Anthony Elanga, a 24-year-old winger for Newcastle United and the Swedish national team, is expected to take the field as a starter in their upcoming match against Japan, scheduled for Friday at 02:00. Elanga notably scored in Sweden’s recent 1-5 defeat to the Netherlands, following a previous victory against Tunisia (5-1). The player, whose father, Joseph Elanga, represented Cameroon in the 1998 World Cup, is set to be a key opponent for Romania in the Nations League group stage.
Although not participating in the American World Cup, Romanian fans are keenly watching the tournament, focusing on formidable matches in the Nations League. Gica Hagi embarks on his second term with the national team, facing off against Sweden on September 25 as well as Bosnia and Poland, both of whom are also competing in the tournament.
Spotlight on Anthony Elanga
Sweden already has three points in their group and is looking to secure a spot in the knockout stages. With potential lineup changes ahead of their match against Japan, Elanga is anticipated to start after making a brief appearance in the game against Tunisia and contributing 35 minutes against the Netherlands. Elanga, acquired by Newcastle for €62 million from Nottingham Forest, is gaining recognition, having scored seven goals in 32 appearances for his country.
Father-Son Duo in World Cup History
Anthony Elanga is among a select group of 14 footballers recognized by FIFA as sons of players who have also participated in a World Cup. This impressive list includes:
- Pablo Paz / Nico Paz (Argentina)
- Alf-Inge Haaland / Erling Haaland (Norway)
- Lee Eulyong / Lee Taeseok (South Korea)
- Joseph Elanga / Anthony Elanga (Cameroon / Sweden)
- Zinedine Zidane / Luca Zidane (France / Algeria)
- Claudio Reyna / Giovanni Reyna (USA)
- Bryan Gunn / Angus Gunn (Scotland)
- Diego Simeone / Giuliano Simeone (Argentina)
- Patrick Kluivert / Justin Kluivert (Netherlands)
- Gregg Berhalter / Sebastian Berhalter (USA)
- Gøran Sørloth / Alexander Sørloth (Norway)
- Sergio Conceicao / Francisco Conceicao (Portugal)
- Erik Thorstvedt / Kristian Thorstvedt (Norway)
- Lilian Thuram / Marcus Thuram (France)
Joseph Elanga had a notable career as a left-back for Cameroon at the 1998 World Cup before moving to Sweden, where he played for Malmo FF. Anthony was born in Sweden and chose to represent the national team. His football journey began at Elfsborg and continued at Malmo FF, eventually relocating with his family to England at the age of 11. He joined Manchester United’s academy at 12 and played in all levels for the club until his transfer to Nottingham Forest for €23 million. After two years, he was signed by Newcastle United for €62 million.
In his first season with Newcastle, Elanga made 49 appearances, scoring three goals and providing two assists.
Anthony Elanga: A Passion for Physical Training
Elanga is known for his dedication to physical training. From a young age, he employed a personal trainer and spent significant time in the gym outside regular club training hours, developing impressive muscular strength. His training regimen has included cryotherapy from his junior years, aimed at enhancing his explosive speed and vertical leap, establishing him as a top-level footballer.
