Real Valladolid’s current shortage of defenders has led to an unexpected call-up for Abdulai Juma Bah, a young talent from Sierra Leone whose story is nothing short of extraordinary. From working in a bakery in Congo Market, Freetown, to making his La Liga debut, Juma’s rise showcases football’s ability to change lives.
Born in Freetown, Juma started playing football on the streets while helping his family. At 15, he joined Giant of Freetown Academy, where local talent scout Chernor Musa Jalloh noticed his potential. Jalloh facilitated Juma’s move to AIK Freetong, a Third Division side in Sierra Leone, where he quickly stood out. Within a year, he was loaned to SLIFA, a Premier League team in Sierra Leone, where he developed by competing against older, more experienced players. His first international exposure came in 2023 when he played with FC Kallon at Italy’s Viareggio Youth Cup.
Juma’s growing reputation in Sierra Leone led to a call-up from the national team, although his debut remains pending. The turning point came when Musa Jalloh’s connection with Swedish agent Patrick Mork helped introduce Juma to Real Valladolid. Mork saw an opportunity for physically strong African players in Spain and pitched Juma to several clubs, including Valladolid.
In May 2024, Real Valladolid’s technical secretary, Pachu Martínez, traveled to Gambia and Sierra Leone to assess Mork’s recommendations. Juma’s height (195 cm) and talent caught his eye, and the club secured a loan deal with an option to buy. However, visa complications nearly derailed Juma’s dream of moving to Europe. With help from a Valladolid fan, Juma finally made it to Spain, where he joined the club’s youth setup.
Training with the youth team, Juma showed promise, but a series of injuries in Valladolid’s defense fast-tracked his promotion. After impressing with the reserve team, he earned a call-up to the first team just a week later, donning the number 35 jersey. Juma Bah now stands on the brink of a La Liga debut, a moment that could once again change his life—this time, on a much bigger stage.
His story is a powerful reminder of football’s global reach and its capacity to transform not only careers but lives.