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Joan Uisa is an example of an athlete who has defied the greatest odds to achieve success. The Democratic Republic of Congo striker, who became the protagonist in the 1-1 draw against Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal, still bears the scars on his face of an event that could have changed his life forever.
In 2021, Uisa was attacked with acid near his home, an episode that put him at risk of losing his eyesight and ending his sports career.
" It's a story I wouldn't want to talk about too much, because it still hurts me. I risked losing my sight and not playing football anymore. I suffered a lot ," he confesses.
However, the 28-year-old footballer managed to return and at the World Cup in Houston he made history, scoring the Democratic Republic of Congo's first goal in a World Cup.
Recalling the moment of the goal, Uisa said his first thought was to make sure the action wasn't called off for offside.
" I prayed I wasn't offside. I didn't understand anything at that moment. It will take me some time to process it. I thought about the millions of Congolese people around the world, about the children of the diaspora and about the team of 1974 ," he said.
The striker also recalled Zaire's historic participation in the 1974 World Cup, describing it as a history filled with sacrifices and difficulties.
" They told me about that team, about its history and about the moments that have remained in the memory of football. After 52 years, we can say that we have given the country a new memory ," said Uisa.
His message also took on a broader dimension, given the difficult situation that continues in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
" We must be an example and show that we are strong and united. We must pray for peace. This result is for all Congolese, for those who are in the country, for those who have left and for those who are no longer there. We continue to resist ," he declared.
Uisa revealed that his journey to professional football was not easy. As a child, he played goalkeeper and also played rugby, and then his career took off at Lorient, before moving to the Premier League.
" I've had a journey where I've had to fight for everything ," he said.
Regarding the team's objectives, the striker stressed that the draw with Portugal is just the beginning.
" We have taken the first point in our history in a World Cup. Now we must aim for the first victory ," he said.
Finally, asked if he still thinks about the acid attack that nearly took his sight away, Uisa gave an answer that reflects the strength of his character.
" What does it matter now? I've overcome it after a long journey. It took me months to fully regain my sight, but today I'm calm and happy. Here we are, at the World Cup, 52 years after our country's last appearance, enjoying a result that no one expected. That's all that matters ," he concluded./"La Gazetta Dello Sport"
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