PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Timothy Bruce Fayulu |
| Date of Birth | 24/07/1999 (Age: 26) |
| Place of Birth | Geneva, Switzerland |
| Nationality | Congolese |
| Height | 1.92 m / 6 ft 3.5 in |
| Weight | 84–90 kg |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | #16 |
| Current Club | FC Noah (on loan from FC Sion) |
| Previous Clubs | FC Sion, FC Winterthur (loan) |
| International Caps | 3+ |
| International Goals | 0 |
| World Cup Appearances | 2026 |
| Contract Until | 2026 |
The Frozen Moment
The Abidjan night was electric. November 2025. Congo DR and Nigeria were locked in a tense CAF play-off final, the winner destined for the World Cup Play-Off Tournament in Mexico. The weight of a nation—starved of World Cup football since 1974—rested on the shoulders of every player.
Extra time was ticking away. The score was 1-1. Then came the moment that would define Timothy Fayulu’s career.
Lionel Mpasi, Congo’s number one, walked over to his understudy and asked a question that would change everything: “Are you ready?” The Swiss-born goalkeeper, who had just a solitary cap to his name, answered without hesitation: “I’m ready.”
The substitution was made. Fayulu entered the fray. He hadn’t played a single minute of the match. He was cold. But mentally, he was red hot.
“I was cold, but mentally I was red hot, because I was desperate to be part of the celebrations,” he later recalled. What followed would go down in Congolese football history. Fayulu repelled two Nigerian penalties, saving efforts from Moses Simon and Semi Ajayi.
When Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive spot-kick, Fayulu collapsed in tears. “The first thing I thought about was everything I’d been through just to get to that moment,” he said. “Afterwards I called my mum, and she cried too because nobody had expected me to come on… It was the best day of my life. So far.”
The boy from Geneva, who had watched World Cups in fan zones, had just become a national hero.
Origins
Timothy Bruce Fayulu was born on July 24, 1999, in Geneva, Switzerland. His football journey began in Switzerland, where he developed his skills before joining the youth setup of local club Etoile-Carouge.
In 2018, he made the move to FC Sion, one of Switzerland’s historic clubs. He rose through the ranks at the club, making his professional debut in the 2018-19 season. His early years at Sion were a period of development, learning from experienced goalkeepers and biding his time for an opportunity.
The European Forge
FC Sion (2018-Present):
Fayulu’s career at Sion has been defined by steady progression and increasing responsibility. Over six seasons, he made 61 Super League appearances for the club, keeping 8 clean sheets and recording 176 saves from 272 shots faced. His save percentage at Sion was 64.7%.
He spent time away from Sion to gain regular first-team football. In the 2022-23 season, he was loaned to FC Winterthur, where he made 11 Super League appearances, keeping 4 clean sheets and saving 33 of 53 shots (62.3% save percentage).
FC Noah (Loan, 2025-Present):
On September 3, 2025, Fayulu was loaned to Armenian club FC Noah for the remainder of the season. The move was designed to give him regular minutes and European exposure, with Noah competing in the UEFA Conference League.
In the 2025-26 season, Fayulu made 5 appearances in the Conference League, keeping 1 clean sheet and conceding 5 goals from 12 shots faced. In the Armenian Premier League, he made 4 appearances, keeping 1 clean sheet and conceding 6 goals.
Club Career Stats:
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | FC Noah (loan) | Armenian PL | 4 | 1 | 6 |
| 2025/26 | FC Noah | UEFA Conf. Lg | 5 | 1 | 5 |
| 2024/25 | FC Sion | Super League | 36 | 4 | 54 |
| 2022/23 | FC Winterthur (loan) | Super League | 11 | 4 | 20 |
| 2021/22 | FC Sion | Super League | 7 | 1 | 14 |
International Career:
Fayulu has represented Congo DR at the senior level, earning his first call-ups in 2025. He was part of the squad for the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers. He made his World Cup debut at the 2026 tournament.
The Anatomy of His Game
Fayulu is a modern goalkeeper defined by his physical presence, composure under pressure, and a reputation as a penalty specialist.
In Possession:
Fayulu is a composed presence with the ball at his feet. His long pass accuracy is 38.2%, with 89 accurate long balls in the 2024-25 Super League season. He has recorded 1 assist in his career.
Out of Possession:
Fayulu is a strong shot-stopper with quick reactions. His save percentage in the 2024-25 Super League season was 69%, saving 40 of 58 shots faced. He recorded a 58.3% save percentage in the Conference League, saving 7 of 12 shots. His penalty-saving ability is his defining trait, as demonstrated by his heroics against Nigeria.
Physical Attributes:
Standing at 1.92 meters and weighing up to 90 kg, Fayulu has the ideal physique for a modern goalkeeper. His 192cm height gives him excellent reach and aerial command. He is right-footed.
Psychological Edge:
Fayulu’s mental resilience is his greatest asset. His confidence in penalty situations is remarkable: “The day before the Nigeria match, we practised a set of penalties, and I saved four of them,” he said. His composure under pressure was evident when he entered a high-stakes shootout as a substitute, having not played a single minute of the match.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps | Minutes | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Armenian Premier League | 4 | 360 | 1 | 6 | — |
| UEFA Conference League | 5 | 450 | 1 | 5 | 58.3% |
| FIFA World Cup | — | — | — | — | — |
| TOTAL | 9 | 810 | 2 | 11 | — |
TABLE B: Career (FC Sion and Loans)
| Season | Club | League | Apps | Clean Sheets | Save % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024/25 | Sion | Super League | 36 | 4 | 69.0% |
| 2022/23 | Winterthur | Super League | 11 | 4 | 62.3% |
| 2020/21 | Sion | Super League | 15 | 2 | 70.7% |
| TOTAL | — | — | 77 | 13 | 64.1% |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals Conceded |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | — | — |
| World Cup Qualifying | 1 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 2 | — |
| Congo DR Senior Career | 3+ | — |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2018/19 | Sion Debut | First Super League appearance |
| 2022/23 | Winterthur Loan | Regular first-team football |
| 2025 | Congo DR Debut | First senior cap |
| 2025 | Penalty Hero | Saved two penalties against Nigeria |
| 2026 | World Cup Call-Up | Named in Congo DR squad |
TABLE E: 2025/26 Super League Performance (FC Sion)
| Metric | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 16 |
| Minutes | 1,439 |
| Clean Sheets | 4 |
| Goals Conceded | 18 |
| Saves | 40 |
| Save Percentage | 69.0% |
| Pass Accuracy | 70.6% |
| Assists | 1 |
What these figures reveal
is a goalkeeper who has steadily built a solid career in the Swiss Super League and beyond. Fayulu has made 77 senior appearances, kept 13 clean sheets, and saved 64.1% of the shots he has faced. His 2024-25 season was his most consistent, with 36 appearances and a 69% save percentage. At 26, he is entering the prime of his career.
The Present Tense
Timothy Fayulu is 26 years old and at the beginning of what promises to be an illustrious career. He is a FC Noah player, a Congo DR international, and a World Cup squad member.
The FC Noah Story:
Fayulu was loaned to FC Noah in September 2025 to gain regular playing time and European exposure. In the 2025-26 season, he made 5 appearances in the UEFA Conference League and 4 in the Armenian Premier League. He will return to FC Sion on June 30, 2026, when his loan expires.
The World Cup Campaign:
Fayulu was named in Congo DR’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. His heroics against Nigeria in the CAF play-offs had made him a national hero. He had played a key role in the World Cup qualification campaign, helping the Leopards reach the tournament after 52 years. The Congo DR’s first World Cup since 1974—and the 2026 tournament would be a landmark moment for the country.
The Transfer Story:
Fayulu is on loan at FC Noah from FC Sion until June 30, 2026. His market value is estimated at around €935,000–1.3 million. His future after the loan remains uncertain.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Fayulu is defined by his journey from Switzerland to Congo and his late-career international breakthrough. Born in Geneva to Congolese parents, he had a choice to make—represent Switzerland or embrace his heritage and play for Congo DR. He chose Congo, and the decision was vindicated on the biggest stage of all.
His connection to his national team is deep. “It was the national team who helped me to discover my country, allowing me to go to Congo DR for the first time,” he said. The opportunity to play for the Leopards allowed him to explore his roots.
His emotions after the Nigeria shootout were raw and overwhelming. “After the match, I was in tears… I didn’t want to cry, I tried to hold it all in, but it was just too much for me,” he recalled.
The Verdict from the Camp
FIFA Interview:
“Fayulu was calm. It was something he’d been waiting for a very long time, to be able to wear the Congo shirt in an official match.”
Timothy Fayulu:
“It would be my ultimate dream to be able to wear my country’s shirt at the World Cup.”
“I want us to win in 90 minutes! We’d be going to the World Cup after 52 years.”
Statistic:
Fayulu saved two penalties in the shootout against Nigeria to send Congo DR to the World Cup.
Statistic:
Fayulu has made 77 senior appearances and kept 13 clean sheets in his career.
Where Next?
Timothy Fayulu is 26 years old and under contract with FC Sion until June 30, 2026, when his loan at FC Noah expires. His future at Sion is uncertain, but his performances for Congo DR have put him in the shop window.
For Congo DR, he is a national hero. His penalty-saving heroics against Nigeria have made him a legend, and he is expected to be a key squad member for the 2026 World Cup. At 26, he has many years ahead of him and could become a fixture for the Leopards in the coming years.
From Geneva to Sion, from Winterthur to Noah, and from a penalty shootout hero to a World Cup player, Timothy Fayulu’s journey is a story of perseverance, self-belief, and a refusal to be defined by expectations. The boy who watched World Cups in fan zones has become a national icon. And his story is far from over.
