意大利球员雷特吉（Le Rugbysta Italiano The Rise of Italian Rugby Player Maxime Mbandà）

每日快讯 2023-09-14T10:51:21

Le Rugbysta Italiano: The Rise of Italian Rugby Player Maxime Mbandà

Italy is not known for its rugby prowess, but the emergence of Maxime Mbandà could change that. Born in Italy to Congolese parents, Mbandà started playing rugby in his teens and quickly proved to be a natural talent. Now, at just 25 years old, he is making a name for himself on the international stage and is considered one of Italy's brightest prospects in the sport.

Early Life and Education

Mbandà was born in the city of Brescia in northern Italy in 1995. His father was a Congolese migrant who had come to Italy in search of work and his mother was also from Congo. Growing up in a working-class family, Mbandà had a passion for sports from a young age and was involved in many different disciplines. He played football, basketball, and practiced MMA, but it was in rugby that he found his true calling.

In his early teens, Mbandà was already playing rugby for the local club, Rugby Brescia. He quickly caught the attention of scouts and was soon invited to join the youth team of the prestigious Italian club Zebre. Despite facing some discrimination because of his African heritage, Mbandà was determined to succeed and worked hard to improve his game.

The Road to Professional Rugby

After several successful seasons with the Zebre youth team, Mbandà was promoted to the senior squad in 2016. He made his debut in the PRO12 (now PRO14) league against Munster and quickly established himself as a key player for the club. His powerful runs, fierce tackling, and excellent work at the breakdown caught the eye of Italy's national team selectors.

Mbandà made his debut for Italy's national team in 2018 in a Six Nations match against Scotland. He has since become a regular in the squad, earning praise for his physicality and work rate. In 2020, he was named captain of Zebre, becoming the first black captain in the history of Italian professional rugby.

The Future of Italian Rugby

Mbandà's success has been a source of inspiration for many young people in Italy, especially those from migrant backgrounds. He is seen as a role model for his determination, discipline, and ambition. Despite facing some hurdles in his career, he has persevered and is now one of the most exciting players in Italian rugby.

With Mbandà leading the way, many are hopeful that Italian rugby can continue to improve and become a force to be reckoned with. While the national team has struggled in recent years, there is a growing pool of talented players like Mbandà who are eager to represent their country on the international stage. The future looks bright for Italian rugby, and Maxime Mbandà is sure to be at the forefront of its rise.