Alphonso Davies’ journey to the top of elite football is extraordinary | OneFootball

Alphonso Davies has cemented himself as one of the top full backs in world football, operating down the left flank for German giants Bayern Munich, the Canadian speedster turns 22 today and doesn’t look to be slowing anytime soon.

From difficult beginnings in Africa, to setting records as a youngster in Canada, Davies has certainly had a hard life in his childhood, but he is reaping all the rewards for his hard work and desire.

It takes a special kind of character to be able to have such a tough upbringing before turning it into becoming one of the biggest names in world football.

Alphonso Davies sought refuge in Canada

Davies’ parents fled their native Liberia during the second civil war in the country, settling in Ghana, where Alphonso was born in a refugee camp in 2000.

His parents knew that it was no life for a child, finding refuge in Canada after passing the relevant interviews, settling in Windsor, Ontario when he was just five years old.

When talking about the decision, his father Debeah spoke about the decision: “We were worried because hunger can kill you in the refugee camp anyway, It’s not only in a war zone, but in the camp if there is no food people die, right? So every day we needed to make sure we have something for him to eat, and make it in life.”

Alphonso Davies’ MLS journey

After a year in Windsor, Ontario, Davies and his family moved once again, relocating to Edmonton where Davies began his footballing adventure, with Vancouver Whitecaps scouting him when he was just 14.

From here, Davies went on an astronomical rise through the ranks, becoming the youngest player to sign a United Soccer League contract at just 15 years, three months, making his debut two months later in 2016, becoming the youngest ever USL scorer the following month.

He impressed and was called up to the Whitecaps’ first team, making his MLS debut at 15 years and eight months, making him the second youngest player in MLS history. He was at the club for three years before Bayern Munich came knocking.

Davies became a Canadian citizen in his time playing for Vancouver, becoming the youngest ever player for the nation at just 16 years old, taking part in a friendly against Curacao.

Alphonso Davies joins Bayern Munich

In January 2019, he joined the Bavarian club for $22 million, with them paying what was a then MLS record for the highest fee paid.

Since then, he has gone from strength to strength, establishing himself as one of the best left backs in world football, with the youngster surely only going to get better.