A significant event occurred on Sunday night: at 33 years old, Roman Ferber could finally make his debut with the Madagascar national team.
The Belgian forward, who has spent many years in the lower leagues of Belgium and currently plays in Luxembourg, received his first call-up to the Madagascar national team after a change in sporting nationality. A true football fairy tale seems to be unfolding.
This represents a turning point in Ferber's career. Born in Mons in 1993, the forward has played for several clubs, including RAEC Mons, Sporting Charleroi, Excel Mouscron, Union Saint-Gilloise, Francs Borains, Patro Eisden, and Olympique Charleroi. He is currently playing for Atert Bissen in Luxembourg.
It is precisely there that Ferber is experiencing a remarkable resurgence. Last season, he became the top scorer in Luxembourg, netting 21 goals in 22 league matches and was a key player in Atert Bissen's title conquest. The forward has new ambitions for this season.
Ferber even had the opportunity to participate in the Champions League last summer. Atert Bissen faced KÍ Klaksvík from the Faroe Islands in the first qualifying round. Ferber played the full 90 minutes in both matches and scored in the return leg.
His performances have also caught the attention of national coach Corentin Martins, who can include him in the squad due to a family connection. Ferber is making his debut in the Madagascar squad and could become an international at the age of 33.
The Barea begin their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on September 25 with an away match against Nigeria. Four days later, Tanzania awaits them in Meknès, Morocco.
Ferber is not the only player with a background in Belgium joining Madagascar. Former Charleroi midfielder Marco Ilaimaharitra and ex-Union Berlin player Loïc Lapoussin are also part of the squad.
