An Unforgettable Legend of African and Parisian Football
François M'Pelé, nicknamed “The Black Arrow” or “The Sharpshooter,” is an iconic figure whose name resonates proudly in Congo and in the hearts of Paris Saint-Germain’s earliest supporters. Born on July 13, 1947, in Brazzaville, this talented striker left an indelible mark thanks to his speed, goal-scoring instinct, and impressive achievements.
⚽ A Pioneer in France: From ACA to PSG
After starting at Standard de Brazzaville, François M'Pelé moved to France in 1968.
AC Ajaccio (1968–1973): In Corsica, he proved himself at the top level, scoring over 70 goals and showcasing his striking prowess in Division 1.
Paris Saint-Germain (1973–1979): M'Pelé then joined the young PSG, quickly becoming one of its first idols. He played a key role in the club’s promotion to Division 1 in 1974 and established himself as a prolific scorer. With 95 goals in 217 official matches, he long ranked among the club’s top 10 all-time scorers. He notably held the record for most goals in the French Cup (28) for 45 years—a record only surpassed by Kylian Mbappé in 2024, a testament to M'Pelé’s incredible longevity and efficiency.
Mustapha Dahleb (L), François M'Pelé (C) and Carlos Bianchi (R)
He later continued his professional career at RC Lens (1979–1981) and Stade Rennais (1981–1982) before returning to Congo to conclude his journey.
🏆 Continental Triumph with the Red Devils
M'Pelé’s international career is crowned by a major feat: Congo’s national team, the Red Devils, winning the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1972 in Cameroon. His performances were crucial in securing this historic title—the country’s only one to date—cementing his status as a national hero. He played 29 matches for the national team, scoring 12 goals.
Striker’s Words: Upon joining the national team, M'Pelé was cautious about their chances: "Honestly, I didn’t see us having much of a chance. For me, it was mostly an opportunity to reconnect with African football, which I had left more than two years earlier." A sentiment that makes the 1972 triumph all the more remarkable.
A Lasting Legacy
With a total of 350 matches and 129 goals in France’s top division, François M'Pelé stands as a benchmark for African footballers who succeeded in Europe. Beyond his sporting achievements, M'Pelé paved the way for many African talents and remains a respected figure, later involved with the Congolese Football Federation.
His journey—from Brazzaville to France’s biggest stadiums—remains a symbol of talent, determination, and passion, making François M'Pelé a true legend of the sport.
Source: Redaction Ballocentre.com
Images: GETTY, Leaderfoot.cg Facebook, AFP, Thevintagefootballclub