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Johny Diba

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Johny Diba
Diba training with Rochdale in 2015
Personal information
Full name Jonathan Diba Musangu[1]
Date of birth (1997-10-12) 12 October 1997 (age 27)[2]
Place of birth Mbuji-Mayi, DR Congo
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Youth career
2009–2014 Rochdale
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2014–2017 Rochdale 7 (0)
2016 → FC United of Manchester (loan) 5 (0)
2017 → Glossop North End (loan) 5 (0)
2017–2018 Ashton United 1 (0)
2018–2019 Mossley 23 (0)
Total 35 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Jonathan "Johny" Diba Musangu (born 12 October 1997) is a Congolese-British convicted sex offender and former professional footballer.[3] He played as a goalkeeper.

Early life

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Diba was born on 12 October 1997 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and moved to Rochdale in England at a young age. He attended St Cuthbert's RC High School with whom he reached the final of the English National Schools Cup as a Year 7 in 2009 with a team that also included Connor Ronan, Kisimba Kisimba and Axel Tuanzebe, who all went on to turn professional.[4][5][6]

Club career

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Diba joined the youth set up of his local side Rochdale at the age of 11.[7] Diba was promoted to the first team squad at the start of the 2014–15 season, attending preseason training in Tenerife less than a month after completing his GCSEs. He made his debut for Rochdale at the age of 16 on 16 August 2014, replacing an injured Josh Lillis 60 minutes into a League One match with Chesterfield at the Proact Stadium.[8] Diba received a yellow card for handling outside of the penalty area and conceded one goal from the penalty spot in what ended as a 2–1 defeat.

In August 2014, it was reported by the Daily Star that both Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in signing Diba. Arsenal scouted Diba in Rochdale's pre-season friendly against AFC Fylde later that month.[9]

Diba signed his first professional contract on 18 November 2014.[10] In the same month, Rochdale manager Keith Hill tipped Diba as a future Championship player along with his teammates Jamie Allen and Scott Tanser.[11]

On 2 September 2016, Diba joined National League North side FC United of Manchester on a one-month loan.[12] Diba made his debut for the club in a 0–0 draw against Curzon Ashton.[13] Diba made five appearances for the club. On 1 April 2017, Diba joined NPL Division One North side Glossop North End on loan.

Diba was released by Rochdale at the end of the 2016–17 season following the expiration of his contract.[14]

In September 2017, he joined Ashton United on the same day as fellow goalkeeper Ashley Frith.[15][16]

In January 2018, Diba joined his last club Mossley.[17] Diba played 23 times for Mossley.[18]

International career

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In the 2011–12 season Diba attended two England U15 training camps. In November 2012 Diba was called up to a two-day England under-16 goalkeeper training camp at St George's Park National Football Centre.[19] In 2014, Rochdale manager Keith Hill said to the local press that Diba should be considered for the England under-18 side.[20]

Sexual offences and criminal activity

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In June 2021, Diba pleaded not guilty to three counts of raping a child under 13, three counts of rape, two counts of sexually assaulting a child under 13, two counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and three counts of sexual activity with a child. Diba did, however, plead guilty to a further charge of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity.[21]

Following a four-week trial, Diba was found guilty of raping and sexually abusing six girls and a woman over a five-year period.[22] Upon being found guilty, Diba fell to his knees and cried loudly. The hearing had to be paused whilst court staff carried him from the room. On 24 September 2021, Diba was jailed for 24 years with an extended licence period of four years.[23]

Career statistics

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As of match played 23 April 2017.[24]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Rochdale 2014–15 League One 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2015–16 League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2016–17 League One 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
FC United of Manchester (loan) 2016–17 National League North 5 0 0 0 — 0 0 5 0
Glossop North End (loan) 2016–17 Northern Premier League 5 0 0 0 — 0 0 5 0
Career total 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0

References

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  1. ^ "The Football League Limited: Club list of registered players as at 16th May 2015" (PDF). The Football League. 16 May 2015. p. 57. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 June 2015. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  2. ^ "Johny Diba". 11v11. Retrieved 1 December 2015.
  3. ^ "Ex-Rochdale footballer jailed for 24 years for child rapes". BBC News. 27 September 2021. Retrieved 27 September 2021.
  4. ^ "Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe 'born for greatness'". 11 November 2015.
  5. ^ "Musangu joins goalkeeper training camp". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  6. ^ "Player Profile". Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  7. ^ "Young 'Keeper To Be Given First Team Opportunity". Rochdale A.F.C.
  8. ^ "Full-time: Chesterfield 2 Rochdale 1". The Star. 16 August 2014. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  9. ^ "Chelsea to beat Arsenal for Rochdale keeper Jonny Diba - Tribal Football". 13 May 2024.
  10. ^ "Johny Diba Signs Professional Contract". Rochdale A.F.C.
  11. ^ "Dale starlets are being overlooked when it comes to international selection says Keith Hill". 13 November 2014.
  12. ^ "Johny Diba Joins FC United On Loan". Rochdale A.F.C. 2 September 2016. Retrieved 2 September 2016.
  13. ^ "Johny Diba".
  14. ^ "Every player released by League One clubs ahead of 2017/18 season". 18 May 2017.
  15. ^ "Latest Moves". 6 September 2017.
  16. ^ "Two New Keepers For Robins". 4 September 2017.
  17. ^ "Home". mossleyweb.com.
  18. ^ "Dale to Dzyra".
  19. ^ "Musangu joins goalkeeper training camp". rochdaleafc.co.uk. Retrieved 17 August 2014.
  20. ^ "Dale starlets are being overlooked when it comes to international selection says Keith Hill". 13 November 2014.
  21. ^ "Ex-Rochdale footballer raped and sexually abused girls, trial hears". 23 June 2021.
  22. ^ "Ex-footballer sobs after being found guilty of sexually abusing children". 19 July 2021.
  23. ^ Walker, Amy (25 September 2021). "Ex-Rochdale FC player jailed after raping and sexually abusing girls". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 25 September 2021.
  24. ^ "J. Musangu". Soccerway. Retrieved 4 September 2016.
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