Amadou Mbengue’s rise from a homeless 14-year-old in France to a key figure at Queens Park Rangers is a story of sheer determination, and one that began in England at Reading Football Club.
The 24-year-old defender, who once scored against Manchester United in the FA Cup while at Reading, endured years of uncertainty after leaving Senegal for a junior tournament in France.
In a revealing interview, he told SunSport how he slept rough, moved through children’s homes and overcame enermous challanges before signing his first professional contact at 18.
“Before I got here, it wasn’t easy,” Mbengue told SunSport.
“It was really, really tough, my life. I was playing for an academy in Senegal and went to Europe when I was 14 to a tournament in Sochaux. But I didn’t go back. From Sochaux I went to Paris with the rest of the team but on the way to the airport I ran away.
“I was homeless for two weeks. I slept outside, in the train station. I didn’t know the city very well but slept around the Gare de l’Est.
“I didn’t have my passport and was by myself. I was outside on the road but I had one dream and that was to be a professional footballer.
“I wasn’t scared. It’s like I had something in my head, so I said I’ll keep going.”
After overcoming those challenges, Mbengue signed his first professional contract at 18 at French side Metz.
Having been scouted by Reading, despite his lack of first-team experience, the Royals took a chance by bringing him to England to play in the Championship in 2022 with the club facing the threat of relegation while fighting financial hardships under former owner Dai Yongge.
Mbengue quickly made an impact in the first-team and made his presence known, becoming a favourite among fans, team mates and staff for his infectiously positive personality.
Throughout his time in Berkshire, Mbengue was renowned for his passionate performances, impressive athleticism and a noticeable improvement in his all round game from week to week. To top it all off, Mbengue would always be the one leading the celebrations at full-time after a victory and orchestrating the Reading crowd.
After playing 28 times in all competitions in his debut season for Reading, the club extended his contract with a new two-year deal. He went on to play a total of 109 games for the Royals before departing on a free transfer to join Championship side Queens Park Rangers in June 2025.
Mbengue continued: “Football is my outlet. I’m just thankful God gave it to me.
“I really, really love the fans. We play a game, they’re here, they sing all the time. Seriously, it’s from the bottom of my heart.
“I’m always smiling because life is short, because I’ve got some experience in life.
“You have to enjoy yourself and have experiences. Eat life before it eats you.”
