Rodney Kongolo
Kongolo with Manchester City U19 in 2017.
Personal information
Full name Rodney Nkele Kongolo[1]
Date of birth (1998-01-09) 9 January 1998
Place of birth Rotterdam, Netherlands
Height 1.87 m (6 ft 2 in)
Position(s) Midfielder
Team information
Current team
 Roda JC
Number 21
Youth career
Feyenoord
2014–2017 Manchester City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2018 Manchester City 0 (0)
2017–2018 → Doncaster Rovers (loan) 35 (0)
2018–2022 SC Heerenveen 76 (5)
2022–2023 Cosenza 13 (0)
2023– Roda JC 16 (0)
International career‡
2013–2014 Netherlands U16 9 (0)
2014 Netherlands U17 4 (0)
2016–2017 Netherlands U19 11 (1)
2017–2018 Netherlands U20 5 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 14:08, 27 December 2023 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 16 October 2018

Rodney Nkele Kongolo (born 9 January 1998) is a Dutch professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Eerste Divisie club Roda JC.[2]

Club career

Manchester City

Born in Rotterdam,[3] Kongolo started out at Feyenoord's youth academy.[4] His performance for the Netherlands U20 side in February 2013 attracted interest from Premier League sides Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.[5] Because he was 15 at the time, there were concerns for Feyenoord, as Kongolo’s departure could leave the club with no compensation and previously saw their youth talents depart in recent years, such as, Nathan Aké, Jeffrey Bruma and Kyle Ebecilio.[4] Eventually, Kongolo moved from Feyenoord to Manchester City in March 2014, immediately sent to the development squad and because he was 16 at the time, they would pay Feyenoord compensation.[6][7] Later in July 2014, he signed his first professional contract with the club.[8]

At Manchester City development side, Kongolo progressed through for both City U18s and the Elite Development Squad, as he played in a box-to-box role and in a more defensive position.[9] Along the way, he also developed as captain for the development squad in UEFA Youth League and later in the Premier League 2.[10] At the end of the 2016–17 season, Kongolo was named Player’s Player for the EDS.[11]

By the time of his departure from Manchester City, Kongolo failed to make a first team breakthrough and made no first team appearances for the side.[12]

Loan spell at Doncaster Rovers

On 3 August 2017, Kongolo signed on loan for Doncaster Rovers on a six-month loan.[13]

He made his Doncaster Rovers debut, where he came on as a substitute for Matty Blair in the 70th minutes, in a 0–0 draw against Gillingham in the opening game of the season.[14] In a follow–up match, he scored his first goal for Doncaster Rovers in a 3-2 EFL Cup win at Bradford City on 8 August 2017.[15][16] Since joining the club, Kongolo established himself in the first team, where he was featured in the midfield position.[17][18][19] On 4 January 2018, his performance at Doncaster Rovers saw his loan extended until the end of the season.[20] Towards the end of the season, his playing time soon saw him coming off from the substitute bench.[21] At the end of the 2017–18 season, Kongolo finished his time at Doncaster Rovers, making 42 appearances and scoring once in all competitions.[15]

Heerenveen

Kongolo signed a three-year contract with Heerenveen on 18 July 2018.[22] The transfer fee was in the region of £750,000.[23]

He made his SC Heerenveen debut, where he came on as a substitute for Nemanja Mihajlović in the 57th minutes, in a 3–2 win over PEC Zwolle in the opening game of the season.[24] He then made his first start on 17 August 2018, where he started the whole game, in a 3–2 win over Vitesse.[25]

Cosenza

On 31 January 2022, Kongolo signed with Cosenza in Italy.[26] On 16 January 2023, his contract with Cosenza was terminated by mutual consent.[27]

Roda JC

On 23 May 2023, it was announced that Kongolo would join Eerste Divisie club Roda JC ahead of the 2023–24 season, signing a two-year deal.[28][29] He made his competitive debut for the club on the first matchday of the season, starting in a 4–1 home win over Helmond Sport on 11 August.[30]

International career

Kongolo is a Dutch youth international, playing from under-16 to under-20 levels.[31] In January 2013, Kongolo was called up for the Netherlands U15 squad for the first time.[32] It wasn’t until on 16 April 2013 where he captained the whole game, in a 0–0 draw against Belgium U15.[33] He captained the U15 side once again, in a 4–1 loss against Germany U15 on 14 May 2013.[34] He went on to make four appearances for the Netherlands U15 between April 2013 and May 2013.[35]

In September 2013, Kongolo was called up for the Netherlands U16 squad for the first time.[36] A month later, on 29 October 2013, he made his Netherlands U16 debut, where he came on as a substitute in the 70th minutes, in a 2–1 win over Belgium U16.[37] Two days later, on 31 October 2013, he made his first start, in a 2–1 loss against France U16.[38] Kongolo went on to make nine appearances for the U16 side between October 2013 and May 2014.[39]

In September 2014, Kongolo was called up to the Netherlands U17 squad for the first time.[40] He made his Netherlands U17 debut on 10 September2014, in a 3–3 draw against Germany U17.[41] Kongolo went on to make four appearances for the U17 side between September 2014 and October 2014.[42]

In August 2015, Kongolo was called up to the Netherlands U18 squad for the first time.[43] He made his Netherlands U18 debut, where he started the whole game, in a 2–0 loss against England U18 on 3 September 2015.[44] Kongolo went on to make six appearances for the U18 side between September 2015 and March 2016.[45]

In August 2016, Kongolo was called up to the Netherlands U19 squad for the first time.[46] He made his Netherlands U19 debut on 1 September 2016, where he played 70 minutes, in a 1–1 draw against England U19.[47] A month later on 8 October 2016, he set up a goal for Kaj Sierhuis, who scored a hat–trick, in a 4–0 loss win over San Marino U19.[48] In June 2017, he was called up by the Netherlands U19 squad for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.[49] Kongolo then scored his first goal for the U19 side, in a 1–1 draw against Bulgaria U19 on 9 July 2017.[50] He went on to make four appearances throughout the tournament, as Netherlands U19 were eliminated in the semi–finals against Portugal U19.[51] He went on to make eleven appearances for the Netherlands U19 side.

In August 2017, Kongolo was called up by Netherlands U20 for the first time.[52] He made his Netherlands U20 debut on 4 September 2017, where he started the whole game, in a 1–0 win over Portugal U20.[53]

Personal life

Kongolo is of Congolese descent, making him eligible to play for DR Congo.[7] He has two brothers who are also both footballers, Terence and Fidel.[54][4][13]

In addition to speaking Dutch, Kongolo speaks English and French.[18]

Career statistics

As of match played 23 December 2023[3]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Manchester City 2017–18[15] Premier League 0000000000
Doncaster Rovers (loan) 2017–18[15] League One 35030311[lower-alpha 1]0421
Heerenveen 2018–19[3] Eredivisie 9010——100
2019–20[3] Eredivisie 26430——294
2020–21[3] Eredivisie 31141——352
2021–22[3] Eredivisie 10020——120
Total 7651010000866
Cosenza 2021–22[3] Serie B 13000—2[lower-alpha 2]0150
Roda JC 2023–24[3] Eerste Divisie 16000——160
Career total 140513131301596
  1. ↑ Appearance in the EFL Trophy
  2. ↑ Appearances in Serie B relegation play-out

References

  1. ↑ "List of players under written contract registered between 01/08/2017 and 31/08/2017" (PDF). The Football Association. p. 8. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  2. ↑ Rodney Kongolo at WorldFootball.net
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Rodney Kongolo at Soccerway. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 "THE NEXT KOEMAN'S". Archived from the original on 21 February 2014. Retrieved 26 March 2013. retrieved 26 March 2013.
  5. ↑ "Feyenoord aware of interest in teenage midfielder Rodney Kongolo". Sky Sports. 14 March 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
    "Feyenoord's Vieira-esque midfielder linked with Manchester City and Chelsea – Talent Spotter". Talk Sport. 17 March 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  6. ↑ "Manchester City swoop for Feyenoord starlet - reports". Manchester Evening News. 14 March 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  7. 1 2 "RODNEY KONGOLO: LE JEUNE NÉERLANDO-CONGOLAIS VA SIGNER À MANCHESTER CITY" (in French). Africa Top Sports. 14 March 2014. Retrieved 16 September 2017.
  8. ↑ "Young Blues sign up". Manchester Evening. 3 July 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  9. ↑ "KONGOLO: FIVE TIPS TO BEING A MARAUDING MIDFIELDER". Manchester City F.C. 2 November 2016. Archived from the original on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
    "Three Man City under-23s to look out for in the mini derby". Manchester Evening News. 9 January 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
    "FA Youth Cup Preview & Analysis". MCFC Watch. 16 December 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  10. ↑ "Man City youngster Cameron Humphreys given EDS challenge". Manchester Evening News. 12 January 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
    "KONGOLO: CITY WEREN'T AT THEIR BEST V SALZBURG". Manchester City F.C. 9 February 2017. Archived from the original on 24 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  11. ↑ "Four Man City youngsters win end-of-season awards". Manchester Evening News. 24 May 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  12. ↑ "Tien spelers om op te letten in het nieuwe eredivisieseizoen" (in Dutch). FC Update. 6 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  13. 1 2 "Issam Ben Khemis and Man City's Rodney Kongolo: Doncaster Rovers sign duo". BBC Sport. 3 August 2017. Retrieved 3 August 2017.
    "Double signing for Doncaster Rovers". Doncaster Rovers F.C. 3 August 2017. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  14. ↑ "Doncaster Rovers 0–0 Gillingham". BBC Sport. 5 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  15. 1 2 3 4 "Games played by Rodney Kongolo in 2017/2018". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 September 2017.
  16. ↑ "Bradford 2-3 Doncaster: Ben Whiteman nets late winner for visitors". Sky Sports. 8 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  17. ↑ "Doncaster Rovers: Young middle men earn manager's praise". Doncaster Free Press. 16 November 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  18. 1 2 "A plan, a pal and a PlayStation - why Rodney Kongolo is loving his time at Doncaster Rovers". Doncaster Free Press. 5 January 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  19. ↑ "Kongolo looking to kick on". Doncaster Rovers F.C. 5 January 2018. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  20. ↑ "Doncaster Rovers: Rodney Kongolo to remain at Keepmoat for rest of season". Doncaster Free Press. 4 January 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  21. ↑ "LOAN WATCH: DAVENPORT CONTINUES TO SHINE AT BURTON". Manchester City F.C. 27 February 2018. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
    "Doncaster Rovers v Blackburn Rovers preview". Sky Sports. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  22. ↑ "sc Heerenveen versterkt zich met Rodney Kongolo" (in Dutch). SC Heerenveen. 18 July 2018. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  23. ↑ "Manchester City midfielder Rodney Kongolo completes permanent move to Heerenveen". Sky Sports. 18 July 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  24. ↑ "Strijdend sc Heerenveen minimaal 24 uur koploper na zege bij PEC Zwolle" (in Dutch). SC Heerenveen. 10 August 2018. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  25. ↑ "Uitblinker Hahn helpt sc Heerenveen aan punt tegen Vitesse: 1-1" (in Dutch). SC Heerenveen. 19 August 2018. Archived from the original on 25 August 2018. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  26. ↑ "Rodney Kongolo nel centrocampo dei Lupi" (Press release) (in Italian). Cosenza. 31 January 2022. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  27. ↑ "Risoluzione contrattuale con Rodney Kongolo" (in Italian). Cosenza. 16 January 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  28. ↑ "Rodney Kongolo eerste aanwinst seizoen 23/24". Roda JC (Press release) (in Dutch). 23 May 2023. Archived from the original on 30 May 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  29. ↑ Kleinen, Jelle (23 May 2023). "Rodney Kongolo eerste nieuwe aanwinst Roda JC". 1limburg (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 23 May 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  30. ↑ Schreurs, Joost (11 August 2023). "Nieuwkomers bezorgen Roda JC verdiende zege". 1limburg (in Dutch). Archived from the original on 12 August 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2023.
  31. ↑ "OnsOranje". www.onsoranje.nl.
  32. ↑ "SELECTIEWEDSTRIJDEN VOOR ONDER 15" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
    "SELECTIE VOOR OEFENDUELS O-15" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 26 February 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  33. ↑ "DOELPUNTLOOS GELIJKSPEL ONDER 15" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 16 April 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  34. ↑ "O-15 KOMT TEKORT TEGEN DUITSLAND" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 15 May 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  35. ↑ "O-15 HERSTELT ZICH TEGEN DUITSLAND" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 16 May 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  36. ↑ "TRAININGSSTAGE ONDER 16" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 26 September 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  37. ↑ "WINST ONDER 16 IN EERSTE DUEL" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 29 October 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  38. ↑ "ONDER 16 ONDERUIT NA HECTISCH BEGIN" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 31 October 2013. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  39. ↑ "ONDER 16 VERSLAAT TSJECHEN OPNIEUW" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 8 May 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  40. ↑ "SMULDER EN DE LANGE BIJ ONDER 17" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  41. ↑ "ONDER 17 GELIJK IN SPEKTAKELSTUK" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 10 September 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  42. ↑ "ONDER 17 LAAT LANGS FINLAND" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 17 October 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  43. ↑ "SELECTIE ONDER 18 VOOR ENGELAND" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 27 August 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  44. ↑ "ENGELSE WK-GANGERS VELLEN ONDER 18" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 3 September 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  45. ↑ "RESULTATEN TEGEN SERVIË" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 24 March 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  46. ↑ "22 SPELERS IN SELECTIE ONDER 19" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 26 August 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  47. ↑ "ONDER 19 SLAAGT VOOR ENGELSE TEST" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 1 September 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  48. ↑ "HATTRICK SIERHUIS HELPT ONDER 19" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 8 October 2016. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  49. ↑ "DEFINITIEVE SELECTIE ORANJE ONDER 19 VOOR EK IN GEORGIË" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 22 June 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  50. ↑ "ORANJE ONDER 19 STUNT OP EK MET PLAATS IN HALVE FINALE" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 9 July 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  51. ↑ "ORANJE ONDER 19 MIST EK-FINALE NA VERLIES TEGEN PORTUGA" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 12 July 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  52. ↑ "LODEWEGES STELT SELECTIE ONDER 20 SAMEN" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 28 August 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  53. ↑ "ONDER 20 BELOONT ZICHZELF WÉL TEGEN PORTUGAL" (in Dutch). Football Onsoranje. 4 September 2017. Retrieved 25 August 2018.
  54. ↑ "De Feyenoord-belofte zit op de bank bij sc Heerenveen". NRC.
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