Chancel Mbemba was elected this Tuesday, May 30, 2023 best African player of the French Football Championship (Ligue 1) 2022-2023. A prize awarded by a jury composed of journalists from RFI and France 24.
According to RFI, it is a first since the creation of the Marc-Vivien Foé Prize that a defender comes out ahead of the votes. The Marseillais Chancel Mbemba (207 points) was chosen by a jury composed of about 100 participants, to climb on the first step of the podium ahead of Ivorian Seko Fofana (Lens), with 11 points difference. Nigerian Terem Moffi, who plays in Nice, completes the leading trio with 125 points. The jury had a choice of eleven names.
This season, the Ligue 1 has gathered no less than a hundred African players Ivorian Seko Fofana, holder of the title, and Nigerian Terem Moffi. Mbemba is the second Congolese player to be crowned after Gaël Kakuta in 2021. The former Porto player was also part of the trophy team.
Spotted by RSC Anderlecht, he arrived in Brussels in 2011 where he first played with the hopeful team of the Sporting d’Anderlecht.
On 28 July 2013, on the first day of the 2013-2014 season, Mbemba made his official debut for Anderlecht against Lokeren, as did his teammate Youri Tielemans. Despite the defeat, everyone could see the qualities that Chancellor is endowed with. He continues to play in the defence axis alongside Cheikhou Kouyaté, relegating Bram Nuytinck to the bench.
On 17 September 2013, he made his European debut in the Champions League match in Lisbon against Benfica.
On 19 October 2013, he scored his first goal under the Anderlechtoises colours on the field of the RAEC Mons although starting for the first time as a right back.
