Axel Tuanzebe

Axel Tuanzebe is an English defender born in Bunia, DR Congo, who moved to England at four. He joined Manchester United’s academy at eight, progressed through the youth system and won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2015. Tuanzebe made his senior United debut in 2017 and captained the side in an EFL Cup tie against Rochdale, becoming the club’s youngest captain since 1985. He also spent time with Aston Villa, helping them win the 2019 Championship play-offs, and later played for Napoli and Stoke City. At Ipswich Town, he contributed during their 2023–24 promotion campaign and featured at right-back as well as centre-back. Tuanzebe joined Burnley in 2025, adding defensive experience and versatility to their squad. Internationally, he represented England through under-21 level before switching allegiance to DR Congo in 2024.