Born in Stoke-on-Trent on the sixth of February 2008, Godwill Kukonki is of Democratic Republic of Congo descent, meaning that he can represent either England or DR Congo at international level. The Three Lions were pretty wise to this, getting him to play for them at Under-17 level during a 3-2 win over the Netherlands in the February of 2025.
The DR Congo responded by inviting him to join the senior national side for the Africa Cup of Nations and even the World Cup campaign that summer, but he declined the opportunity. A powerful athlete who can dominate aerially, it is clear that Kukonki has all of the attributes to make it in the Premier League.
A left-footed player, comparisons have been made in the past between him and Joško Gvardiol, the Manchester City player. Having been at Manchester United from the age of five, however, it is unclear whether Kukonki would thank anyone for making that comparison.
He made his way through the various youth levels at the club before being shown a huge amount of faith in his ability when he was named on the substitute’s bench for the first time when the Red Devils took on Arsenal in a top-flight game in match day 14 of the 2024-2025 campaign. Although he didn’t make it onto the pitch, it provided him with excellent experience.