‘Wolf’ is hungry for goals: Essende in focus

With 15 goals in the Portuguese top division, Samuel Essende was one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe last season. The 26-year-old DR Congo international, who carries the nickname of ‘Wolf’, now wants to continue his goalscoring exploits at FC Augsburg. We’re taking a closer look at our new signing.

Samuel Emmanuel Essende Mbongu was born on 30th January 1998 in the Paris suburb of Montfermeil. Essende joined the youth academy of Paris Saint-Germain at the age of 12, and spent his entire youth career with the 12-time French champions. The 1.92 metre-tall forward made his senior debut for Belgian top-tier side KAS Eupen, and also appeared for French clubs US Avranches, Pau FC and SM Caen.

Although Essende had already stood out with his athleticism and goal threat, he really made a name for himself in northern Portugal. Essende joined F.C. Vizela ahead of the 2023/24 season and scored 15 Primeira Liga goals, the joint-fourth most in the division, although it couldn’t quite save Vizela from relegation. The 26-year-old was then called up by DR Congo for the first time in June, and started two World Cup qualifying games: a 1-1 draw with Senegal and a 1-0 win over Togo.

Idolising Ibrahimovic

The next step in his career is a move to the Bundesliga with FC Augsburg, where Essende has signed a contract until summer 2028. His first impressions at the club have been very positive. “I’ve liked what I’ve seen so far,” said the DR Congo international, who “[wants] to focus on scoring goals,”, though he is also skilled at holding the ball up and making runs in behind. His idol in his youth, by the way, was Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Essende also carries an interesting nickname. “People have called me ‘Wolf’ since I was a child,” the 26-year-old told FCA TV. The basketball fan will join his new wolfpack when training ahead of the new season officially gets underway on Monday, 8th July at the WWK ARENA.

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