World Cup 2026: The Congo hero who almost lost an eye

Yoane Wissa was close to losing his eyesight in 2021; and five years later, he scored a historic goal against Portugal.

The Democratic Republic of Congo striker was the hero of his national team in their historic one-goal draw on their World Cup debut. But his story is one of overcoming adversity like few others.

An Attack That Changed His Life

Wissa, 29, suffered an attack by a woman at his home. While living in France and playing for Lorient, a woman showed up at his house claiming to be a fan who wanted to take a picture with the player.

However, hours later, she returned to the home, entered without being noticed, and threw acid on Wissa’s face, causing severe injuries.

The striker had to undergo several eye surgeries, as he was close to losing his sight. Despite the severity of the attack, he recovered and returned to playing, even reaching the Premier League with Brentford.

A Comeback With A Historic Goal

Wissa’s nightmare did not end there, as the same woman attempted to kidnap the Congolese player’s daughter; however, she was arrested before she could carry out the act. The attacker claimed she had been hearing voices since childhood.

Today, five years after that incident, the 29-year-old striker plays for Newcastle in England and scored the equalizer that earned the Africans a point against the powerful and title-contending Portugal national team.

The story of Yoane Wissa went from a personal tragedy to becoming one of the most powerful stories in world football.