Meet Yoane Wissa, who scored DR Congo’s first-ever goal at a World Cup

Yoane Wissa made history for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) when he scored the team’s first-ever goal at a World Cup in the group stage match against one of the tournament favourites, Portugal , in Houston.

The 29-year-old Newcastle United forward made the most of a corner five minutes into the second half of the match on Wednesday, as his header found the back of the net — and made history — upon DR Congo’s return to the World Cup after 52 years.

The goal served as an equaliser after Joao Neves scored for Portugal in the sixth minute to send their fans, who turned the Houston Stadium in the United States into a sea of red, into wild celebrations.

Wissa’s goal, too, was celebrated in the stadium and across the world as social media users shared videos of Portuguese and Congolese fans revelling in the historic moment from one of Africa’s most high-profile players.

Five years ago, Wissa may have never dreamed of this moment as he recovered from an acid attack that left him severely injured and in need of an emergency eye surgery after suffering severe chemical burns.

On July 1, 2021, Wissa opened his house door to a woman who attempted to kidnap his daughter and threw acid in his face. The assailant also attacked a woman with acid the following day and was identified on July 3.

She was handed an 18-year prison sentence in January 2025 after facing the possibility of a lifetime in prison.

It took Wissa six months to recover from the assault, which left him shaken but resolute to carry on in his career while playing professional football in France for FC Lorient.