Juma Bah’s journey from a humble bakery in Sierra Leone to one of the most prestigious football clubs in the world is the kind of story that defines the beauty of the sport. Just months ago, he was playing on artificial pitches in his homeland, honing his skills in conditions far removed from the grandeur of Europe’s top leagues. Today, he stands on the brink of footballing greatness, with Manchester City placing their trust in his potential. His rise has been rapid, filled with challenges, triumphs, and controversy, but through it all, his unwavering belief in his ability has never wavered.
Born and raised in the Congo Market neighborhood of Freetown, Bah’s childhood was far from glamorous. While young footballers in Europe were training in state-of-the-art academies, he was carrying firewood to help his father’s bakery, ensuring that fresh bread was ready for customers before the sun rose. His mother, a street food vendor, relied on him to help prepare and sell chicken balls. Football was not just a passion; it was an escape, a dream that he refused to let go of no matter how difficult life became.
He started playing in the streets, often barefoot, kicking around whatever he could find. It was here that he developed his strength, resilience, and an ability to read the game like few others his age. His talent did not go unnoticed, and he soon joined a local third-tier club, AIK Freetong, before quickly making the leap to the Sierra Leone Premier League. It was not long before European scouts began paying attention.
Standing at nearly six feet four inches, Bah possessed the physical presence of a top defender, but it was his intelligence on the pitch that set him apart. In 2023, he got his big break when he moved to Spain to join Real Valladolid. Initially, he was part of the youth setup, but his impact was immediate. Within months, he was playing in La Liga, facing some of the best attackers in the world. His debut against Real Sociedad was a defining moment, a glimpse into the future of a player destined for greatness.
Back home in Sierra Leone, his family gathered around the television to watch him step onto the pitch. When Bah saw the video of his mother celebrating his debut, he could not hold back his emotions. “I was in tears,” he admitted. “I always told my mum that one day I would make her proud. Seeing her watch me play was a blessing.”
His performances in La Liga caught the attention of Manchester City, a club known for identifying and nurturing elite talent. In January 2025, they made their move, securing Bah’s signature in a deal that stunned many in Spain. The move, however, did not come without controversy. Real Valladolid expressed outrage when Bah activated his six million euro release clause, accusing Manchester City of influencing his decision. The Spanish club even threatened legal action.
Bah, however, maintains that the decision was entirely his own. “They didn’t care about me,” he said bluntly. “They never even spoke to my agent about a new contract. They didn’t want me to leave, but they didn’t do anything to show they valued me.”
Despite the drama, Bah is focused on what lies ahead. He knows that breaking into the Manchester City first team will not be easy. The club immediately loaned him to French side Lens, where he has already begun proving himself. Making his first start in a crucial match against Marseille, he helped his team secure an impressive 1-0 victory.
His rapid rise has not gone unnoticed in his home country. Newly appointed Sierra Leone coach Mohamed Kallon, a former Inter Milan and Monaco forward, has praised Bah as a future national star. “He can succeed in Europe,” Kallon said. “Manchester City wouldn’t have signed him if they didn’t see something special in him. He has the potential to grow into one of the best.”
For Bah, playing for Manchester City is more than just a career milestone. It is a dream come true. He spent years playing as his footballing idols on PlayStation, and now he has the chance to share a dressing room with them. “It would be a dream to play with these great players,” he said. “Playing with them in real life will be amazing. I’m looking forward to learning from the best coach in the world and winning trophies.”
The road ahead will not be easy. He will need patience, hard work, and the determination that has brought him this far. But if his journey from the streets of Freetown to La Liga and now the Premier League has proven anything, it is that Juma Bah is no ordinary talent. His story is a reminder that football is not just about skill but about heart, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of greatness.
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