Mbo Mpenza


Mbo Jérôme Mpenza is a Belgian former footballer and football coach, who played as a striker. He was capped by Belgium at international level, scoring three goals in 56 appearances. His younger brother, Émile, is also a former footballer who represented Belgium.

Club career

During the start of his career, Mbo shared clubs with Émile, until he eventually left Standard Liège for Sporting Clube de Portugal, where he won the 2000 league championship as a January transfer. He was once nicknamed Monsieur Un But Par Match for his regular club scoring exploits. Had an uneventful stint in Turkey, playing almost no part in Galatasaray S.K.'s season during the first part of 2001–02. He subsequently returned to Belgium, and served second stints with R.E. Mouscron and R.S.C. Anderlecht.
In July 2008, Mpenza joined Greek Super League outfit AEL FC.
On 8 December 2008 Mpenza announced his retirement due to a back-injury. At this time he had not played a game for the club yet, due to the same injury.

International career

Mpenza also played for the Belgium national football team since 1997, for which he scored his first goal in a friendly against Greece in August 2005. He represented his adopted nation in two World Cups and in UEFA Euro 2000, held in his country and the Netherlands. He collected 56 caps.

After football

Mpenza is now working at Anderlecht as a scout following his retirement.