
The age of Youssoufa Moukoko, Borussia Dortmund’s starlet currently on loan at OGC Nice, has become the subject of renewed debate following the release of a ProSieben documentary.
The programme highlights an affidavit from Joseph Moukoko, previously thought to be Youssoufa’s biological father, which claims that he is neither the player’s father nor that the birthdate on official documents is accurate.
Conflicting Claims
Joseph Moukoko’s new affidavit contradicts previous sworn statements where he affirmed his biological relationship to Youssoufa and the veracity of the player’s birthdate. This contradiction undermines his credibility as a key witness in the ongoing controversy. Furthermore, in the ProSieben documentary, Joseph’s additional claims are presented as a memory protocol, with his testimony captured via hidden camera. The resulting portrayal paints an unflattering picture of a man whose motivations appear tied to financial gain.
Reports suggest Joseph Moukoko admitted to falsifying documents to aid Youssoufa’s opportunities in European football. Speaking via beIN Sports, he allegedly stated, “We did it so he could have better opportunities in European football.”
Borussia Dortmund’s Response
Borussia Dortmund has firmly stood by Moukoko, issuing a statement that highlights the validity of his official documentation. Speaking to Sky Germany, the club said:
“In the case of Youssoufa Moukoko, the biological parents and the date of birth are derived from official identification documents and birth certificates issued by a German authority. These documents are still valid today and are the basis for playing authorizations and permits for clubs, regardless of whether they are domestic or foreign, and of course also for association teams such as the German U21 national team. Both the player and the biological parents identified in these documents have confirmed their accuracy through affidavits during legal proceedings.”
Who is the Victim?
The debate raises a crucial question: Is Youssoufa Moukoko a victim or a perpetrator? If Joseph Moukoko’s claims are true, it suggests that the young footballer, who moved from Cameroon to Hamburg in 2014 as a minor, may have been manipulated by others seeking financial or personal gain. In such a scenario, Youssoufa would be a victim of exploitation, not culpable for the alleged deceit.
Regardless of the truth, the scrutiny and media attention surrounding this case have undoubtedly placed an unfair burden on Moukoko. At just 20 years old, he has been forced to navigate complex personal and legal controversies while attempting to focus on his football career. Hasty judgments and malice towards the player are not only unwarranted but potentially damaging.
The Bigger Picture
The case reflects the darker side of football’s talent pipeline, where young players, particularly from developing nations, are sometimes caught in a web of exploitation. For now, Moukoko deserves the benefit of the doubt. Until concrete evidence emerges to refute his official documentation, he remains an athlete whose achievements should not be overshadowed by speculation.
Discover more from Euro Football
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply