Emotional Breel Embolo refuses to celebrate goal for Switzerland against country-of-birth Cameroon at World Cup
BREEL EMBOLO refused to celebrate after scoring for Switzerland against the country of his birth Cameroon.
The forward, 25, was born in capital of Cameroon Yaounde before moving to Switzerland as a child.
After opening the scoring in the 48th minute of this World Cup Group G encounter, Embolo looked visibly moved as he raised his arms, refusing to celebrate.
Ahead of the match, the Monaco star admitted that it would be an occasion like no other.
He said: “It’s very special.
“It’s my hometown and my mum and my dad come from there, my family, most of them come from there, so it’s a special game for me and my family.
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“But most importantly it’s a World Cup game…
“I’m proud and happy to be here and hopefully I will play against them (Cameroon) but most importantly is playing in a World Cup. It’s always special.”
Asked if he’d be supporting Cameroon during the tournament, he added: “Yes of course – but after Switzerland, and after this game.”
After being born in Yaounde, Embolo moved to France with his mother aged five.
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The family later relocated again, this time to Switzerland.
Embolo came through the academy at Swiss side Basel, before moves to Schalke, Borussia Monchengladbach and now Monaco.
Reacting to the striker’s gesture online, one fan wrote: “Respect.”
While another similarly added: “Respect is the key.”
A third tweeted: “The job is the job.”
The goal turned out to be the winner, with Switzerland edging Cameroon 1-0 to get their tournament off to a winning start.
Embolo’s strike was his first World Cup goal – having gone scoreless in four appearances in Russia four years ago.
He did bag his first tournament effort last year, however, netting against Wales at Euro 2020.