ITALY – Back in 2014, Joseph Minala signed for Lazio as a 17-year-old but was quickly accused of lying about his real age.
This was after a football website shared claims that Minala was in fact 42-years-old and not 17 as he had claimed.
The 17 year old shared his first photos immediately after signing for Serie A’s SS Lazio and this got fans talking. They pointed out that Minala appeared older for a 17 year old.
But with critics claiming his features appear much older for his age, there was no concrete evidence to corroborate the claims.
The Italian Football Association (FIGC) investigated the case but found no evidence the claims were true.
Following the age saga, Minala went to Serie B’s S.S.C Bari on loan, with the team hoping they had top talent in him. While here, Minala only scored three goals in 18 matches.
He then went to Latina Calcio in Serie C before making a come back to Bari in 2016.
Minala later signed for Salernitana where he was for three seasons before they decided they would not sign the player permanetly.
Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai then decided to take a punt on Minala in 2020.
He made 15 appearances for the Chinese Super League club until his Lazio contract finally expired this year.
The age saga seems to have put a taint on Minala’s career but the player, now 25, is going back to Italy, hoping to bounce back.
The Cameroonian has signed for Serie C side Luchesse where he will be aiming for better fortune in Italy.
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