Matuidi Reflects on African Roots and Support for Continental Football
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Blaise Matuidi has spoken candidly about his African heritage and his admiration for football on the continent, saying he could have represented either Angola or the Democratic Republic of Congo, but ultimately chose to play for France.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, the French international, born in Toulouse to an Angolan father and a Congolese mother, acknowledged the path not taken.
“Yes, that’s true,” he said when asked if he could have played for Angola. “The question did come up, but I chose France quite quickly. I was born here, I grew up here, and it just made sense. My parents were very supportive of my decision to play for Les Bleus.”
Despite pledging his international future to France, Matuidi remains a close follower of African football and the national teams of both Angola and DR Congo.
“I still follow the results of the DRC and Angola very closely,” he said. “And African football in general. It’s true that African teams haven’t really shone in recent World Cups. That’s partly due to limited resources and the difference in level between African and European leagues, as not all African internationals are based in Europe. But African teams have shown they can trouble the best in the world.”
Matuidi, 28, has just concluded a stellar season with Paris Saint-Germain, playing a pivotal role in the club’s domestic treble, winning Ligue 1, the Coupe de la Ligue, and the Coupe de France.
A tireless presence in midfield, Matuidi continues to be a key figure for both club and country—proud of his African heritage and vocal in his support for the continent’s footballing future.
