Noah Sadiki: Sunderland Star Ready to Prove Himself on the International Stage
Noah Sadiki may be one of Sunderland’s brightest revelations this season, but the 21-year-old midfielder insists he has not yet proven himself among the stars of the Premier League. As he prepares to lead the Democratic Republic of Congo into their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash with Algeria, the Brussels-born talent is determined to show he belongs at the highest level.
Sadiki’s journey has been rapid. After representing Belgium at youth level, he switched allegiance to DR Congo in 2024 and made his senior debut in September. His inclusion in the Leopards’ AFCON squad marks his first taste of a major international tournament, a milestone he describes as both exciting and humbling. “I am really happy to be here. I am just trying to enjoy every moment because you never know what might happen tomorrow,” he said, reflecting on the unpredictability of football.
Domestically, Sadiki has been a revelation for Sunderland, who have exceeded expectations following their promotion to the Premier League. He has been an ever-present in a side currently sitting eighth in the table, his energy and composure in midfield earning plaudits across England. Signed from Union Saint-Gilloise for £15 million last July, Sadiki adapted quickly to life at the Stadium of Light. “The first games were quite difficult for me but I adapted well I think and I always try to be the best version of myself to help my team,” he explained. His absence has been keenly felt since departing for AFCON, with Sunderland drawing all four matches without him, underlining his growing importance to the squad.
Sadiki admits his performances in Morocco have been mixed so far, with a strong opening game followed by a quieter second match and limited involvement in the third. Yet he sees the knockout stages as the true test. “My recent performances have been good but I need to keep proving myself because it is now that the competition really begins,” he said. DR Congo advanced to the last 16 with wins against Benin and Botswana and a draw against Senegal. Their next challenge is Algeria, a side with pedigree and experience, but Sadiki is confident. “It is not going to be the easiest game until now but we have to win tomorrow if we want to dream big,” he told reporters.
His ambitions stretch beyond AFCON. DR Congo last won the tournament in 1974, when they were known as Zaire, and last appeared at a World Cup in the same year. Victory in a play-off in March could secure their return to the global stage in North America later this year. “You always want to win a competition when you come into it,” Sadiki said. “I think if we win right now it is going to be a big reward for those guys who have been here for a long time. We are full of confidence because we know what we are capable of.”
Despite his humility, Sadiki’s rise has been remarkable. From Union Saint-Gilloise to Sunderland, and now from Belgium’s youth ranks to DR Congo’s senior team, he has consistently adapted and thrived. Yet he remains his own harshest critic, insisting he has “not yet done anything all that extraordinary.” For Sunderland, his return after AFCON will be crucial in maintaining their push for a top-half finish. For DR Congo, his presence in midfield could be the difference between another respectable run and a historic breakthrough.
Sadiki’s story is still being written, but one thing is clear: whether in the Premier League or on the international stage, he is determined to prove himself among football’s elite.