The 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup is underway, and for Guadeloupe, this tournament represents more than just a chance at regional glory; it's a family affair. At the helm is Jocelyn Angloma, the team's head coach, a Guadeloupean football legend who once captained the squad to an unforgettable semi-final appearance in 2007. Now, he's joined by his son, Johan Angloma, who is a midfielder for Guadeloupe. Together, this father-son duo hopes to guide Guadeloupe to success in this year's Gold Cup.
Jocelyn Angloma's connection to Guadeloupean football is deep-rooted. Born in Guadeloupe, he represented both France and Guadeloupe on the international stage. As a player, Angloma enjoyed a successful career in Europe, playing for top clubs like Marseille, Inter Milan, and Valencia. He won the Champions League with Marseille in 1993 and La Liga with Valencia in 2002. In 2006, he came out of retirement to play for Guadeloupe and helped them qualify for the 2007 Caribbean Nations Cup. That year, he captained Guadeloupe during their unforgettable surge to the semi-finals, leaving an indelible mark with his leadership and skill. In December 2017, he was appointed Guadeloupe's coach.
Now 59 years old, Angloma is managing Guadeloupe for the third consecutive Gold Cup. His experience and tactical knowledge are crucial for a team looking to make an impact against strong opponents. He prefers a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Angloma name isn't just on the sidelines; it's on the pitch as well. Johan Angloma, following in his father's footsteps, is a midfielder for Guadeloupe. Johan plays for L'Etoile. He has three appearances for the national team, including two appearances in the CONCACAF Nations League and one in the Gold Cup Qualifiers.
Guadeloupe's journey to the 2025 Gold Cup began in the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League, where they finished fifth in Group A of League A. They then secured a spot in the Gold Cup Prelims by winning 7-nil on aggregate against the Cayman Islands in the Concacaf Nations League Play-In. In the Gold Cup Prelims, Guadeloupe defeated Nicaragua 2-0 on aggregate, with Florian David and Raphaël Mirval scoring the crucial goals.
Drawn into Group C, Guadeloupe faces a challenging path against Panama, Jamaica, and Guatemala. Their Gold Cup campaign has already begun, with a 5-2 defeat to Panama. Jordan Leborgne and Florian David scored for Guadeloupe in the match. They then faced Jamaica on June 20, 2025, at PayPal Park in San Jose, California. Jamaica won the match 1-0. Guadeloupe will face Guatemala in Houston on June 24.
Guadeloupe's best finish in the Gold Cup was in 2007 when Jocelyn Angloma led them as a player to the semi-finals. Now, with his son Johan by his side, he aims to replicate that success from the sidelines. The blend of Jocelyn's experience and Johan's youthful ambition could prove to be a valuable asset for Guadeloupe as they navigate the challenges of the 2025 Gold Cup.
