UNIQUE: ECHO Orel Mangala talks to Everton reporter Chris Beesley about how he overcame a severe childhood accident to become an international football player.
Every face has a backstory, and Orel Mangala of Everton is no exception. He is playing in the most competitive domestic football league in the world despite nearly losing his life in a serious automobile accident. When you’re up close and talking to the midfield player, you don’t realise that he still has scars from a tragic event that occurred more than a few decades ago, even though everyone looking at a picture of the Belgium international can see it.
The thing that most distinguishes Mangala is his smile, which not only embodies his upbeat demeanour but also possibly reveals the confidence that lies beneath a steely will to succeed. The 26-year-old is asked what turned out to be a crucial turning point in his football career after granting permission to talk about his life-altering experience.
“I was struck by a car when I was two years old,” Mangala told the ECHO. I would never be able to walk again, they said.
Although I don’t really remember it, I do remember my father telling me that they trained me to walk again at home. I can run in the Premier League once more today.
The player’s “Mangality” social media account, which focusses on attitude and mentality with the intention of inspiring others, is a perfect example of such strength of character. “It began when I was in Stuttgart with my hashtag ‘Mangality,’ and it’s all about my personality, as someone who never gives up,” revealed Mangala. No matter how difficult things become, I never give up, I always think optimistically, and I always look forward.
I make an effort to give that to my family, friends, and followers. As a professional athlete, it is crucial that individuals attempt to experience that motivation.
Because not everything in life is simple, I want others to understand that everything is possible by following my path. I want them to see themselves in me. No matter how difficult it is, you can eventually get what you genuinely deserve and what you desire.
Mangala, who was born in Brussels, began playing football for enjoyment, but his father, who had played amateur football in the DRC, persuaded him that he had what it took to succeed. The midfielder says that, similar to many football fathers, Mangala senior is his son’s staunchest ally and, at times, his sharpest critic. He gives his son frank counsel following every game.
It is hoped that he will make his first visit to “The Grand Old Lady” next month, even though he hasn’t been to Goodison Park yet because Mangala finished his season-long loan move from Olympique Lyonnais on transfer deadline day. Given his role, it is only fitting that he encourage his son that he can succeed. “My dream to become a professional started late, but I’ve always loved playing football and my favourite players were Ronaldinho and Kaka,” Mangala stated. At first, all I wanted to do was play football with my buddies, but my father would assure me that I could succeed by saying, “Professional, professional, professional.”
“I used to be a striker and would score a lot of goals.” When I was seven years old, I signed with Anderlecht, but I would watch the first team on TV and began to consider becoming a professional football player because I wanted to play in front of crowds in stadiums.
“The fans are really significant to me. I believe they make the difference, and the clearest illustration was during COVID, when it was dull without fans.
“It’s crucial for us at Everton as well; witnessing their fervour at Goodison Park and their large attendance at all away games gives us an advantage.”
The player himself maintains he was always eager to return to England, especially given the move has been approved by a couple of former Blues who are his international team-mates. Agent Giovanni Bia claimed Mangala had agreed to join Fiorentina until Lyon president John Textor, who was in a strong position to purchase Farhad Moshiri’s Everton shares at the time before the Friedkin Group returned to seal a takeover deal, came in to seal the deal. “It was really easy for me to adapt because the squad and the staff have welcomed me very well,” Mangala added. I also know a couple of the players (Jesper Lindstrom used to play against him in the Bundesliga, and he and Idrissa Gueye have a mutual friend).
One of the main objectives was to perhaps return to the Premier League. I was thrilled to be able to return here because it is incredibly thrilling for me.
“Amadou (Onana) told me positive things about Everton when we chatted a few days prior to my arrival here. I already had a positive impression of Everton since I heard it was a big club.
“He’s a good guy, and he talked to me before he signed with Everton.” He talked about the supporters, the club, and how everything was going well, so I know he had a fantastic time here.
“I knew Rom (Lukaku) was busy with his own transfer to Napoli and settling in, so I didn’t want to bother him, so I didn’t talk to him before coming. We are really close; he is like a big brother to me. I have seen him while we were gone with the national team, and he was quite happy.
When Mangala was paraded as an Everton signing in August, the late summer sun was still blazing on Goodison Park. However, as we speak at Finch Farm, the temperature outside the club’s Halewood training site is zero degrees, and the British Isles is experiencing its first winter of the year. Mangala played the entire 90 minutes of Belgium’s 1-0 loss to Israel in the Hungarian capital of Budapest on Sunday, indicating that he is prepared for an intense period that will see Sean Dyche’s team play eight more games before the start of 2025. Despite the fact that the temperatures have dropped, the action is just getting hotter.
Naturally, Everton’s final game at Goodison Park, where they have played since 1892, will be next year. Even as a new hire, Mangala understands the significance of the moment, and his optimistic outlook guarantees that he vows to make sure the Blues finish strong. “I have played for Nottingham Forest, so I am familiar with this kind of time,” he remarked. I’m thrilled to play this time of year, even though I know it’s a busy time.
“I feel comfortable on the pitch. I had a few games under my belt, so I was glad to play again.
I’d say that I’m more of a box-to-box player since I enjoy attacking and defending. I believe my job is to just contribute to the team, have a lot of touches, and win duels because, in the Premier League, if you run a lot, you have a better chance of winning games. That’s what the manager has asked me to do.
Instead of waiting for the next game, I like to play every three days. I’m eager to get started, and I hope we can score as many points as possible.
“The new stadium looks excellent, but I haven’t seen it yet. We should, in my opinion, have a fantastic season to cap off this final year at Goodison.
“I believe we still have a few months to give Everton supporters some genuine happiness. We’ll give it a shot—no, we’ll succeed!
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