DR Congo striker Yoane Wissa will lead his team against England in the World Cup round of 32, but his journey to the tournament was nearly derailed by a brutal acid attack in 2021 that required emergency surgery on both eyes.
Historic World Cup Run for DR Congo
DR Congo have reached the knockout stages for the first time in their history, finishing third in Group K with four points. Wissa scored the equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Portugal, and after a 1-0 defeat to Colombia, he scored twice in a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan to secure their place. The nation had only previously competed in 1974 under the name Zaire.
The Acid Attack in 2021
On July 1, 2021, a 36-year-old woman approached Wissa's home in northwestern France while he played for FC Lorient. She asked for an autograph, but later returned and threw a highly corrosive liquid into his face and eyes, also attempting to kidnap his newborn daughter. Wissa prevented the kidnapping but suffered severe chemical burns. He underwent emergency surgery on both eyes and doctors saved his sight.
Remarkably, he transferred to Brentford for £8.5 million just one month after the attack. The woman, identified as Laetitia P., had faked a pregnancy and targeted Wissa's family to steal a baby. She attacked another woman with acid the next day and was arrested on July 3.
Trial and Emotional Testimony
In January 2025, the assailant went on trial in France. Wissa attended and gave an emotional testimony, telling the court: "It has been a nightmare. Since then, I panic every time I hear a noise, and the only thing that kept me going was knowing my children are safe. I had surgery on both eyes and the doctor told me I will need to use eye drops for the rest of my life. It took me six months before I fully got my sight back."
He added: "Had I not been treated so quickly, the consequences would have been far worse. My wife and I will suffer the after-effects for the rest of our lives. Since that time I have become withdrawn. I can no longer tolerate being around people I don't know."
Wissa also spoke of ongoing psychological effects: "I don't now express as much love as I used to, and when I'm walking I instinctively look behind me. And at night I can no longer get to sleep if I am by myself. My kids often ask me what I have done to my face, but they are too young for me to tell them what happened. I have been offered an operation. But I have refused, as this is part of my personal history. My wife and I have to see a psychologist and she has suffered depression. We got married soon after the incident, as you never know what fate holds in store for you."
The woman was found guilty and sentenced to 18 years in prison.
Thriving at Newcastle and World Cup 2026
Wissa joined Newcastle United for £55 million in 2025 and is now in fine form at the World Cup. He will aim to lead DR Congo to an upset against England, coached by Thomas Tuchel, in the round of 32.
