Rechain, Belgium – Former Congolese international Paul-José Mpoku is embarking on a new chapter, trading the professional football pitch for a role focused on youth development and community engagement. The 33-year-old, who recently announced his retirement from professional play, is partnering with Belgian club BX Brussels to launch a collaborative academy program aimed at nurturing young talent both on and off the field. This move signifies a commitment to giving back to the sport and fostering a holistic approach to athlete development.
Mpoku, who most recently played for Saudi Arabian side Al-Batin, brings a wealth of experience to the project, having played in Belgium, England, Italy, Greece, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and Romania. His career spanned over a decade, and included stints with Standard Liège, Tottenham Hotspur, and Incheon United. Now, he’s channeling that experience into a venture designed to create a lasting impact on the next generation of footballers.
The core of Mpoku’s vision centers around establishing a “place of life around sport,” encompassing football, padel, and other activities. “The idea is to create a place of life around sport with football, padel and other activities in order to support young people and the community, both on a sporting and human level,” Mpoku explained, according to reporting from DHnet. He envisions a model inspired by initiatives like Right To Dream, demonstrating that a sports project can be both educational and humanistic.
The project is currently awaiting permit approval, with Mpoku anticipating submission in the coming days. However, he emphasizes that What we have is a collaborative effort. “This kind of initiative is never built alone. We want to partner with people and structures that share the same vision. That’s why the collaboration with BX Brussels makes so much sense. We share common values around training and youth development,” he stated.
Steven Gibas, Director of Operations at BX Brussels, echoed Mpoku’s sentiments, highlighting the natural synergy between the two organizations. “Everything happened highly naturally, we quickly realized when discussing that we shared values around football in our development projects where we want to go beyond the footballer by focusing on the person and having a holistic approach,” Gibas said.
The partnership will manifest in several initiatives, including joint training camps for players aged 7-15, catering to both boys and girls. A specialized goalkeeper camp will also be offered. The first combined camp is scheduled for May 4-8, with activities taking place at the Roue complex and the new Pôle Sportif de Wegnez near Verviers. A reciprocal match is planned for August, with BX Brussels traveling to Verviers.
Beyond the technical aspects of football, the academy will prioritize holistic development. The involvement of Paralympic champion Léa Bayekula underscores this commitment, with plans for her to participate in sessions focused on resilience and overcoming challenges. Mpoku emphasized the importance of nurturing the individual alongside the athlete. “We have the contacts, that’s clear, but with us, there are no false hopes. We want to develop the human being and the football player,” he said.
Paul-José Mpoku’s transition from professional footballer to academy founder represents a significant shift, but one rooted in a desire to contribute to the sport he loves in a meaningful way. His experience, combined with the expertise of BX Brussels, promises a unique and impactful program for young athletes in Belgium. The project’s success will depend on securing the necessary permits and building a strong network of support, but the foundation appears solid, driven by a shared vision of fostering both athletic talent and personal growth.
The next key milestone for the Mpoku Academy is the anticipated submission of the building permit application. Fans and aspiring young footballers can stay updated on the project’s progress through the Mpoku Academy website and BX Brussels’ official channels.
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