Dieumerci Mbokani is enjoying a sensational season with Royal Antwerp, showcasing a goal-scoring form reminiscent of his younger days. At 34 years old, the Congolese striker has become one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen, lighting up the Jupiler Pro League and earning a place among the continent’s elite goal scorers. His recent performances, including a brace against Gent in Antwerp’s 3-2 victory, underline his continued influence on the pitch, even if he failed to score in the subsequent return match against the Buffalos, which ended 1-1.
Mbokani’s statistics this season are remarkable. In 16 league matches, totaling 1,429 minutes, he has already scored 13 goals, placing him as the top scorer in Belgium and fourth among Europe’s leading goal scorers. His ability to maintain such a high scoring rate at an age when many strikers begin to decline speaks to his fitness, experience, and clinical finishing ability. Antwerp has clearly benefited from his presence up front, as his consistency provides both goals and leadership for the team.
In the wider European context, Mbokani’s goal tally puts him just outside the top three scorers. Leading the continent is Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski, who has 16 goals in 12 matches, closely followed by Lazio’s Ciro Immobile with 15 goals in 13 games, and Junior Moraes of Shakhtar Donetsk with 14 goals in 14 matches. Mbokani’s 13 goals in 16 appearances place him just behind these elite performers, demonstrating that he remains a formidable striker despite being in his mid-thirties.
The top 10 European goal scorers as of November 25, 2019, illustrate the diversity of talent across the continent: Lewandowski (16 goals), Immobile (15), Moraes (14), Mbokani (13), Timo Werner (12), Jamie Vardy (12), Donyell Malen (10), Karim Benzema (10), Tammy Abraham (10), and Moussa Dembélé (10). Mbokani’s inclusion alongside these players highlights not only his personal achievement but also the growing recognition of Belgian league performances in the broader European football landscape.
For Antwerp, Mbokani’s goal-scoring exploits are pivotal to their campaign. His experience from clubs like AS Monaco and Dynamo Kyiv enables him to read the game intelligently, find spaces, and convert chances efficiently. Beyond the numbers, his leadership and presence on the field elevate the performance of his teammates, providing inspiration and tactical guidance during crucial moments of matches.
At 34, many forwards might be considering winding down their careers, but Mbokani continues to defy expectations. His blend of experience, positioning, and finishing prowess ensures he remains one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards, proving that age is no barrier to elite performance when combined with skill, determination, and professionalism.
