It came as a surprise to everyone in Germany when in 2021 it was discovered that the footballer of the moment, Silas Wamangituka, was not who he claimed to be. The Congolese striker, who was then playing for Stuttgart, had been playing under a false identity for years, with a name and age that did not correspond to his real ones. Now, several seasons later, he will play against Hansi Flick’s Barcelona in the Red Star Belgrade shirt.
During the 2020/21 season, the striker shone in the Bundesliga, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists in 25 games. However, everything changed when he made public that the name by which he was known, Silas Wamangituka, was not real. The real name, Silas Katompa Mvumpa, was revealed in a statement by the player himself with the help of the club. In addition, he confessed to being 22 years old (now 26), instead of the 21 that his record said.
Stuttgart showed their full support, saying that despite the name change he was still the same footballer who had won over the fans and Silas acknowledged his gratitude: “I would not have been able to take this step if my team had not supported me. I am deeply grateful.” Nevertheless, he was sanctioned by the German Federation for three months without being able to play and with a fine of 30,000 euros.
I have lived in constant fear for the past few years and was also very worried about my family in Congo
Silas, jugador del Estrella Roja
Since then, he has not shone as brightly and the German club itself has decided to loan him to Red Star, where he has played eight games, scoring four goals and providing one assist. He is a tall (1.89m), fast, strong striker with great dribbling ability. He could be an important threat to Barcelona’s high defence on Matchday 4 of the Champions League.
Because of his agent
The issue of forgery was not a whim, but blackmail on the part of his agent. In 2017 he had to renew his visa if he did not want to return to Congo and a person took him to France, to Paris FC, where he was forced to change his name and adopt an identity that was not his own. If he did not do so, the agent threatened to send him back to his country.
It has been a difficult step to reveal my story
Silas, jugador del Estrella Roja
“I have lived in constant fear over the past few years and was also very worried about my family in Congo. It has been a difficult step for me to reveal my story. I did not dare until I had new agents and friendships,” Silas said at the time, after revealing his real name.
A great story of overcoming adversity that shows how difficult it is to succeed in European football from less developed countries in Africa. Now Silas can play in peace and enjoy what he loves most without worrying about external issues.