Young Gambian, Sanusi - identified as the third son of Moisés - greeted on El Hierro island by a local law enforcement officer.
Hollerin' Across the Field: Sanusi's Journey from Gambia to Football Stardom in El Hierro
Sitting in the stands of El Hierro, you'd be hard-pressed not to notice the enthusiastic cheers and energy emanating from a specific group. These die-hard fans, hailing predominantly from Africa, are the motivation and support system for their local hero, Sanusi.
Playing for CD Concepción, Sanusi has been the season's top scorer, bagging an impressive 34 goals so far. His dreams are sky-high, "I reckon I could become a footballer like Cristiano Ronaldo," he shared earnestly.
Sanusi's odyssey began in October 2023 when he arrived in a boat from Gambia, braving treacherous waters to reach this remote island in the Canary archipelago. While football serves as an important bond for him and his new friends like Omar from Mauritania, their lives are forever marked by tragic boat accidents like the one that took seven lives just three weeks prior. Among the victims were Sanusi's compatriots, a sobering reminder of the struggles they left behind, with jobs offering as little as 4 euros per month.
Vibrant, passionate, and resilient, Sanusi was not just another face in the crowd. He captivated local policeman Moises Gutierrez, first with his tenacity and then with his friendship. Together with his wife Davinia Carvallo, Moises took Sanusi under their wing and became his auxiliary family in Spain. Though they initially hoped to help him connect with his family in Gambia, those dreams soon expanded as Sanusi grew to be an integral part of their own.
Within months, Moises was advocating for Sanusi to stay with him and his family, even attending meetings to discuss potential foster care arrangements and bone testing. Sanusi struck a deep chord with the couple due to his boundless energy, unwavering spirit, and especially his massive heart.
Their relationships were tested when Sanusi faced hurdles securing the necessary documentation to play football—hurdles that threatened to derail his dreams. Despite the obstacles, Sanusi's new family refused to give up on him. With tireless support, they managed to obtain the necessary documents, and today, he continues his pursuit of football amidst the verdant fields of El Hierro.
In a world where migration tales often center on fear and division, the story of Sanusi stands as a beacon of hope. Not just a mere game for spectators, the football field is a symbol of union and integration, where diverse cultures blend and people learn to embrace the struggles and triumphs of one another.
Snapshot of African Footballers in Spain
Sanusi's journey mirrors that of several other African football players reaching Spain's shores, hoping to make their mark in European football. Of recent interest is a trio of Gambian players, Sanusi Bayo, Sheriff Bah, and Muhammed Jawneh, collectively making waves at CD Concepción in Spain. Though less well-known, Nigerian footballer Zaidu Sanusi contributed to FC Porto's success in Portugal prior to injuries sidelining him.
Throughout Spain, stories like Sanusi's continue to unfold, as individuals dream, strive, and ultimately contribute to the rich tapestry of Spanish football. Though their physical journeys have taken them far from home, their hearts remain rooted in the spirit of camaraderie and the undying love for the game.
The average goal tally of the Gambian trio at CD Concepción, Sanusi Bayo, Sheriff Bah, and Muhammed Jawneh, mirrors that of their local hero, Sanusi, who has been the season's top scorer with an impressive 34 goals. Their dreams, like Sanusi's, are not limited to sports; they aspire to leave an indelible mark on European football, just like Nigerian footballer Zaidu Sanusi did in Portugal before injuries set him back.
