Willy Kambwala: Villarreal defender delighted to return from injury

DR Congo defender Willy Kambwala was over the moon following his return to competitive action for Villarreal after a lengthy injury lay-off.

The 21-year-old featured in the final 10 minutes of the match during Villarreal’s commanding 5-1 victory over Levante on Saturday in matchweek 34.

Kambwala has frequently grappled with injury setbacks throughout his young career, dating back to his tenure at English Premier League giants Manchester United, where he was once sidelined for a staggering eleven months.

After three seasons with the Red Devils, he moved to La Liga side Villarreal in 2024; however, a persistent hamstring injury severely limited his playing time for nearly the entirety of the 2025/26 campaign.

Stepping onto the pitch during Villarreal’s win against Levante represented more than just a personal victory; it also confirmed the club’s ticket to next season’s UEFA Champions League.

Willy Kambwala Celebrates Long-Awaited Villarreal Comeback

The Yellow Submarine currently occupies third place in La Liga with 68 points, with only four matches remaining before the curtains draw on the season.

Willy Kambwala, who made no effort to hide his joy, celebrated his comeback with a spirited shout: “Yeah, I’m back, babe!” he exclaimed with a radiant smile.

Born in Kinshasa, DRC, Kambwala previously represented and captained France at the U-16 level before deciding his international future lay elsewhere.

He joined Villarreal for a reported €11.5m fee in July 2024 from Manchester United, subsequently pledging his senior international career to the DRC. In doing so, he joined a growing contingent of high-profile European-based players, such as Aaron Wan-Bissaka, in choosing the Leopards.

With the DRC having successfully qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it remains to be seen if Kambwala’s return to fitness will earn him a spot in coach Sebastien Desabre’s final squad.

The Leopards find themselves in a challenging draw, paired alongside Uzbekistan, Portugal, and Colombia in Group K.