Antoni Milambo: The Breakthrough, the Belief, and the City That Raised Him
From the streets of Rotterdam-Zuid to the bright lights of Lisbon, Antoni Milambo has had a season that was anything but ordinary. In this personal story, the Feyenoord midfielder reflects on his roots, his breakout performance, and the journey that continues to shape him.
Raised by the Block
“When I play for Feyenoord, it feels like I’m not just representing the club — I’m carrying the city,” he says. “I love Rotterdam. The people, the energy.” But with that connection comes expectation — especially in the neighbourhood he calls home.
That home is De Peperklip, a building once known for its struggles, now known for its football talent. It’s also where Lutsharel Geertruida, who used to be Antoni’s teammate in Feyenoord, lived just a few floors down.
“I used to play with Lutsha on the street. He was older, stronger. It was tough — but I remember the first time I beat him,” Milambo smiles. “Later, he helped me adjust to the first team. He showed me the ropes and what it takes.”
A Night to Remember
On October 23rd, 2024, the block watched as one of their own delivered a Champions League masterclass in Lisbon. Against Benfica, Milambo not only scored twice — including a now-viral panna on Nicolás Otamendi — but was named Man of the Match.
“That panna — that was pure Peperklip,” he laughs. “Things like that just happen. I didn’t even realize it was Otamendi until after the goal.”
From Introvert to Inspiration
After the match, UEFA handed him the Man of the Match trophy — and the mic. “I used to be shy, but not anymore,” he says. “I thanked the team for their trust. It was special to show the world what we’re capable of.”
Since then, everything’s changed — even at home. “Just last week, three little boys rang the doorbell. They wanted a photo. Of course, I said yes. But I was a bit shocked — I would’ve never done that as a kid.”
With recognition comes pressure, too. “People expect more now. Another great match, another goal. You always have to perform. I’ve learned that you have to keep the bar high for yourself.”
Family & Roots
Antoni’s family is his anchor. His brothers — Manuel and Yaset — know him better than anyone. “Even if I just go to the supermarket, they want to come with me,” he says. “They know how I’m feeling before I say anything.”
His oldest brother jokes that Feyenoord signed the wrong Milambo. But Antoni knows how much his family has sacrificed — especially his parents, who left Congo to build a better life.
“I’ve never asked my dad for his full story, but I want to. I want us to go to Congo together — as a family. People there already know who I am through social media. I even received requests through social media to play for the Congo national team. That’s a real compliment.”
He’s already achieved one dream: giving his parents a better home. “That was my biggest goal. To get them a bigger house, in a nicer area. We’ve done that now, and I’m proud of it. But I’ll never forget where I came from.”
Bigger Dreams
The trophy from Lisbon now sits under the TV in the Milambo household — a quiet reminder of how far he’s come. But his path has had setbacks too. After debuting in 2021 as Feyenoord’s youngest ever player, real success didn’t come overnight.
“Mentally, that was tough. My family kept me going. They made sure I still went to training with a smile.”
What would he say to the young version of himself? “I’d tell him to just keep working hard. It’s not easy, but you’ll get there.”
However, Milambo is not completely satisfied yet. Even though, he’s a regular at Feyenoord, he believes his stats could be better. “I’m starting matches now, but I need more goals, more assists. No — I’m not where I want to be yet.”
Antoni Milambo still has a long road ahead, but with the right mindset, grounded roots, and unwavering support around him, he’s well on his way to achieving something truly special.
Ready for More?
Curious for more? Read the full interview with Antoni Milambo in our latest issue — Life After Football Magazine, Issue 85.
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