Willy Kambwala


Willy Kambwala Ndengushi is a DR Congolese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for La Liga club Villarreal.

Club career

Early career

Born in Kinshasa, DR Congo, Kambwala and his family moved to France when he was five. He was raised in Les Ulis, Essonne, and started his career with Elan Chevilly Larue and Les Ulis, before joining the academy of Sochaux in 2018.

Manchester United

Kambwala was linked with a move to English teams Liverpool and Manchester United in July 2020. He made the move to Manchester United in October 2020, signing on transfer deadline day. He suffered an eleven-month injury layoff only weeks into his spell in Manchester, returning to action in September 2021, playing in an 8–2 away win against Birmingham City's under-18 team.
He signed a professional contract with Manchester United the following month. Kambwala made his senior debut for United in December 2023, starting in a Premier League match against West Ham United. With several first-team defenders sidelined through injuries, Kambwala made his second professional start on 7 April 2024, in a league game against Liverpool that ended in a 2–2 draw at Old Trafford.

Villarreal

On 15 July 2024, Kambwala signed for La Liga club Villarreal.

International career

Kambwala is eligible to represent both France and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He has been called up to play for the French under-16 side. In June 2025, he opted to play for the DR Congo national team.

Honours

Manchester United