big ambitions.

Bakambu, Banza, or Mayele—which do you prefer as DR Congo’s center forward?

Football has become a science with its own immutable logic. Whether Bakambu, Banza, or Mayele, DR Congo can challenge any team, provided the players’ profiles on the pitch are complementary. Bakambu, a breakaway striker, needs either a good playmaker to feed him or a strong target man to help him create space. Banza, for his part, needs quality wingers and full-backs who can deliver crosses at the right moment. Finally, Mayele is versatile and can adapt to any situation.

What can you say about the way OM has treated Mbemba this 2024–2025 season?

It’s true that the treatment of Mbemba is not befitting of football, but Marseille also deserves some respect for investing heavily in the player. Contractual respect is essential for everyone, including strict adherence to the internal regulations of any institution. I’m happy that my brother has finally found another club where he can thrive.

Who do you consider the greatest Congolese player of all time?

The greatest Congolese player of all time will forever be Pierre Ndaye Mulamba, may he rest in peace. He holds the record for most goals in a single AFCON edition—no small feat.

Who is the greatest African player of all time in your opinion?

The greatest African player of all time is Samuel Eto’o. His personality and determination to earn respect for African players internationally is worthy of the highest praise.

Why has TP lost its prominence both locally and in Africa?

The situation at Mazembe is normal. No team can reign supreme for a century—it’s a cycle that’s coming to an end. Their visionary president has all the know-how to bring this legendary club back to the top.

There’s a risk that FIFA could disqualify Congolese national teams due to a conflict between you and FECOFA. Is this true?

Yes, there’s a sword of Damocles hanging over Congolese football because of FECOFA’s refusal to resolve a case against Vita Club, where I served as a player and then as a manager. Two fines of 20% have already been withheld from Congolese football development funds. All authorities have been notified, and I hope that the irresponsibility of some compatriots won’t penalize the entire nation.

Imed Ben Amara |

Editorar, fr

Imed Ben Amara - bilingual sports writer and web editor with experience in football content creation. Since 2021, he has contributed to Foot Africa, providing news coverage and analysis.