Sometimes, misfortune can pave the way to success. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the journey of a remarkable individual whose life took a turn in our city, offering him refuge and an opportunity for a brighter future. This is the story of a young athlete who, alongside his family, fled the horrors of war and found warmth and kindness in Canada. From those humble beginnings, he took his first steps toward a professional career that would lead to historic achievements. Meet Alphonso Davies, a footballer who set a record that stood unchallenged at the dawn of the 21st century. More on iedmonton.net.
The Story of Alphonso Davies
Born on November 2, 2000, in the Buduburam Refugee Camp in Ghana, Alphonso Davies’ early life was far from ordinary. His family fled the Liberian civil war, seeking safety in Ghana, where they endured harsh living conditions for five years. Determined to change their fate, the family sought a new start in Canada.
Life in Canada
The Davies family began their new life in Windsor, Ontario, before settling in Edmonton, where Alphonso’s football journey truly began. He attended St. Nicholas Catholic Junior High School in Edmonton, where language barriers initially made learning a challenge.
In the early 2000s, Edmonton offered a football program designed for those unable to afford traditional fees and equipment. Alphonso joined teams like “Edmonton International” and “Edmonton Strikers,” marking the beginning of his footballing journey. At 14, he joined the “Whitecaps FC” residency program, signing with “Vancouver Whitecaps FC.” At just 15 years and 6 months old, Alphonso became the youngest player to sign a contract in the United Soccer League (USL), a gateway to professional football in Canada and the US.
During this time, he scored his first professional goal, becoming the youngest player to do so in the USL. His talent earned him a spot in the “CONCACAF Champions League” with Vancouver Whitecaps, and once again, he set records as the youngest player to participate and score in Major League Soccer (MLS).
In 2018, Bayern Munich signed Alphonso Davies for €14 million. Two years later, he won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup and became a FIFA Club World Cup champion—all firsts for a Canadian national team player.
The Canadian National Team
Though born in Ghana, Alphonso had eligibility to play for both Ghana and Liberia. In June 2017, he officially became a Canadian citizen and chose to represent Canada. While his achievements with the national team have been limited, his personal accolades are noteworthy, including the titles of Canada’s Best Male Player in 2018 and 2020 and the Bundesliga’s Best Young Player in 2020.
In 2020, his exceptional performances led Bayern Munich to extend his contract until 2025.
A Remarkable Journey
It’s hard to imagine how Alphonso Davies’ life might have unfolded if he had remained in Ghana. The opportunities afforded to him in Canada and Germany profoundly shaped his career and life. It’s a testament to the power of resilience and destiny, with his remarkable career beginning right here in Edmonton.