Yoane Wissa is a professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Newcastle United in the English Premier League and represents the DR Congo national team internationally. As of February 2026, the 29-year-old forward has established himself as a versatile and explosive attacking threat, known for his clinical finishing, pace, and intelligent movement. After a successful four-year stint at Brentford, where he became a fan favorite, Wissa completed a high-profile move to Newcastle United in September 2025 for a reported fee of £55 million. He remains a key figure for his national side, having played a pivotal role in their recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about Yoane Wissa’s journey from the youth academies of France to the pinnacle of English football. We will delve into his career statistics, playing style, international achievements, and his impact at St James’ Park. Whether you are a Newcastle supporter, a fantasy football manager, or a fan of African football, this article provides the most up-to-date and authoritative overview of the Congolese star.
Early Life and French Roots
Yoane Wissa was born on September 3, 1996, in Villeneuve-Saint-Georges, France, to parents of Congolese descent. Growing up in the Parisian suburbs, he was immersed in a football-rich culture that has produced numerous global stars.
Interestingly, Wissa began his footballing journey as a goalkeeper at the age of seven for his local club, Épinay-sous-Sénart. It wasn’t until his early teens that he transitioned into an outfield player, eventually settling into the forward roles where his natural speed and agility could be better utilized.
Professional Breakthrough at Châteauroux
Wissa’s professional career took flight at Châteauroux, where he joined the club’s prestigious youth academy. He progressed rapidly through the ranks, making his senior debut during the 2015–16 season in the Championnat National.
During his breakout season, he scored seven goals in 24 appearances, showcasing a level of maturity that attracted interest from top-flight clubs. This early success laid the groundwork for his move to Ligue 1, although his path to the top would require several more steps through the French lower leagues.
The Ligue 1 Transition: Angers
In 2016, Wissa signed for Angers SCO, marking his first step into elite-level French football. However, breaking into a stable Ligue 1 side proved difficult for the young forward, who found playing time limited to sporadic substitute appearances.
To ensure his development didn’t stall, Angers opted to send him on loan. These temporary spells at Laval and AC Ajaccio proved vital, as Wissa regained his goal-scoring touch and proved he could handle the physical demands of professional senior football.
Rising Star at FC Lorient
The most significant turning point in Wissa’s French career came in January 2018 when he joined FC Lorient. Initially playing in Ligue 2, Wissa became the focal point of the team’s attack, helping them secure promotion to the top flight in 2020.
His 2019–20 season was particularly impressive, where he netted 15 goals in 28 matches before the season was curtailed. Upon Lorient’s return to Ligue 1, Wissa proved his class at the highest level, scoring 10 goals and helping the club avoid relegation in a highly competitive campaign.
Brentford: The Premier League Move
In August 2021, Yoane Wissa made the move to England, signing for newly-promoted Brentford for approximately £8.5 million. He arrived with a reputation for being a “clutch” player, often scoring vital late goals during the Bees’ inaugural Premier League season.
Wissa’s debut season in England was a resounding success, highlighted by a stunning late equalizer against Liverpool and a memorable bicycle kick in the EFL Cup. His ability to impact games both as a starter and a substitute made him an indispensable part of Thomas Frank’s tactical setup.
Evolution Under Thomas Frank
Throughout his time at Brentford, Wissa evolved from a pure winger into a sophisticated inside forward. Under the tutelage of Thomas Frank, he developed a better understanding of defensive pressing and tactical positioning.
His partnership with Bryan Mbeumo and Ivan Toney became one of the most feared attacking trios outside of the traditional “Big Six.” By the time he left the Gtech Community Stadium, Wissa had amassed over 130 appearances and nearly 50 goals across all competitions.
Newcastle United Transfer 2025
On September 1, 2025, Newcastle United announced the signing of Yoane Wissa in a deal worth £55 million. The move was seen as a major statement of intent by the Magpies, looking to bolster their attacking options for their domestic and European campaigns.
Wissa was brought in to provide competition and versatility, capable of playing across the front three or as a secondary striker. His signing was hailed by manager Eddie Howe as “a perfect fit for the intensity and speed” of the Newcastle system.
Impact at St James’ Park
Since arriving in Tyneside, Wissa has integrated quickly into the Newcastle starting eleven. He scored his first goal for the club in a crucial away victory against Everton in November 2025, endearing himself to the Toon Army with his high work rate.
As of early 2026, he has become a regular fixture in Newcastle’s UEFA Champions League squad. His ability to stretch defenses and provide a direct threat on the counter-attack has added a new dimension to the team’s offensive transitions.
Playing Style and Technical Strengths
Yoane Wissa is best described as a “dynamic forward” who excels in high-intensity transitions. His primary strengths include his acceleration, one-on-one dribbling, and a remarkable ability to find space in a crowded penalty area.
Explosive Pace
Wissa’s top speed allows him to play on the shoulder of the last defender, making him a constant threat for through balls. This pace is equally effective when he tracks back, contributing to his team’s defensive shape.
Clinical Finishing
While he is not a traditional “target man,” Wissa’s finishing is exceptionally efficient. He has a high conversion rate from “big chances” and is known for his composure when facing the goalkeeper in one-on-one situations.
International Career: DR Congo
Despite being born in France, Wissa chose to represent the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the international level. He made his debut in October 2020 and quickly became the talisman for the “Leopards.”
His contributions were vital during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he helped lead DR Congo to a fourth-place finish. His leadership and consistent goal-scoring have made him a hero in Kinshasa and beyond.
AFCON 2025 and Beyond
In the 2025 AFCON tournament, Wissa was one of the standout performers of the group stages. His performances have helped maintain DR Congo’s status as one of the rising powers in African football.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers continue, Wissa remains the focal point of the Congolese attack. His experience in the Premier League provides a level of tactical sophistication that is invaluable to the national team’s younger players.
Statistical Analysis and Peak Performance
A deep dive into Wissa’s data reveals a player who consistently outperforms his Expected Goals (xG). Over the last three seasons, he has maintained a passing accuracy of over 75% in the final third, a high figure for a forward.
During the 2025–26 season at Newcastle, his “progressive carries” and “touches in the opposition box” have ranked in the top 15% of all Premier League forwards. These metrics underscore his role as a primary creator as well as a finisher.
Career Achievements and Awards
- Ligue 2 Champion: 2019–20 (FC Lorient)
- EFL Cup Goal of the Tournament: 2021–22
- DR Congo Player of the Year Nominee: 2023, 2024
- Brentford Fans’ Player of the Month: Multiple occasions
Practical Information and Planning
How to Watch Yoane Wissa
Fans wanting to follow Yoane Wissa’s progress can watch Newcastle United matches via the following broadcasters:
- UK: Sky Sports, TNT Sports, and Amazon Prime Video.
- USA: NBC Sports (Peacock) and USA Network.
- Africa: SuperSport (DSTV/GOTV).
Matchday Experience at Newcastle
If you are planning to watch Wissa live at St James’ Park:
- Tickets: Highly sought after; it is recommended to join the Newcastle United membership scheme for early access.
- Location: St James’ Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4ST.
- Transport: The stadium is centrally located, easily accessible via the Tyne & Wear Metro (St James or Monument stations).
What to Expect
Wissa typically wears the Number 9 or Number 11 shirt (depending on the competition). Expect to see him operating primarily on the left wing or as a central striker.
Frequently Asked Questions
How has Wissa’s playing style changed at Newcastle?
Under Eddie Howe, Wissa has become more involved in the high-press system. While at Brentford he was primarily a counter-attacking threat, at Newcastle, he was tasked with winning the ball back high up the pitch and facilitating play for overlapping full-backs.
What is Yoane Wissa’s current salary?
Following his move to Newcastle in 2025, Wissa’s weekly wage is reported to be approximately £140,000, reflecting his status as a marquee signing for the Tyneside club.
Did Wissa play in the 2025 AFCON?
Yes, Wissa was a standout performer in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped DR Congo progress through the knockout stages, further cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s top forwards.
Is Yoane Wissa injured right now?
As of February 2026, Wissa has recently returned to full training after a minor knee injury sustained in December 2025. He is currently being integrated back into the starting lineup for Premier League fixtures.
How many goals has Wissa scored in the Champions League?
In his debut Champions League season (2025–26), Wissa has recorded 1 goal and 1 assist in 3 appearances, showing he can translate his domestic form to the European stage.
Who is Yoane Wissa’s agent?
Wissa is represented by a prominent French agency that also manages several other Ligue 1 and Premier League stars, focusing on career longevity and commercial partnerships.
What is the meaning behind his yoga celebration?
Wissa has stated that his “Zen” celebration represents the importance of mental health and staying calm under the intense pressure of professional football.
Final Thoughts
As of early 2026, Yoane Wissa has transitioned from a promising Ligue 2 talent into one of the most recognizable forwards in the Premier League. His career trajectory highlights the power of perseverance and tactical adaptability. Whether leading the line for Newcastle United or captaining the DR Congo national team, Wissa’s blend of explosive pace and intelligent movement has made him a blueprint for the modern “hybrid” forward—capable of playing as a winger or a central striker with equal efficiency.
The legacy of Wissa’s career is not just found in his goal statistics, but in his ability to deliver in “clutch” moments and his role as a cultural icon for Congolese sports. His move to St James’ Park represents a peak in his professional journey, placing him among the elite attackers in world football. As he continues to compete in the Champions League and pushes for a historic 2026 World Cup appearance with his country, Wissa remains a vital figure for both club and country.
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