Joseph Minala became one of football’s most unusual stories after his age was questioned shortly after he joined Italian giants Lazio as a teenager.

The Cameroon-born midfielder arrived at Lazio in 2013, officially aged 17, but his mature appearance quickly sparked widespread speculation that he was much older.

An African football website claimed Minala was actually 42, prompting the Italian Football Federation to investigate the extraordinary allegation.

Minala was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing in 2014, allowing him to continue his professional career. He subsequently made his Serie A debut for Lazio at the age of 17, although he struggled to establish himself in the first team.

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At the time, Lazio strongly rejected the accusations.

“We denounce this attempt from hostile figures to throw a sinister light on this club. We reserve the right to take action against those responsible for the protection of the club and its players,” the club said.

Max Evangelista, a journalist who followed Lazio's youth team, also defended the teenager and described the claims as unbelievable.

“He is a very reactive player. You could never say he is 41. When you are surrounded by players running like devils around you, in my opinion, it is very tough to be 41. He runs, he is fast. It is unbelievable news, that is why Lazio felt the need to deny it,” he said.

Minala made just a handful of appearances for Lazio before embarking on a series of loan spells, including stints with Bari, Latina and Salernitana.

He later played in China with Qingdao Huanghai before leaving Lazio permanently in 2021. His career subsequently took him to Lucchese in Serie C, Latvian side Liepaja and Maltese clubs Sliema Wanderers, Gzira United and Marsaxlokk.

Despite eventually building a lengthy professional career, Minala believes the age controversy continued to affect his opportunities.

“I was very young and I couldn’t know or predict the resonance this would have. I’m convinced that the age story has always held back my career,” he revealed.

He also expressed disappointment over his limited opportunities under former Lazio manager Simone Inzaghi.

“He didn’t give me the chances I deserved,” Minala said.

FKA/EB

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