Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has come a long way—from being overlooked by clubs in England to becoming a key player at Fulham and one of the most consistent Nigerian defenders in Europe.
Born in Italy and raised in London, Bassey’s early football journey was filled with rejection. Many clubs didn’t believe he had what it takes.
But in 2015, Leicester City gave him a shot. He impressed in their youth setup but never made a senior appearance.
In 2020, Scottish giants Rangers saw potential in him and made a move, despite his lack of top-flight experience. At Ibrox, Bassey flourished—making 65 appearances and scoring once.
His performances helped Rangers win the Scottish Premiership and reach the Europa League final, catching the attention of Ajax Amsterdam. The Dutch club signed him in 2022 for €23 million, a record sale for Rangers.
However, his time in Amsterdam was difficult. Ajax faced internal turmoil that affected the team’s performances. After just one season, the burly centre-back left for Fulham in a €21 million deal.
That winning Header from Calvin Bassey. ⚽️ 🔥
Can he repeat this for the Super Eagles in March? pic.twitter.com/0b9kA3Fc0n
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) February 16, 2025
Calvin Bassey soaring to the top in England
Since returning to England in 2023, Bassey has found his rhythm.
He’s been a regular in Marco Silva’s team, primarily playing as a centre-back while also covering at left-back when needed.
His physicality, tackling, and aerial presence have made him a standout.
This season, Bassey has played 29 games, scored once, and missed only two matches.
He was outstanding in Fulham’s 3-2 win over Liverpool, putting in a commanding performance that drew praise from fans and pundits alike.
His tackling, clearances and blocked shots rank high in the stats list for defenders in the Premier League.
While he obviously has areas to improve on his game, he has shown that he can be relied upon and can mix it up with the big guns,
At 25, Bassey is entering his prime—and a move to a bigger club might be just around the corner as he has earned that right.
