Lionel Mpasi Nzau put on one of the most impressive goalkeeping displays of the 2026 World Cup on June 23, making eight saves against Colombia in a Group K match held in Zapopan, Mexico. DR Congo still lost 0-1, but Mpasi’s performance turned him into an overnight sensation.
And in the time-honored tradition of crypto traders spotting a trending name and immediately turning it into a tradeable asset, a memecoin called $LIONEL appeared on the Solana blockchain.
The performance behind the hype
Mpasi, who is 31 years old, plays his club football for Le Havre in France’s Ligue 1. He signed a two-year deal with the club in July 2025 after coming up through the Paris Saint-Germain youth system.
Despite the loss, the performance drew widespread media coverage. Mpasi was widely regarded as the best player on the pitch, keeping his side competitive until the final whistle against a Colombian squad that entered as heavy favorites.
