The Journey of Yankuba Minteh: From Bakoteh to the Premier League
Yankuba Minteh's journey to the Premier League began on a sandy pitch in Bakoteh, West Africa, where he developed his skills.
Despite his mother's concerns about the time he dedicated to football, 21-year-old Minteh was motivated by a desire to uplift his family's circumstances. Five years ago, he made the difficult decision to leave his parents, six siblings, and friends behind to pursue his dreams in Europe.
"I wanted to change their lives and take them out of poverty," Minteh shared with BBC Sport Africa. "I faced many challenges because there was no support when I started. At 16, leaving home is not something anyone wants to do. But all that sacrifice pays off."
Minteh recently returned to Serrekunda, the largest city in The Gambia, after helping Brighton & Hove Albion secure an eighth-place finish last season. He revisited the sandy pitch where he played his early games, located just three kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, a hub for local teams.
On a humid Wednesday evening, he joined around 50 young men and boys training at the Bakoteh United Football Academy. "This is where everything started," he said proudly, donning his Albion training kit. "It is because of this pitch that I am who I am today. Coming back to where you started is always a pleasure."
A Natural Talent
Minteh's potential was clear to those who knew him best from an early age. "Anyone who saw him could tell he would make it in football," remarked youth coach Abdou Touray. "He’s a natural talent with the right mindset and skills. He was very passionate about football, always eager to train and never wanting it to stop. That's why I admire him so much."
Facilities at Bakoteh have improved, with better training setups and equipment now available. "They want everyone to be like me," Minteh said. "I know that’s impossible, but those who are lucky could achieve even more than I have."
Convincing His Parents
The third of seven children, Minteh lived in a rented apartment with his family, often squeezed together at night. He idolized Lionel Messi while growing up, but his mother, Jassey, a market vendor, was less enthusiastic about his football obsession. "He would name all the famous footballers and their jersey numbers," she recalled. "I would tell him, 'Yankuba, please stop disturbing us with these names.'"
Education also created tension at home. "Yankuba never wanted to go to school," his father Buhari said. "All he loved was football, which often led to disagreements with his mother, who wanted him to be educated." However, Buhari was more supportive. "I made his mother understand that if Yankuba really doesn’t want to go to school, we should support him. Many people saw potential in him, and I was reminded to protect and guide him, encouraging him to take his football career seriously."
Improving Family Fortunes
Minteh shared most of his earnings from local matches with his mother. He played professional football in The Gambia with Steve Biko before moving to Danish club Odense. A transfer to Newcastle followed in 2023, though he was immediately loaned to Feyenoord, where he played under current Liverpool manager Arne Slot. Last year, he joined Brighton, and his success has significantly improved his family's living conditions, allowing them to move into a well-furnished three-bedroom bungalow.
"So many good things are happening to me, and I would say it's because of Yankuba," Jassey expressed. "We used to sleep on the floor with little space, and now everyone has their own room with comfortable beds. Every parent hopes their children will lift them out of struggles." Minteh's Gambia shirt from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hangs on the wall, alongside pictures of him in action and shelves filled with his awards. During his visit, he enjoyed a traditional meal with his family, sharing a communal bowl of rice.
Progress at Brighton under Hurzeler
Minteh described his debut season with Brighton, in which he scored six goals in 32 league appearances, as "successful," despite the team missing out on European competition. His goal tally was only surpassed by Karou Mitoma, Joao Pedro, and Danny Welbeck. He credits much of his success to Seagulls manager Fabian Hurzeler. "He plays a significant role in my life, and I am really thankful for that. I always try to joke with him because he is a funny person and makes an effort to bond with every player. He supports those with talent, regardless of their background, to help them achieve their dreams."
Minteh has become a role model in The Gambia, with many young people seen wearing Brighton shirts during BBC Sport Africa's visit to Bakoteh.
The Influence of Messi and Mane
Minteh revealed that watching videos of Argentine legend Messi has been crucial in unlocking his potential as an attacking player. "I fell in love with him. He has had a significant influence on my career since I was young. He is the one I look up to and learn a lot from." His playing style has even drawn comparisons to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star. "Wherever he goes, you hear 'Messi Bakoteh' because that's how he used to play," coach Touray explained.
In addition to Messi, Minteh looks up to Sadio Mane as his "African football hero." He admires Mane's humility and philanthropy, particularly his charitable work in his hometown of Bambali. "I love his personal life. He is doing everything for Senegal," Minteh said. "You can see how he is transforming his village, which is something I aspire to do as well."