Albert Adomah: A Career Built on Commitment and Family
Veteran Walsall striker Albert Adomah credits the mantra of "giving it the max" as the driving force behind his 18-year career.
At 37 years old, Adomah has played over 750 matches and quickly became a fan favorite during his first season at the Bescot Stadium, earning the affectionate nickname 'Uncle' Albert among Saddlers supporters, a nod to his longevity in the game.
His playful goal celebrations, including his trademark 'zimmer-frame' and 'mobility scooter' antics, have further endeared him to fans.
Walsall marks his eighth professional club, and he committed to a new one-year contract in June, ensuring his presence at the club until at least the end of the current season.
What motivates 'Uncle' Albert, and what keeps him in the game? Former Walsall midfielder and BBC Radio WM pundit Darren Wrack had the opportunity to explore a day in the life of the Ghana international to find out.
Playground Fame and Ticketing Side Hustle
"I’m in trouble with my wife. Samuel somehow smashed the light. I was supposed to be doing daddy day-care, but I wasn’t watching him," Adomah admits, standing in his living room after kicking a ball with his son, who appears to have a powerful shot.
"He could be the next Adomah project," he jokes. "If not, it might be Noah [his other son]. He’s a bit like me. I didn’t like football when I was young, so when I became a footballer, everyone was surprised."
Born in the UK, Adomah lived in Ghana until the age of nine and began playing football in what he describes as an "off-the-cuff" style on the streets and in cages.
Upon returning to England, he played men’s football from age 15 in Sunday leagues and semi-pro levels before turning professional with Barnet, where he scored on his Football League debut at 19 in January 2008.
While driving to his sons' school, Albert reflects on the importance of fatherhood. "When I was at QPR, I lived away from them for four seasons. Being away from your kids is tough for any dad. Nowadays, technology helps with WhatsApp and video calls, but it’s just not the same. That’s why when I left QPR, I told myself I wanted to find a team nearby, and Walsall was the first to come in for me."
Living close to home has made Adomah something of a playground celebrity. "Some people come up to me and ask, 'How was the game?' but they are all very respectful, knowing I have kids," he shares. "When I was young, I followed Manchester United because they were winning everything. I was a glory hunter, yes, I won’t lie. At 13, I started supporting my local team, QPR, where tickets were just one pound. I even sold free tickets for money as a side hustle."
From Painter and Decorator to Premier League Promotion
On his way to training, Adomah enjoys a beetroot juice but admits he is not overly strict about his diet to prolong his career. "I tend to eat what I like and what my wife cooks. I never turn down her Caribbean or African dishes," he says.
At this stage of his career, Adomah is often utilized as an impact player from the bench, a role he understands. "No matter who you are or how old you get, you want to play. But I’ve reached a point where I know I’m helping the team in a different capacity," he explains. "I can come on as a striker, wing-back, or an eight. It’s not just because of my name that [head coach Mat Sadler] plays me; I’ve earned it."
Adomah takes pride in all his endeavors, including his time as a painter and decorator. "I was an apprentice while being a semi-pro footballer, training twice a week. Balancing work and football was challenging, but I tell my kids now, 'Always give your max.'" He nearly reached the Premier League with Aston Villa, who he helped promote via the play-offs in 2019 before being released, reflecting on that near miss with understandable regret. "I was disappointed and felt I deserved a chance at the promised land, but it’s not [then Villa boss] Dean Smith’s fault he didn’t sign me."
100 Goals, Now for 800 Games
At Walsall's training ground, Adomah parks in an unassuming spot, one that others avoid when muddy. "It’s a spot that no one parks in when it’s muddy, and I always do," he remarks, before heading in for his core workout, admitting, "I’m a bit old for this."
Breakfast consists of either a bagel or scrambled eggs. In Mat Sadler’s office, the head coach shares why he was eager to sign Adomah after a brief trial in 2024. "You think, 'Has football taken its toll on him?' But once we saw his athleticism and enthusiasm, we couldn’t do anything but try to make it work. It’s no surprise that the fans at every club he’s played for sing his name."
After training, Adomah picks up his kids and takes them swimming. "It’s never-ending, but I still feel fresh. It’s a healthy lifestyle, not sitting in an office, and I appreciate it," he says. When asked if he ever thought he would still be playing at 37, he reflects, "The Professional Footballers' Association used to tell us that the retirement age for a footballer was 35. But when I got to Villa and received the number 37 shirt, I realized my next target was 37. My next milestone is 800 career games, and I’ve already reached 100 career goals. I want to retire on my own terms, knowing I’m healthy."
Listen to the full 'Day in the Life of Albert Adomah' on BBC WM at 18:00 BST on Monday (13 October). The program will also be available later on BBC Sounds.