If you’re looking for a footballer who captured José Mourinho’s admiration, Japhet Tanganga is the name to know. The Anglo-Congolese defender made a significant impression on Mourinho shortly after the Special One’s arrival at Tottenham Hotspur. Mourinho was on the hunt for a promising young player who could bring hope to his struggling full-backs, and Tanganga, with his hardworking attitude and technical ability, fit the bill perfectly.
Born in London, Japhet Tanganga’s family has roots in Central Africa, particularly DR Congo. It’s likely that his parents migrated to the UK due to the First Congo War (1996–1997), often referred to as “Africa’s First World War.” Growing up in a football-enthusiastic family, Tanganga showed a natural talent for the game from an early age, kicking a ball as soon as he could walk.
This article delves into the details of Japhet Tanganga’s career and his modest beginnings, shedding light on the journey of this promising footballer.
Once A Mourinho Secret Weapon: Japhet Tanganga Untold History
Preamble:
Here’s a look at the life story of Japhet Tanganga. This biography covers more than just his football achievements—it delves into his childhood, early life, family, and personal background. We start with his early days, exploring how his journey unfolded from his boyhood in London to becoming a prominent figure in football.
To give you a taste of his story, we present a gallery that traces his life from childhood to adulthood. Japhet Tanganga’s journey is a testament to his remarkable progress and growth throughout his career.
Japhet Tanganga Biography – Behold his Early Life and Moment of Fame.
Absolutely! While many are familiar with how the Congolese-origin footballer adapted to the top tier of English football, largely thanks to José Mourinho, not everyone has delved into Japhet Tanganga’s full biography. His story is both intriguing and inspiring. So, let’s dive right in and explore the details of his life and career.
Japhet Tanganga Childhood Story – Family Background and Early Life:
For Biography starters, Japhet Tanganga’s parents gave him the full name Japhet Manzambi Tanganga upon his birth.
The Anglo-Congolese defender was born on the 30th day of March 1999 in the East London district of Hackney, United Kingdom. Now find below one of Japhet Tanganga’s parents- his look-alike DAD, who is probably his manager.
Meet one of Japhet Tanganga’s parents- His lookalike Dad, who is likely to be his manager.
Although born in London, Japhet Tanganga’s family, like that of Pierre Kalulu and Stephy Mavididi, has roots in Central Africa, specifically DR Congo.
Perhaps it is most likely that his parents migrated to England as a result of the First Congo War (1996–1997), a war which was nicknamed “Africa’s First World War”.
Japhet Tanganga’s Family Background:
From what we’ve gathered, Japhet Tanganga was raised in a middle-class family background.
His parents were like most London citizens who did work and had a good financial education. They were comfortable and never struggled with money to keep their family going.
Early Life:
Born into a football-loving family, little Japh was gifted with the act of kicking the soccer ball as soon as he could walk.
Early on, he appeared to be the kind of kid who wouldn’t be interested in having the newest collections of toys except for a ‘Football’.
Also, having a football-loving DAD who was a big Spurs fan, it was easy for Japh to also love and support Tottenham Hotspur as a child.
Japhet Tanganga Education:
Despite his love for football, Japhet Tanganga’s parents were of the early view that their son would not compromise his education. They enrolled him in Greig City Academy, located in the London borough of Haringey.
Did you know?… This famous London school, established in 2002, is well known- for its UK Robotics Championship accolade acquired in 2018.
Despite schooling with Greig City Academy, the quest to receive a football education prevailed.
Did you know?… a major factor that played a role in Tanganga’s football destiny was the close proximity between his family home and White Hart Lane (Tottenham Hotspur’s former stadium).
As observed below, it would only take Japhet Tanganga’s family members 13 minutes to travel to White Hart Lane from Hackney in order to watch Spur’s football matches.
Japhet Tanganga Family home in Hackney is 13 minutes away from White Hart Lane.
Approaching his teenage years, Japhet began attending football academy trials. As expected, things went well, and it soon became clear that the lucky kid had passed Tottenham academy trials- a moment of joy for his family.
Japhet Tanganga Biography – Early Career Life:
The lucky kid enrolled into the Spurs academy roaster at the age of 10 after a successful trial. Understanding his boy’s desire to play football for a living, Japhet Tanganga’s parents, notably his dad, did all they could to support his aspirations.
Japhet Tanganga worked his way up as a promising defender through the Spurs youth ranks. He developed into a precocious whiz kid who immediately made an impression on the academy.
Little Japhet thrived against bigger teams, both in terms of defence and attack. The reward for early career success came after four years of stay with the academy.
This time, the joy of Japhet Tanganga’s family members knew no bounds at the time; their very own (while he was 14) got called up to be part of the England U16 team.
Journey to Fame:
In 2015, at the age of 16, there were already talks about professional contracts and scholarships. At that time, Japhet Tanganga understood that achieving success required a combination of technical skill, a bit of luck, and, most importantly, staying injury-free.
It took no time before efforts began paying off. First, Japhet, pictured below, helped his Spurs academy side to lift a youth trophy, one which he and his teammates celebrated stylishly in the locker room.
Japhet Tanganga Road to Fame Story.
Did you know?… Japhet was also named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) during their South Korea Cup in August 2014.
The BIG England Win:
In addition to winning a trophy while at Spurs Youth, Japhet Tanganga also played an integral role in the 2017 Toulon Tournament.
Did you know?… He, alongside Harvey Barnes and Reece James, helped his country (England) to win their sixth Toulon title after beating Ivory Coast in the final.
Japh, alongside Reece James and Harvey Barnes, helped England to win the 2017 Toulon Tournament.
Japhet Tanganga Biography – Rise to Fame Story:
The turning point in Japhet Tanganga’s football maturation process was made possible by the late Ugo Ehiogu, who was the coach of the Tottenham Hotspur U23 team before his death.
Nigerian-born Ugo died in April 2017 after a cardiac arrest at the Tottenham Hotspur training ground.
Late Ugo Ehiogu was instrumental in helping Tanganga to a Spurs senior call-up.
The late Spurs coach was instrumental in helping Tanganga in his journey to get a senior career call-up. In the year 2018, after Ugo’s death, Tanganga was already being labelled as a powerful defender known for his trademark powerful headers, pace, and technique.
After signing his first contract in June 2019, the young lad made his senior debut three months later (September 2019) in an EFL Cup match managed by Mauricio Pochettino.
The BIG Blessing:
The coming of Jose Mourinho On 20 November 2019 became a BIG blessing in disguise for the Anglo-Congolese.
A few weeks after his arrival at Spurs, the Special One began a desperate search. Of a youth player who would present a glimmer of hope. Hope for his struggling fullbacks, like Danny Rose.
A hard-working Japhet became his preferred choice. ALL THANKS TO THESE QUALITIES Mourinho observed.
Japhet Tanganga did more than enough to impress Jose Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho trusted Tanganga in a similar way he trusted Scott McTominay when he was United’s boss.
The Spurs boss trusted him over the experienced Jan Vertonghen (CB), Ryan Sessegnon (LB), and Ben Davies. He gave him the herculean task of playing his first EPL match against Liverpool on the 11th day of January 2020.
When asked before the Liverpool match why Tanganga was selected over the experienced Spurs players, Mourinho said simply: “He’s faster, he’s faster.” After the beautiful match in which Tanganga played well, Mourinho said the following of him;
“He played really well. The kid has every reason to be proud of his performance in his first Premier League game. Although the result wasn’t what we hoped for, he couldn’t have asked for a better debut, and he handled it brilliantly.”
Moving on, the Tottenham youth sensation has gladly taken the opportunity given to him to impress everyone. He is now highly rated among Spurs fans. MOST IMPORTANTLY, he is Jose Mourinho’s main boy!! (at the time of writing).
Japhet is one of Mourinho’s most-priced defensive assets at the time of writing.
Tanganga’s first premier league game against Liverpool is on the 11th of January 2020. It is indeed one to remember. And, of course, a result that needs to be forgotten. The rest, as they say, is history.
Personality:
Getting to know Japhet Tanganga’s personal life would help you know him better. And get a complete picture of his personality off the field of play.
Starting off, among footballers, there are some who love to look good off the pitch. And our very own Japhet is one of them.
Judging from his photo below, Tanganga is someone. Who makes the world realize it is possible for both his psyche and your career to be so hot?
Japhet Tanganga Personal Life Facts
Without a doubt, Japh lives an enviable personal life, something many aspiring footballers would aspire to have.
Lifestyle:
The English footballer lives an organized life in East London, a lifestyle devoid of irrational spending BUT full of SeaSide adventures, as observed below. Did you Know?!! Japhet is often seen during holidays, having an enjoyable lifestyle at popular seaside destinations.
Japhet Tanganga Lifestyle Facts
At the time of writing, there is no such thing as flirting with luxury cars and showcasing big houses (mansions), which are signs of a flamboyant lifestyle.
Japhet Tanganga Family Facts:
Starting off, Japhet’s family name “Tanganga” is ranked No 1,969,394th among the most widely held last names throughout the world (forebears’ report). In this section, we’ll provide you with more details about Japhet Tanganga’s parents and siblings.
About Japhet Tanganga’s Dad:
Tanganga Snr hails from DR Congo by virtue of birth. At the time of writing, he currently serves as his son’s manager.
As a representative to his son, Tanganga Snr expects DR Congo officials to be (soon) circling around his son with a view of convincing the youngster to play for them instead of England.
About Japhet Tanganga’s Mum:
Tanganga’s mum is also from DR Congo by virtue of her birth. This is the only fact we have on her. From what we’ve gathered, it appears Japhet Tanganga’s mum has made a conscious effort to avoid any spotlight on her private life.
About Japhet Tanganga’s Siblings:
Judging from the fact that Japhet was born in London, it is possible that he might have siblings (brothers and sisters) who are also UK citizens. At the time of writing, there is no documentation about Tanganga’s siblings.
Untold Facts:
In our final phase of Japhet Tanganga’s Bio, we’ll unveil truths you might not know about him. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
His Football Idol:
Did you know?… Japhet Tanganga is a huge admirer of Argentine professional footballer Paulo Dybala.
Although playing different positions, the footballer during his time with Spurs academy and the U23 does the Gladiator Goal Celebration, something he picked from his idol – Paulo Dybala.
Japhet Tanganga has Paulo Dybala as his Football Idol.
Japhet Tananga’s FIFA Ratings:
Underrated player rating is always a popular topic of discussion whenever a very young footballer begins to shine. As observed below, FIFA 20 tells this status. Sadly, FIFA video gamers would find it difficult to use his 66 ratings (see below) on live matches. Japhet, at this time, deserved better overall FIFA ratings, as did the rising Barca talent Pau Cubarsi.
FIFA 20 Ratings show he is one of the most underrated players who recently busted into the scene.
However, in FIFA career mode, Tanganga is destined to have a good future- a potential of 82. Considering the way he busted into the English football scene, it is almost certain that he would out-grow his current FIFA 20 82 ratings- maybe 85 or above.
Japhet Tananga’s Religion:
Japheth Tanganga’s parents raised him in adherence to the Christian religious faith. Did you know?… “Japhet” is the name given to one of the three sons of Noah in the Biblical Book of Genesis. This fact proves he is a Christian by religion.
Tattoo Facts:
Even though Tattoo culture is very popular in today’s sporting world, Tanganga, at the time of writing, appears to be an antidote to inking. This implies he is tattoo-free.
Fact Check:
Thanks for reading our Japhet Tanganga Childhood, including his Untold Biography Facts. We strive for accuracy and fairness in our delivery of football stories, as we have done for names like Lee Kangg-in and Billy Gilmore. If you find something that doesn’t look right, please share it with us by commenting below. We’ll always value and respect your ideas.
