I Nearly Gave Up Football At 15 – Calvin Bassey

Ajax and Nigeria defender opens up on tough Leicester City academy days and how family support kept him going.

Bassey’s Emotional Journey from Near-Quit to Super Eagles Star

Calvin Bassey has revealed he came dangerously close to quitting football at just 15 years old during his time in Leicester City‘s academy, citing intense homesickness as the primary reason.

The Nigeria international, now a key defender for Fulham and the Super Eagles, moved from London to the Midlands as a teenager – a transition that proved overwhelming.

“I was really homesick. I almost quit football because of it,” Bassey admitted in a recent interview.

Living away from family for the first time, the young Bassey struggled to adapt, spending much of his time alone and questioning his future in the game.

Family intervention proved crucial. His parents encouraged him to persevere, reminding him of the opportunity and his natural talent.

That support, combined with his determination, saw him push through the difficult period. Bassey eventually broke into Leicester’s youth setup before moving to Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership and reached the Europa League final.

Successes at Ajax followed, earning him a big-money move to Fulham and regular call-ups to the Super Eagles.

Bassey’s story highlights the mental challenges young players face in academies and serves as inspiration for those experiencing similar struggles.