Inspired by Messi, Driven by Adidas: 12-Year-Old Sajjad Yusuf Poised for Explosive Football Future
“I’d Love to Achieve Half of Messi’s Feat”
For 12-year-old Sajjad Yusuf, football is more than a game. It is a dream, a passion and a journey he hopes will eventually take him to the highest level of the sport.
From the grassroots pitches of Onigbongbon, Lagos, Sajjad is already beginning to understand the challenges facing young footballers while nurturing ambitions of his own.
Recently, the young football enthusiast donated 22 pairs of Adidas football boots to aspiring grassroots players in Onigbongbon, giving children who often play barefoot or with worn-out footwear an opportunity to train with better equipment.
But beyond the generous gesture is a youngster determined to build his own football story.
Sajjad dreams of becoming a professional footballer and competing at the highest level, with Argentine legend Lionel Messi serving as one of his biggest inspirations.
Inspired by Adidas, Driven by Messi
Sajjad’s love for Adidas is deeply connected to his football ambitions.
He says his parents have worn the brand since he was young, while Messi’s long-standing association with Adidas has further strengthened his admiration for the sportswear giant.
Now, Sajjad has set himself another ambitious target — to one day earn an Adidas sponsorship as a professional footballer.
For him, Messi represents not only football excellence but also the level of success he would like to achieve.
“Yes, I want to play football at the highest level,” Sajjad said.
Asked if he would like to emulate Messi’s remarkable career, the 12-year-old responded with confidence while acknowledging the enormous challenge ahead.
“I’ll be grateful if I could even achieve half of his career,” he said.
Nigeria Teaching Him a Different Kind of Football
Sajjad’s football development in the United States has exposed him to one style of the game, while his experience in Nigeria is introducing him to a tougher grassroots environment.
Playing and interacting with young footballers in Lagos has given him a different perspective on the physical demands of the sport.
“In Nigeria, I could see that they play barefoot a lot and that they have very strong legs,” he said.
“Your physical strength has to go up if you want to compete at that level.”
The experience has challenged Sajjad to improve his own game while deepening his appreciation for young players who continue to pursue their football dreams despite limited resources.
His donation of 22 pairs of boots is therefore more than an act of generosity.
It reflects a youngster who understands the importance of opportunity and wants other children to have a better chance to pursue their dreams.
For Sajjad, however, the journey is only beginning.
From the grassroots pitches of Onigbongbon to his dream of playing on the biggest stages in world football, the youngster remains focused on developing his talent.
Inspired by Messi.
Driven by Adidas. Determined to make his own mark. If his ambition and commitment are anything to go by, Sajjad Yusuf could be a name to watch in the years ahead.
