After BVB jersey scandal: Schalke alumnus Matondo starts at Hibernian
The 26‑year‑old winger Rabbi Matondo from Wales, once the former troublemaker of FC Schalke 04, has signed for Hibernian Edinburgh until next summer, after being clubless for about six weeks. The move follows a series of scandals, including an incident on a plane and controversial BVB‑Trikots.
Scandal on the Plane and BVB‑Trikot
In January 2019 Schalke transferred the then 18‑year‑old Matondo to Manchester City for nine million euros, with a buy‑back clause of fifty million euros agreed. Under Pep Guardiola he never got a chance to play, after which the coach said that impatience forces a departure.
At Schalke Matondo debuted a few days after his arrival, but remained goalless and scored only two goals in 21 appearances the following season. Further appearances came in the first half of 2020/21, before loans to Stoke City and Cercle Brugge followed.
In the summer of 2022 he moved for three million euros to the Glasgow Rangers, but persistent injuries prevented a breakthrough, so he was loaned to Hannover 96 in the meantime. At the beginning of the year he was allowed to leave on a free transfer, after which a short, unsuccessful intermezzo at Norwegian top‑flight club SK Brann Bergen followed, where he only received thirty minutes of playing time.
New Contract at Hibernian
After leaving Brann Bergen Matondo was without a club for about six weeks, before he signed the contract with Hibernian Edinburgh, the Hibs, on Thursday. Will the 26‑year‑old find his footing at Hibernian Edinburgh? The Hibs currently sit in tenth place out of twelve in the league.
Coach Marink Reedijk welcomed the new signing: “I am very pleased to welcome Rabbi to Hibernian FC. Rabbi brings speed, determination and goal threat down the flanks and also enriches our dressing room with his positive personality.”
The incident on the plane occurred on the flight from Faro to Bristol, where Matondo allegedly refused to fasten his seatbelt and insulted a stewardess. After landing he was escorted away by three police officers; Matondo denied the accusations.
Another showed him in a BVB‑Trikot, which caused an uproar among Schalke fans. Jochen Schneider, the former sporting director, sharply criticised the action, while Matondo explained that he wore the jersey because of his friend Jadon Sancho, a former youth‑team teammate.