Galatasaray Striker Tackles Poor Living Conditions in Homeland DR Congo

• Cédric Bakambu has formed a foundation in DR Congo to tame poverty
• The 32-year-old was morally devastated on his first trip back home
• The Galatasaray striker has received the « Player Impact Award » from FIFPRO

Galatasaray striker Cédric Bakambu has taken profound steps to address the poor living conditions in his homeland.

The French-born Democratic Republic of Congo national has established the Cedric Bakambu Foundation, an organisation dedicated to advancing education in literacy, health, new technology, sports and the country’s history.

On November 23, 2023, Bakambu received the prestigious « Player Impact Award » from Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) for his outstanding humanitarian efforts.

“When doing something for society, it should benefit the community rather than the individual. Cedric is using sport and his foundation to support education, regardless of who these people are or what they do. It is all about making people inclusive in society,” said the FIFPRO jury as reported by North Africa Post.

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The jury praised the foundation’s commitment to community-focused initiatives, stressing the inclusive nature of its work which goes beyond individual gain. Founded in 2019, It has undertaken various initiatives, including funding a visceral cancer and endocrine surgery research project in France that benefited a hospital in Kinshasa.

Bakambu’s motivation stems from a deep reflection on his opportunities and the realization that countless children in DR Congo face dire circumstances.

« I was 23 and I was shocked by the appalling living conditions of countless children. I was stunned, physically and morally devastated, by so much misery, by that inescapable begging I remember my thoughts then turned to my parents,” the 32-year-old told FIFPRO.

During the award ceremony at FIFPRO’s annual general assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, the striker declared his devotion to providing opportunities for deprived children in DR Congo.

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Sports Brief previously reported that Bakambu ranked among the top five most expensive African footballers ever to be transferred.

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Bakambu joined Chinese outfit Beijing Guoan from Villarreal on the final day of the Chinese transfer window in February 2018.

The Chinese club reportedly paid the player’s release clause, believed to be around 40 million euros.