Now playing in Turkey, Gaïus Makouta is one of those players whose path to success is nothing short of inspiring. Gaining recognition later than most in Portugal’s top league, the Congolese international had to overcome numerous setbacks before finally achieving his dream of becoming a professional footballer. His story is marked by perseverance, tough choices, and unwavering determination.

Early Struggles and a Breaking Point

Makouta came through the youth academies of Auxerre, Amiens, and Le Havre—clubs known for producing top talent. Yet, despite his promise, the doors to a professional career didn’t open as expected. Rejected by Le Havre, he drifted away from football and took on various temporary jobs to make ends meet.

He worked in a warehouse, slicing open boxes with a utility knife, waking up before dawn and training in the evenings. Sleep was a luxury. “At one point, I was napping on the toilet at work,” he recalls with a laugh. Despite the grind, he remembers those years fondly, being surrounded by friends and family in Beaumont-sur-Oise. Still, the harsh reality of the working world hit hard. After just one hour on the job during a particularly grueling day, he quit—without looking back. That moment became a turning point.

Chasing the Dream Across Europe

Refusing to give up, he took his chances abroad. In Ireland, he was signed based on a short video showing off his skills, but the experience didn’t last. Living with a party-loving roommate and getting no game time, he returned home discouraged. After another stint working in a warehouse, he found an opportunity in Greece with Aris Thessaloniki. But unpaid wages and financial instability forced him to stretch one meal into two.

“I would save the starter and dessert from lunch and eat it later with some bread,” he says. It was a tough period, but it toughened him up.

Portugal offered a fresh start. First with Covilha in the second division, and then with Braga’s B team, where he was coached by a young Ruben Amorim. The coach saw potential in him but didn’t go easy. When Makouta wanted to leave after a relegation, Amorim challenged him to reflect on his mindset.

Breakthrough at Boavista

His real breakthrough came in Bulgaria, at Beroe, where he impressed even during the COVID-19 pandemic. His performances caught the eye of Portuguese club Boavista, and that’s where things truly clicked. He delivered big games against top clubs, became one of the league’s standout midfielders, and earned a place among the season’s revelations alongside stars like Darwin Núñez and Vitinha.

The stats backed it up: goals, assists, dribbles, recoveries—he was everywhere. Even his old coach Amorim joked, “I didn’t know you could do that!” when they crossed paths again.

A New Chapter in Turkey and Ambitions Ahead

In 2023, despite interest from bigger clubs, Makouta chose to sign with Turkish side Alanyaspor. It was a decision driven by both professional growth and financial stability. At 26, he felt it was the right move.

He knows he’s often underestimated, but that doesn’t faze him. His goal remains clear: to play in European competitions and keep climbing. With a strong support system—including childhood friend Jonathan Bamba—Makouta stays grounded and focused.

His journey has been anything but easy, yet he never stopped believing. Now, football is finally giving back what he fought so hard to earn.