Jules Ahoka: DR Congo youngster emerging for Sunderland

Jules Ahoka, a 20-year-old midfielder from DR Congo, has broken into Sunderland’s first team during the 2026-27 Premier League season after joining the club in August 2026 from Belgian side Royal Antwerp. His rise from the Congolese second division to England’s top flight has occurred in just over a year.

Ahoka was born on May 8, 2006, in Kinshasa and began his career with AC Normands in Linafoot Ligue 2. Royal Antwerp signed him in September 2025 for €225,000 and initially placed him with their reserve side, Young Reds, before promoting him to the first team. He featured in both of Antwerp’s Jupiler Pro League fixtures at the start of the 2026-27 season, performances that attracted Sunderland, who completed his transfer in August 2026 for €10 million.

This season Ahoka has made nine appearances across all competitions for Sunderland, including two in the Premier League and three in the UEFA Europa League, recording one goal and one assist.

Primarily deployed as a defensive midfielder, he is also capable of playing in central midfield and in defence; his physical presence and vision have made him an interesting option for head coach Regis Le Bris.

On the international stage, Ahoka represented DR Congo at the 2026 Maurice Revello Tournament (formerly known as the Toulon Tournament), where he scored twice and helped the Leopards finish fourth. The article states his performances at that tournament were among the reasons Sunderland signed him.

Key moments since his move include his first goal for Sunderland against Torreense in the Europa League in October and a Premier League performance against Chelsea that earned him Man of the Match recognition. A social media reaction captured public surprise at his rapid rise: "I cannot believe that Jules Ahoka had only played 4 senior professional games before joining Sunderland in a £8.6m deal this summer."

Sunderland’s decision to sign Ahoka for €10 million followed his appearances for Antwerp and his two goals at the Maurice Revello Tournament, and the club has already seen tangible returns in his Europa League goal and standout Premier League display.