‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’: Larger-than-life 240lbs Congo handball star takes World Championships by storm (VIDEO)
Handball player Gauthier Mvumbi has become a social media sensation after the bulky Congo star burst onto the scene at the World Championships in Egypt.
The Democratic Republic of Congo are appearing at their first ever IHF Men’s Handball Championships, and fell to a gutsy 28-22 defeat to Argentina in their opening Group D game in Cairo on Friday.
Despite the disappointment of the result, the 26-year-old Mvumbi showed unerring accuracy as he netted four goals from four efforts – also catching the eye for his heavyweight presence on court.
— Detroit Handball Club (@DetroitHandball) January 15, 2021
“Don’t judge a book by its cover. Gauthier Mvumbi with four goals against Argentina in the DRC’s *debut* in the Handball World Championship. They led 14-13 at halftime!” wrote one fan.
Don’t judge a book by its cover. Gauthier Mvumbi with four goals against Argentina in the DRC’s *debut* in the Handball World Championship. They led 14-13 at halftime! 🇨🇩 https://t.co/Lh2y6pDzFD
— smarterscout (@smarterscout) January 16, 2021
“Look at my man SOARING,” raved another.
look at my man SOARING pic.twitter.com/rYz9CeHULV
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) January 15, 2021
Mvumbi was born in Dreux, northern France, to Congolese parents.
He represents Dreux in the fourth tier of the French handball leagues, and has played for his country at big tournaments before, including the African championship.
However, the supersized star has never had such a grand stage as the one in Egypt, where Congo have taken advantage of the expansion of the tournament from 24 to 32 teams.
Mvumbi said on the eve of the event that he was relishing the step up.
"I never thought I'd go through this one day, so we'll have to enjoy it," Mvumbi told the French media.
“We have absolutely nothing to lose, so we will do our best and play our card thoroughly. They [the opposition] have two arms and two legs, just like us.
“The goal is above all to have fun, to live the competition to the fullest. We're going to take everything we need to take, and if possible, annoy some teams.”
According to his official IHF profile, Mvumbi weighs in at 110kg (242lbs) and stands 1.92 meters (6ft 2in) tall.
The next challenge for the man mountain and his team will be reigning Olympic champions Denmark in Cairo on Sunday.
