Youssoufa Moukoko: Player's "father" says Dortmund and Nice star has falsified age
European football is grappling with a scandal involving Youssoufa Moukoko, a forward on loan from Borussia Dortmund to OGC Nice, as shocking allegations about his identity and age have emerged.
Joseph Moukoko, who had been publicly recognized as the player's father, claims he is not the biological parent and that Youssoufa Moukoko was born on July 19, 2000, not November 20, 2004, as listed in official documents.
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This revelation, if true, would make Moukoko 24 years old, four years older than previously believed.
“We Did It So He Could Have Better Opportunities”
In a documentary aired by German broadcaster ProSieben, Joseph Moukoko admitted to falsifying documents to present Youssoufa as his son and lower his official age.
"We did it so he could have better opportunities in European football," Joseph stated.
The allegations raise questions about Moukoko’s eligibility in youth competitions, such as the 2018 U-17 Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund and Germany’s triumph in the 2021 U-21 European Championship.
Borussia Dortmund maintains confidence in official records
Borussia Dortmund has responded to the allegations by affirming the validity of Moukoko’s official German documentation. Sascha Fligge, the club's communications director, said: "Player registrations and licenses are based on documents issued by competent authorities."
However, German news outlet Bild conducted investigations in Cameroon, which reportedly revealed no record of Youssoufa Moukoko’s birth in 2004. Instead, they found documentation for a Youssoufa Mohamadou, born in 2000 and registered as the son of Ousman Mohamadou, a local taxi driver.
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Sporting and legal fallout looms
If the allegations are substantiated, the consequences could be far-reaching for Moukoko, Borussia Dortmund, and OGC Nice. Questions about the oversight of age verification processes in football could also spark broader investigations and reforms within the sport.
Tarnished reputation
The allegations threaten to overshadow Moukoko’s remarkable achievements on the pitch. His future hangs in the balance as football’s governing bodies and stakeholders await clarity on the matter.
This scandal not only challenges the integrity of youth football competitions but also marks a significant reputational blow to a player once regarded as one of the sport’s brightest talents.
As the investigation unfolds, the Youssoufa Moukoko case may become one of the most significant age-related controversies in football history.
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