Samuel Moutoussamy, a player of Indian origin, was a standout performer in Congo's midfield during their impressive draw against football giants Portugal in FIFA World Cup 2026.
HOUSTON: When DR Congo geared up to face European heavyweights Portugal, most of the football world probably saw them as the underdogs. After all, their squad wasn't as star-studded as Portugal's. But on the field, they put up a fantastic fight.

Portugal took an early lead with a superb header from João Neves right after the game started. However, Congo quickly put an end to their dominance. In the extra time of the first half, Yoane Wissa scored a brilliant goal for Congo to level the scores.
Amidst all the familiar faces on the pitch, one player with a special Indian connection was playing for Congo – Samuel Moutoussamy. Samuel's father is from Tamil Nadu, while his mother is of Congolese origin. He has been a part of the Congo national team since 2019.
Samuel was born in France in 1996. He chose to play for Congo after he couldn't get a spot in the French youth teams. In the match against Portugal, he was in the starting eleven and put on a solid show in the midfield. He even won four duels during the game.


