
Boli Bolingoli
BelgiumAlso known as: Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo
Birthday
July 1, 1995
Birth Sign
Cancer
Birthplace
Antwerp, Belgium
Age
31 years old
Height
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
About
Boli Bolingoli is a Belgian professional footballer who plays as a left back. Known for his pace and overlapping runs, he has built a career across Belgian, Scottish, and Russian clubs. As of 2026, he is with Standard Liège, bringing experience and defensive grit to their back line.
Bolingoli's most prominent spell came at Celtic, where he won four domestic trophies and became a familiar face in Scottish football. Off the pitch, his career took a dramatic turn in 2020 when a COVID-19 breach made headlines, but he has since rebuilt his career in Belgium.
Early Life & Background
Born in Antwerp, Bolingoli grew up in a football-loving family. He joined Club Brugge's youth academy as a youngster, where his raw pace and attacking instincts caught the eye. He made his senior debut for Brugge but struggled to break into the first team regularly, leading to loan spells at Sint-Truiden and later at Rapid Vienna.
At Sint-Truiden, he gained valuable playing time in the Belgian Pro League, sharpening his defensive skills and learning to time his forward runs. His performances in Belgium and Austria convinced Celtic to sign him in 2019, a move that would define his career.
Career Growth
Bolingoli signed for Celtic in 2019 from Rapid Vienna, quickly becoming a squad regular. In his first season, he helped the club win the Scottish Premiership and the League Cup, playing a key role in their domestic dominance. He repeated that double in the 2021/22 campaign, though his playing time fluctuated.
In August 2020, he breached COVID-19 protocols by traveling to Spain without quarantining, leading to a three-game ban and the postponement of Celtic's matches against St Mirren and Aberdeen. The incident strained his relationship with the club and fans, and he was loaned to FC Ufa in Russia, though that deal was cut short. In July 2022, he moved permanently to KV Mechelen, and later joined Standard Liège, where he continues to play.
Career Timeline
Public Image & Style
Bolingoli is seen as a dynamic, attack-minded left back who loves to get forward. Celtic fans appreciated his energy and willingness to join the attack, though his COVID breach in 2020 tarnished his reputation among some supporters. He has since rebuilt his career in Belgium, where he is known as a reliable professional. His social media presence is modest, focusing on football rather than personal branding.
Fame & Fandom
Boli Bolingoli commands a steady but niche profile within global sports, recognized primarily by football enthusiasts rather than the general public. His visibility fluctuates with club seasons and transfer news, yet he has never breached the threshold of worldwide celebrity status. As of August 2026, the iFANN Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list). Consequently, no specific numerical rank or score can be assigned to his current standing. The fanbase surrounding him lacks a formal name; supporters are generally categorized by their allegiance to clubs like Celtic FC or Standard Liège rather than personal devotion to the player himself. There are no documented rituals, inside jokes, or organized campaigns dedicated solely to Bolingoli. While his tenure at Celtic brought him significant attention, the narrative remains tied to professional discipline and on-field performance rather than viral mythology or legendary status. He exists as a respected athlete whose fame is functional and regional, devoid of the chaotic energy that defines modern pop culture icons.
Interesting Facts and Legends
Bolingoli's full surname is Bolingoli-Mbombo, reflecting his Congolese heritage. He stands as one of several Belgian players of Congolese descent competing in the top flight. Off the pitch, he maintains an active presence on Instagram and Twitter, sharing training clips and personal moments. A lesser-known fact reveals he once played as a winger in his youth, a background that explains his natural attacking instincts as a full-back. His career trajectory includes a notable move from Standard Liège to Celtic FC, where he made 15 starts in his debut campaign before injury and suspension interrupted his progress. In July 2022, he transferred to Mechelen, and recent updates indicate he became a free agent in 2026. The most prominent story involving him occurred in August 2020 when he violated COVID-19 quarantine protocols at Celtic FC. This incident led to a three-game ban and the cancellation of several matches, drawing public criticism from then-manager Neil Lennon. While this event is a documented historical moment regarding disciplinary issues, it did not evolve into positive folklore or a legendary tale of crowd adoration.
Family & Personal Life
Details about Bolingoli's family are scarce, as he keeps his private life away from the public eye. He was born in Antwerp to a family with roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo, though little else is known about his parents or siblings. He has not publicly shared information about a partner or children.
Notable Connections
Relationships & Dating History
Salary, Net Worth In 2026
$5 Million
iFANN Editorial Team estimate
iFANN currently estimates Boli Bolingoli's net worth at $5 Million as of 2026, accumulated through professional contracts and bonuses. His move to Celtic in 2019 likely brought a significant salary increase, and his subsequent transfers to KV Mechelen and Standard Liège have maintained his earnings. Endorsements and social media presence add modest income, though specifics are not public.
Awards Won (4)
Bolingoli has won four major trophies with Celtic: the Scottish Premiership in 2019/20 and 2021/22, and the League Cup in both those seasons. These victories highlight his contribution to a dominant period in Scottish football.
2022 · League
Celtic
2020 · League
Celtic
2022 · Cup
Celtic
2020 · Cup
Celtic
Known For
Celtic
2019 · Left back
Scottish Premiership winner
2020 · Player
Keywords
Sources
Quick Facts
- Profession
- association football player
- Born
- July 1, 1995
- Birthplace
- Antwerp, Belgium
- Height
- 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
- Position
- Left back
Personal Details
- Full Name
- Boli Bolingoli-Mbombo
- Height
- 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Frequently Asked Questions
What position does Boli Bolingoli play?
Which clubs has Boli Bolingoli played for?
What trophies has Boli Bolingoli won?
Why was Boli Bolingoli banned by Celtic?
Where is Boli Bolingoli from?
Social Media
Join the community
fans discussing