Charles Pickel: the Congolese Swiss midfielder who makes his debut with the Leopards
The list of Congolese players selected by Sébastien Desabre to face Sudan next September for a place in the final phase of CAN 2023 was recently unveiled. Among the 27 players summoned, there is a name that is talking about him: Charles Pickel. This midfielder, currently playing in Cremonese in the Italian Serie B, will finally represent the colors of the Democratic Republic of Congo. But who is he?
Born in Solothurn, Switzerland, to Congolese parents, Charles Pickel grew up in the Swiss country and trained at the FC Basel training center. After joining the first team and having a few appearances, he then made stints with other Swiss clubs such as Grasshopper Club Zurich, Schaffhausen and Xamax. In 2022, he decides to try his luck in Italy by joining Cremonese.
His choice to represent the DRC was the result of careful consideration. Having dual Swiss and Congolese nationality, Charles Pickel was courted by the selections of both countries. But it is finally with the heart that he made his decision. In a statement last July, he explains that choosing between Switzerland and the DRC was not easy, since he grew up in Switzerland and was trained in this country. However, he sees in the Congolese national team the potential to achieve great things, which would make him happy to be part of this adventure.
At the Leopards, Charles Pickel joins an already well-stocked midfield, with experienced players such as Moutousamy, Edo Kayembe, Aaron Tshibola and Gaël Kakuta. He will therefore have to fight to find a place in the team and prove his worth on the pitch.
Representing the DRC, Charles Pickel brings his talent and determination to a team seeking qualification for CAN 2023. His career and his dual nationality testify to the richness and diversity of Congolese football, which continues to attract players talent from all over the world. Let’s hope that Charles Pickel will be able to seize this opportunity and contribute to the success of the Leopards on the African scene