Draft:Alessandro Agapite Masangu

Early Life and Education

Born prematurely on February 20, 1989, in Belgium, Alessandro Agapite Masangu faced the first challenge of his life, spending three months in an incubator. He then moved to Turin with his mother, and later, his family settled in Formigine, a small town in the Emilia-Romagna region. It was here that Masangu’s diverse interests began to take shape, from boy scouts to music, and most notably, a burgeoning passion for football.

Football Career

Masangu’s journey in football began at 12, playing for a local church team and drawing attention from nearby clubs. Although a trial with Modena FC was unsuccessful, he joined Bologna FC for six months the following year. His career took a pivotal turn at Maranello Sportiva, where he transitioned from a striker to a defensive role as a right back or centre back, a change that defined his career trajectory.

His football journey continued with achievements and transitions through various clubs, including Rubiera, US Sassuolo, Leeds United, and Reggiana Calcio, among others.

His time at Leamington FC was marked by significant contributions, highlighting his resilience and leadership despite facing recurring injuries.

This pattern of injury and recovery persisted, leading Masangu through several clubs, including Burnham FC and Chesham, where he eventually retired from professional football.

Transition to Sport Management

Following his retirement, Masangu delved into the world of sports management, guided initially by his former agent, Maurizio Beni.

This mentorship, combined with formal education in sports management, laid the foundation for his second career. His successful management of his nephews’ football careers was a testament to his potential in the field.

This led to the co-founding of Momento Management Ltd, where he continues to make significant strides in sports representation and management.

Personal Life

Masangu’s personal journey is characterized by profound challenges and triumphs. Growing up as a black Italian kid, he navigated complex identity issues, compounded by the loss of his father at a young age.

This loss led to him spending a year away from his family, living with another family to help him cope during this difficult period.

These experiences have deeply influenced his perspective on life and his approach to his career, imbuing him with resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of the diverse paths that life can take.