DR Congo lures DFB hopeful Paris Brunner despite dream start at Monaco

Paris Brunner, the 20‑year‑old striker of AS Monaco, has sparked rumours about a possible move to DR Congo after a personal dream start to the new season, while the DFB continues to view him as a hopeful.

Successful season start in France

In the current campaign Brunner has scored six goals in seven league matches, putting Monaco at the top of the Ligue 1 table. The young forward has broken through in France and thereby confirmed the high expectations placed on him.

Interest from the motherland

The holder of the 2023 Fritz Walter Gold Medal, which recognises the best German youth player, has reportedly been courted for months by DR Congo, the homeland of his mother. Brunner has said he is not averse to playing for the Africans.

He is currently, however, nominated for the German U21 national team and has received his first call‑up for the international fixtures. This nomination is seen as an early sign of a possible future in a DFB shirt, but not as a final decision.

The DFB could, following the example of Kenan Yildiz, Can Uzun, Paul Wanner or Ibrahim Maza, lose the next big talent to another nation if Brunner makes the switch.

Brunner earned his regular place at Monaco in the summer thanks to convincing performances in pre‑season and injuries to his direct competitors. His speed and finishing quality, already evident in the BVB youth department, contributed to the club’s rise. In his youth, he won the U17 World Cup with Germany, was named the tournament’s best player and also captured the European Championship with the DFB juniors.

His career, however, has not been free of controversy: In Dortmund he was suspended for disciplinary reasons. In Monaco he caused a stir again when, after scoring against Racing Strasbourg, he made a provocative gesture toward the opposing fans. The incident is now before the disciplinary committee, whose decision is expected this week.