When Lomana LuaLua heard that Yoane Wissa had completed his move to Newcastle United and would wear the famous No. 9 shirt, he felt an incredible sense of pride. It wasn’t just because Wissa had joined a club that shaped LuaLua’s own career, but because the man stepping into that role is someone he considers family.
Wissa has become the fourth player from the Democratic Republic of Congo to represent Newcastle, following LuaLua, his brother Kazenga, and Chancel Mbemba. For LuaLua, who still holds a deep emotional connection to the club and city, seeing another Congolese player take this step feels personal.
LuaLua spent four memorable years at Newcastle during the Sir Bobby Robson years, leaving fans with unforgettable flashes of brilliance and celebrations that became part of his identity.
Those moments made him a cult hero. That is why he believes Wissa is capable of becoming the same. He sees in the 29-year-old a quality that goes beyond football. He sees personality, spirit, and the type of fearlessness that connects deeply with supporters on Tyneside.
Wissa arrived from Brentford in the summer for £55 million, a move that showed just how highly Eddie Howe values him. But just when excitement was building around his arrival, an unfortunate knee injury during international duty halted everything.
He has spent the last three months recovering and watching from the sidelines. LuaLua knows this has been frustrating for him, but he also believes the time has allowed Wissa to understand the demands, mentality, and uniqueness of Newcastle United.
LuaLua talked about their relationship with genuine affection. He remembers coaching Wissa when he first joined the DR Congo national team.
He worked closely with him, guiding him as a striker and helping him find confidence in his ability to cut inside from the left, create chances, and finish with intelligence. LuaLua loves Wissa’s style because it reminds him of his own.
He calls him “my little brother” because their bond goes beyond the pitch. There is trust and shared identity, and LuaLua has watched his growth with pride.
He also knows exactly what Wissa is walking into. Newcastle fans demand heart, honesty, and total effort. LuaLua says that if Wissa gives everything, he will be loved in return.
Wearing the No. 9 shirt carries special weight, and LuaLua believes accepting that number shows Wissa is mentally ready for the challenge. He expects him to score goals, make an impact, and bring something fresh to Howe’s attack. Wissa is naturally a central striker, but his ability to play from the left gives Newcastle tactical flexibility.
Howe saw those qualities and made sure the club moved for him, so LuaLua is confident there is already a clear plan for how he will be used.
He described Wissa as a strong character and a natural leader, someone who has already impressed the club off the field despite not being able to contribute on it yet.
LuaLua believes fans will quickly see that side of him. He says Wissa is the type of player who becomes fully committed to a club and its supporters, and once he steps on the pitch wearing black and white, he will feel the energy of St James’ Park and give everything in return.
LuaLua admits it has been hard for Wissa to watch instead of play, but he also believes this period has been useful. Wissa has had the chance to study Howe’s system closely, learn his teammates’ movements, and understand how he can bring his own strengths into the side.
LuaLua is confident that once he is fully fit, he will explode into form because he has already proved he can score goals in the Premier League. To him, Wissa is a fighter, someone who won’t be held back by a setback like this.
With his return finally on the horizon, Newcastle fans are eager to see what he can do. LuaLua shares that excitement. He believes Wissa can become a fan favourite, someone who brings energy, goals, and personality to Tyneside.
He imagines the moment Wissa scores his first goal at St James’ Park and hears the roar of the crowd. He knows how special that connection can become for a player.
After months of waiting, Wissa is now close to stepping on the pitch for his new club. LuaLua and the rest of the Newcastle fanbase hope this is the start of something memorable.
Wissa has the talent, mindset, and heart to become the next beloved figure in the No. 9 shirt—and if LuaLua’s confidence in him is anything to go by, Newcastle supporters may be about to welcome their next cult hero.
