Roman Ferber, 33, lives his fairy tale with Madagascar
At 33, the Belgian Roman Ferber, striker of Atert Bissen in Luxembourg's Division 1, made his debut with the Madagascar national team in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Nigeria, after discovering his eligibility through his marriage.
A marriage early this year to a woman whose grandparent is of Malagasy origin opened the door to international football. Through this link, he learned that he could wear the Malagasy shirt, a prospect he had never imagined.
He received a call from the Malagasy Federation, which asked him if he wanted to join the team. Before his departure, he had to find out about the required vaccines, a detail he described as “a bit surprising.”
An unexpected call
“François Garitte: Roman Ferber played his first minutes in the Malagasy shirt against Nigeria,” reported the Sports editorial team. The first spell of play took place in a very fast‑paced context, with departure on Monday, arrival on Tuesday and the match on Friday.
The staff, mostly French, facilitated his integration, and he quickly felt the group’s joie de vivre, marked by chants and a constant good mood.
First steps in black and white
Against Nigeria, he played about ten minutes, the match ending in a 2‑1 defeat, the Super Eagles featuring players such as Ademola Lookman and Wilfred Ndidi. He said there was “nothing left to lose” when he came on, even though the opponent was full of stars.
The next day, Madagascar faced Tanzania at home, but the Malagasy stadium not meeting standards, the match was held in Morocco, where he again played roughly ten minutes.
Looking ahead with Madagascar
The Malagasy side will have to face Guinea‑Bissau twice during the November break, hoping to qualify for the next AFCON. Roman hopes to be called up again, while leaving the coach to decide his future.
At club level, he scored 23 goals in 25 matches last season, leading Atert Bissen to the Luxembourg Division 1 title, and he continues his form with 12 goals in 13 matches this season. He also scored in this summer’s Champions League qualifiers, confirming his efficiency in front of goal.