Looking ahead to the upcoming El Clásico blockbuster — we look at five players from both sides with African roots.
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The story
One of the most anticipated football fixtures of the season, El Clásico, will feature a wealth of football's biggest superstars including supreme talents with proud African heritage.
FC Barcelona will travel to the Spain's capital to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Saturday evening in a top of the table LALIGA clash.
Hansi Flick's Barca will look to extend their lead at the top of log and build on Wednesday's blistering performance against FC Bayern Munich, while Real Madrid will hope for a repeat of April's El Clásico when they overcame Blaugrana in an enthralling match that finished 3-2.
Saturday's El Clásico will captivate football audiences around the world, with the African continent showing keen interest in the feisty fixture.
El Clásico showcases some of the world's finest footballers, with African roots. These ballers will add an extra layer of excitement to the match, with their diverse backgrounds and connections to the African continent resonate with fans across the continent.
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Here's a look at five players with African roots that will undoubtedly light up Saturday's contest:
Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid)
Kylian Mbappé, the exciting new addition to Real Madrid, has already made a notable impact in his brief time in LALIGA, scoring 6 goals in 9 appearances. With a Cameroonian father and an Algerian mother, Mbappé's African heritage has significantly influenced his journey.
Despite these strong ties, he opted to represent his birth country, France, where he became a World Cup champion in 2018. As he gears up for his first El Clásico, all eyes are on his electrifying pace and goal-scoring prowess, which could leave a lasting mark on this historic rivalry.
Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona)
At just 17 years old, Lamine Yamal is already a global sensation and a key player in FC Barcelona's starting lineup. Born in Spain to a Moroccan father and an Equatorial Guinean mother, Yamal's multicultural background mirrors his impressive skills on the pitch.
This season, he has made 10 goal contributions (four goals and six assists) in 10 LALIGA matches, showcasing his speed, dribbling, and creativity.
As he continues to grow, Yamal is poised to become a star not only for FC Barcelona but also for the Spanish national team, with whom he celebrated winning the Euro 2024 title this summer. His African roots make him a relatable figure for young football fans across the continent.
Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid)
Eduardo Camavinga has emerged as a vital midfielder for Real Madrid, having faced FC Barcelona five times in LALIGA since joining in 2021, securing three wins and two losses.
Born in Angola to Congolese parents, Camavinga had the option to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo or Angola but chose France, following his father's naturalization.
His versatility and tenacity have made him an essential part of Real Madrid's midfield. Known for his dynamic playing style, Camavinga is a player to watch in high-stakes matches like EL CLÁSICO.
Recently returning from a serious injury, he is expected to make a significant impact at the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday night.
Jules Koundé (FC Barcelona)
Jules Koundé has been a pivotal player for FC Barcelona since his high-profile transfer from Sevilla FC in 2022. Born in France to a Beninese father, Koundé proudly embraces his African heritage.
Renowned for his style off the pitch and defensive versatility on it, he often plays as a right back for Barça, rather than his preferred center-back position, and has even become a regular on the flank for the French national team.
With his consistent presence this season, Koundé will be crucial in countering Real Madrid's potent left flank, which frequently features Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
Ferland Mendy (Real Madrid)
Another key player for Real Madrid, Ferland Mendy, was born in France to Senegalese parents. His journey to success is a testament to resilience; after undergoing hip surgery at 15, he was wheelchair-bound and faced doubts about his ability to play football again.
"I spent six to seven months in the hospital doing rehabilitation to walk again," he recalls. Today, he stands as one of Europe's top left-backs.
Mendy's solid defensive skills and ability to support the attack make him a vital asset for Real Madrid, especially against Barcelona's formidable frontline of Yamal, Raphinha, and Lewandowski. His African roots resonate with fans who admire his perseverance and talent.
