From Manchester United prodigy to DR Congo's World Cup hero
In short: Axel Tuanzebe was once hailed by José Mourinho for his immediate potential. After navigating a career marked by injuries and a high-stakes legal battle with his former club, the defender has found new purpose representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the world stage.
Born in Bunia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, in 1997, Tuanzebe moved to England in 2002. After progressing through Manchester United's academy, Paul McGuinness identified him as potentially the inaugural first-year scholar to lead the under-18s as captain since Gary Neville. His early talent was evident; in 2014, he captained a Milk Cup winning youth side, and by 2015, he had already secured the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
His professional journey has been a complex mix of high-level success and physical setbacks. While he achieved promotion to the Premier League with both Aston Villa in 2019 and Ipswich Town in the 2023–24 season, his time at Manchester United was frequently interrupted by injuries, including hip, hamstring, and ankle issues. This period of instability led to a significant legal dispute in July 2025, when Tuanzebe sued Manchester United for over £1 million, alleging negligent medical advice during his loan spell at Stoke City.
A pivotal shift occurred in his international career. After representing England at the under-19, under-20, and under-21 levels, Tuanzebe made his senior debut for the DR Congo in June 2024. He has since become a vital asset for the nation, scoring a crucial goal in March 2026 during the World Cup qualification inter-confederation play-offs against Jamaica. This goal helped secure the DR Congo's first World Cup appearance since 1974, ensuring his inclusion in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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