Former Lazio wonderkid Joseph Minala has joined Marsaxlokk FC in a move that brings both flair and experience to the Southseasiders’ midfield. The 28-year-old Cameroonian arrives after spells in Italy with Lazio, Bari, Salernitana, Lucchese and Olbia, as well as ventures abroad in China and Latvia. In Malta, he has already featured for Sliema Wanderers and Gżira United, further strengthening his familiarity with the domestic game.
Minala first rose to international attention in 2014 while at Lazio, not only for his potential on the pitch but for an online age controversy that made headlines around the world. Photographs of the midfielder’s mature appearance sparked false claims that he was 42 years old rather than 17. The Italian Football Federation conducted an investigation and confirmed his registered age as accurate, clearing both player and club. Despite the clearance, Minala has acknowledged that the incident affected how he was perceived and, in his view, hindered his career progression at the Serie A club.
While his first-team chances at Lazio were limited, Minala built a strong reputation during loan spells, most notably at Salernitana in Serie B, where his performances drew praise for their consistency and work rate. His career has since taken him across continents, adapting to the demands of Italian lower leagues, the Chinese Super League with Qingdao Huanghai, and a spell in Latvia, all of which added to his tactical awareness and resilience.
Marsaxlokk’s management described Minala as a powerful and skilful midfielder who will add strength, composure and leadership to the squad. Head coach Enzo Potenza is assembling a team determined to consolidate their place in the Maltese Premier League and challenge for higher honours. Minala’s experience at various competitive levels, combined with his ability to read the game and impose himself physically, could prove crucial in helping the club achieve its ambitions this season.
