| Richard Mapuata | |
| Full Name: | Richard Mapuata N'Kiambi Esola |
| Birth Date: | 27 February 1965 |
| Birth Place: | Léopoldville, DR Congo |
| Height: | 1.85 m |
| Position: | Forward |
| Years1: | –1985 |
| Years2: | 1985–1986 |
| Years3: | 1986–1988 |
| Caps3: | 51 |
| Goals3: | 21 |
| Years4: | 1988–1990 |
| Years5: | 1990–1991 |
Richard Mapuata N'Kiambi Esola (born 27 February 1965) is a Congolese former professional footballer who played as a forward. He represented the Zaire national team at international level.[1]
Born in Kinshasa, Mapuata began his career with Cercle Sportif Imana. He moved to play in the Belgian Pro League at the age of 20, signing with Standard Liège.[2] One year later, he joined Primeira Liga side Os Belenenses for two seasons. While with Belenenses, Mapuata scored the goal in a famous UEFA Cup victory against Barcelona.[3]
He finished his playing career in the Swiss first division, playing for AC Bellinzona and FC Aarau.
Mapuata played for Zaire at the 1988[4] Africa Cup of Nations finals.
His son, Cédric,[5] is a retired professional footballer.