biography
| sex:
| male
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| lived:
| (1978– )
|
| biography:
| Footballer, born in Brussels, Belgium. Along with his elder brother Mbo, he joined the minor Royal Léopold Club Mesvin. After a period at KV Courtrai, the brothers were signed by Royal Excelsior Mouscron where they became pivotal to the club's success. Together they advanced to the ranks of the prestigious Standard Liège, but the club became beset by financial problems and was forced to sell the Mpenza brothers. Although relatively unknown outside Belgium, Emile then transferred to German club FC Shalke 04 early in 2000 for a record fee close to €9 million, and quickly established himself as one of the best forwards in the Bundesliga (German Football League). He gained his first international cap in 1997, and played in the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France. |
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