Ngal'ayel Mukau: Lille's latest rising star

After Ayyoub Bouaddi and Matias Fernandez-Pardo it's time to spotlight another young Lille talent in Ngal'ayel Mukau.

Lille’s remarkable 2-1 victory over Bologna in the UEFA Champions League was not just another win; it was yet another testament to the club’s bold, youth-driven philosophy. The star of the night, 20-year-old Ngal'ayel Mukau, stepped up on the European stage, scoring twice despite never having netted in a senior match before. Since then, he's been a regular feature in the Lillois midfield.

A perfect start

After Ayyoub Bouaddi's impressive run, the 20-year-old has also been making a name for himself under Bruno Génésio. Mukau, who had been primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder at KV Mechelen, found himself in an advanced attacking role for the first time under Genesio’s guidance.

"The coach wanted to test something and I'm very happy with my goals. My first two goals as a professional (smile)," said Makau after his brace against Bologna. "I'd never scored, either for my former clubs or in the league. So in the Champions League... It's been a dream of mine since I was a kid."

praise you : Mukau's rising status at lille

The Belgian Congolese midfielder was signed last summer for a modest amount of €5 million, but has now made 13 appearances in all competitions for Les Dogues. There has certainly been some praise being handed out towards the youngster.

"He's an aggressive player , with a big volume of play, capable of recovering balls from the opponent's feet," said Bruno Génésio on his choice to start Mukau in recent games. "He's also a forward-thinking player, who can get forward from the first touch and find verticality."

"He's a very likeable lad with enormous qualities," said Lille president Olivier Létang. "He burst onto the scene over the last six months of the 2023-2024 season, and we know his potential and his state of mind."

THE STAT: Fine company in the record books

Mukau's brace against Bologna put him in a very special category of young players that have scored two goals in the Champions League with a French club. Only David Trezeguet, Karim Benzema, and Kylian Mbappé have scored a brace in the Champions League earlier in their careers.

READ MORE: 

>>Profile: Ayyoub Bouaddi, Lille's 17-year-old Prodigy

>>Recap: Lille celebrate 80th anniversary in style against Rennes