Joel Ndala

Joel Tshisanga Ndala (born 31 May 2006) is an English footballer who plays as a forward for Manchester City.

Early life
Ndala was born in Manchester and grew up in France before returning to England to live in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent at seven years old. He attended school at St Nathaniel's Academy in Stoke. He then quickly moved to Port Vale Academy. He left Burslem when he signed for Manchester City at the age of 10.

Club career
Ndala played in the youth ranks at Port Vale, until he joined Manchester City in 2017, at the age of ten years-old. Ndala signed a professional contract with Manchester City in July 2022. He was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best first year scholars in the Premier League in September 2022. He progressed through the Citizens ' youth ranks, impressing in the FA Youth Cup during the 2022-23 season. He was included in the Manchester City squad that travelled to Saudi Arabia to play in the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.

International career
In August 2021 Ndala scored for the England under-16 team in a game against Scotland. He made his debut for the England U-18 side as a sixteen year-old in September 2022. He scored his first goal for England U-18s against Croatia U-18s in March 2023.

Ndala was selected to represent England at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup and scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Iran at Jakarta International Stadium in November 2023. Their next group game saw him score a consolation during a defeat against Brazil. His third and last goal of the tournament came in their round of sixteen elimination against Uzbekistan.

Style of play
After his performances at the U17 World Cup in 2023, Ndala was identified by ESPN as one of the stars of the tournament with “phenomenal change of pace and highly developed off-the-ball movement”. Comparisons were drawn in style with Manchester City midfielder Jeremy Doku.

Personal life
Born in Manchester, England, Ndala has dual nationality with DR Congo.

Honours
England U18s
 * 2024 U18 Pinatar Super Cup