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Calvin Bassey talks faith, Warzone and dressing room drip
“It’s crazy man, crazy. It’s like sometimes it doesn’t feel real,” says Calvin Bassey, reminiscing on his rise through the footballing ranks.
Aged just 23, the Italian-born Nigerian who made his name in Scottish football with Rangers is now taking on a new challenge at one of football’s biggest clubs in Ajax, whose world-renowned reputation for developing players was one of the biggest deciding factors in his decision to swap Glasgow for Amsterdam.
“Everyone knows about Ajax, it’s the best school to learn and improve in football, so it’s just good to be here,” Bassey tells me. “It’s been different. Being away from family, it can be hard at times but we’re all on a mission and it’s the best thing for my career. I’ve come to one of the biggest clubs in the world.”
Aged 15, Bassey joined Premier League side Leicester City and progressed through the Foxes’ youth set-up, featuring regularly for their Under-23s. Despite this, he never earned a senior appearance for the club and would later sign for Rangers on a free transfer in 2020. Fast forward two years later, Bassey would go on to make his Champions League debut this season in Ajax’s 4-0 win over his former club Rangers, something the defender believes was fate.
“Sometimes you have to pinch yourself. I couldn’t believe it!” Bassey tells me four months on with the same level of excitement you’d expect from a post-match interview. “It was against my old team as well, so it was a bit weird but it was like it was meant to be. It just goest to show how far hard work, commitment and focus can get you. I plan to keep that same discipline, desire and focus I’ve had so that I can keep pushing.”
Keen to capitalise on Bassey’s endless joy when discussing that moment in his career, I ask him just how special hearing the Champions League anthem really is, to which his eyes light up further. “You can’t put it into words how it feels…hearing it really is a dream come true.”
“Every kid wants to play in the Champions League so when I was there, it felt surreal. I still remember the video that went a bit viral. I was smiling as it played, I was a bit like ‘woah’, it’s a dream come true honestly.”
From Leicester’s reserve sides to Champions League territory in such a short space of time could be daunting for many players but not for Bassey, whose energy for his career and life in general has become so infectious I begin feeling as though I’m there standing side-by-side in each moment with him.
“Everyone loves a Champions League night. The atmosphere is crazy! The teams you’re playing against and some of the players you face. I used to play as them on FIFA not too long ago and now I’m playing against them… it’s a bit mad. Playing against Liverpool and you’re playing against the likes of Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Thiago.”
“I’ve watched Thiago for years and to be on that pitch with him was unreal. When you get into the game, it’s game mode and you’re locked in but after, you appreciate it and when you see a picture of you two together you’re like ‘oh s***, that’s me you know’, Bassey laughs. “But it’s nice to be on that stage and be able to test yourself against some of the best players in the world.”
After leaving Rangers, Bassey became the Scottish club’s most expensive player sale in his £20m move to the Eredivisie despite only spending two years at Ibrox. His journey to Ajax, who carry the nickname de Godenzonen (sons of the Gods), is one that Bassey believes has been down to his faith. “I’m very religious. I’m a Christian, my Mum brought me up to be a Christian and for me, my faith is one of the strongest things I have.”
“When things aren’t going well, I look up or I might say a little prayer when I’m on the pitch because I feel like it gives me strength. It’s my life really. My faith is my life. It shows my journey as well because how many kids want to be footballers in England? I believe the faith I have has got me here.”
Here being the biggest club in the Netherlands, a country with a national team known for their dress-sense when international duty arrives. From Memphis Depay to Steven Bergwijn, the Dutch hold their own on the drip front, something Bassey is now getting to see first-hand.
“Ay, these boys got drip you know,” Bassey reveals after being quizzed on the style in Ajax’s dressing room. “Best-dressed in the team?” he says firing my question back at me. Amidst a huge grin, he takes a second to exhale, attempting to relieve all of the pressure from a question that has friendships riding on it. “There’s a couple,” he responds, unable to pick just one from a squad full of fashionistas.
“I like the way Steven Bergwijn dresses, then you’ve got Jurriën Timber as well. Devyne Rensch is a good dresser and Brian Brobbey, they’re more my style. They can do like the smart casual or they can do the going out drip, so I think them lot.”
Inevitably, I then prod him to name the worst-dressed in the squad. “I knew this was coming! I knew this was coming!” Bassey says in laughter. “I’ve got one in mind you know,” he says laughing once again but this time with both hands covering his face. “I’ve got one in mind but I can’t do my guy like that, I can’t do my guy like that! We always get on to him for how he comes to training, obviously I know it’s just training but sometimes, wow… he drags it. But I’m not going to say his name because I’ve got too much love for him, man.”
Away from the dressing room, Bassey’s source of inspiration for style, like many, comes from social media. With football and fashion continuing to grow to new heights, players are fast becoming fashion icons for not just Gen-Z but for fellow ballers too. “When I’m scrolling on Instagram, Joe Willock comes really clean. Reiss Nelson too, he’s clean. Then I’ve got my boys like Glen Kamara and Joe Aribo, I think they dress nice. Nnamdi Ofoborh dresses nice as well and obviously some of the Ajax boys but aside from who I know, Joe and Reiss, I’m really rating them.”
Bassey himself doesn’t claim to be one of football’s best-dressed just yet, instead, he humbly asks for my opinion on each piece he has laid out on his bed during our shoot, keen to hear ideas on if anything else in his wardrobe would work better. Whilst his rise to Ajax has allowed him to have more options to choose from in his outfits, his admits his childhood drip didn’t quite have the same luxury.
“Yeah I can’t lie, I used to rock the astro’s you know. The Sondico ones were peak! I used to wear astro’s with everything, even jeans. When you’re younger, you don’t think and you don’t care as much. All I cared about is that if I had to look smart then I was also still able to run and play football. I had to try and do both! My drip was a bit mad back in the day,” Bassey admits with a smile, a common theme throughout our conversation.
Now finding himself in a position to experiment with his style, I ask him which has been the worst purchase he’s ever made and in typical fashion, Bassey’s response doesn’t disappoint. “The mandem get on to me sometimes because I’ve got this camouflage Moncler jacket. They really get onto me for that. They got onto me for some Jordan 1s, the black and yellow pair, yeah they gave me stick for them. They were calling me bumblebee and that,” he says bursting into laughter along with the rest of us in the room. “To this day, the laces haven’t even been done. Only one shoe is done, the other still isn’t. I haven’t even worn them so I think that traumatised me a bit still.”
Whilst the black and yellow Jordan 1s don’t get to see the light of day, Bassey opts for a classic when I ask him to choose one pair he’d wear for the rest of his life. “White Airs. White Airs. CLEAN! “They go with anything, you can chill it out, you can dress it up. White airs, man. It has to be,” he says on the Nike Air Force 1.
Having excelled from youth football to Europe’s elite within such a short space of time on top of the mental and physical demands football places on each athlete, Bassey’s life would predictably have been quite hectic in recent years and he now finds himself in a new country without his family or long-time friends always being around, something many can find difficult. The defender admits whilst it’s something he’s now used to, other players in similar situations shouldn’t suffer in silence.
“I think the awareness of mental health in football has gone up massively,” Bassey tells me.
“I’ve lived away from home since I was 15, so I know how hard it can be moving away at such a young age. There are people in harder situations, I was only two hours away from home and I was still struggling. I can only imagine how it is for players that come from other parts of the world and with that, I think there needs to be more resources available for them to talk and ask for help if they need to. It’s equally, if not more, important for young players to have that support too. They need to feel comfortable enough to know it’s ok to share how they feel and ask for help if they need it..”
Despite the distance between Bassey and his friends, modern-day technology has helped to reduce the impact of being apart with gaming being the way the Ajax man reconnects with those outside of Amsterdam when he finds himself with some downtime.
“How do I relax? COD or FIFA with the boys. I play Ultimate Team but do you know what, FIFA was out for like a week and I’m seeing people with Thierry Henry in their team and I’m like ‘nah man’. It’s unfair. I’ve got myself in my team and I’m trying to play against someone who has Henry, I don’t stand a chance, you know what I’m saying?”
After the laughter settles, I ask how often he uses himself in the game. Again, Bassey brings the humour in his response: “I got the 99 special-rated card of myself but I’d never buy myself because I want gold players and I’m silver, what the hell am I going to do for my team? I normally make a strong Premier League squad or something like that.”
“Warzone? BIG. I play that a lot,” Bassey says in reference to the latest Call Of Duty. “We’ve been off it the past couple of weeks with the World Cup and different schedules but normally, during the season, we’ve got our four and we’re in. Sometimes they snake me because of the hour timezone difference but I’ve got my four that normally play together.”
“My squad is me, Joe, Glen and Nnams. Glen, we call him Capitano. He’s COLD! Glen is one of them where there are two people left and he’s by himself and you’ll just back him. His IQ on the game is a joke. He’s so good man.”
Like gaming, music is another thing Bassey finds enjoyment in away from the pitch. “I could hop up on as the DJ and be confident, yeah,” he says with his ever-present smile.
“I’ve got different genres depending on how I’m feeling. I’ve got the party vibe, Lil Baby, Gunna and Young Thug and then I can switch it to Michael Jackson, he’s cold! I can even switch it to Ed Sheeran or Adele. I think Adele is BIG! In the morning, driving in, nobody needs to be listening to fast songs. You gotta’ slap on a bit of Adele and Ed Sheeran.”
With Bassey in the flow and answering my questions with ease, I hit him with a tougher one, making him choose only three artists to feature in his everyday playlist. “Rah, that’s harsh you know!” he says, struggling for words for the first time this afternoon.
“I would say Lil Baby, actually, I don’t know because I can’t have two U.S artists. Can I put Lil Durk and Lil Baby as one? Those two as one. That’s a hard question you know… Ed Sheeran, because I think sometimes you need a bit of calm, relaxing music and then… you’ve got me here mate.”
Happy in my accomplishment of making Bassey’s mind tick, I then give him an easier question next, to name his favourite album of all time. “I’ve got to say the Lil Baby album when Time came out, the track with Meek Mill. Street Gossip, yeah that’s it. It had just come out and I banged it. I ain’t banged no other album like I banged that one! So probably Lil Baby Street Gossip.”
Though he doesn’t lack confidence in regards to his taste in music, Bassey being new to the scene at Ajax means he’s not quite qualified for the role of the dressing room DJ yet, instead a surprise choice takes over the role.
“It’s Daley Blind [before his Ajax exit] or Kenneth Taylor. Daley surprised me as well because I was thinking ‘who is on DJ’ and there was Daley and I was like ‘yooooo, alright!’. He’s got a bit of everything. He’s got like Dutch music, he’s got Burna Boy, Afrobeats, Latino for the Latino boys so he mixes it very well for the whole team so I’m having it.”
“On match day, I like to listen to Gospel but then like right before I might listen to something that gets me amped, like drill. It depends on how I’m feeling. It depends on my mood on the day.”
To many, Bassey’s rise may be a pipe dream. After rejections in his youth ranging from Leyton Orient to Crystal Palace, losing hope and giving up would have not only been reasonable but expected. But Bassey, against all odds, made it to Europe’s greatest stage before his 23rd birthday. Now, with the blueprint in his hands, he’s aiming to create a legacy to show others from a similar background that they can do it too.
“I want to show kids from my area and less-privileged areas that they’ve always got a chance. With hard work, focus and dedication, they can achieve whatever they want. I think that’s the biggest thing and something I try to spread now, to all the kids, if you have a dream, stick to it and give it all you can,” Bassey says, expressing his vision passionately.
“I’ve always said I’d rather give my best and if it’s not good enough, know I gave everything I could rather than just give up because it was too hard. If you give your best every single day, you won’t waste a day of improving.”
Photography by Shane Bain.
Styling by Calvin Bassey himself.
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
They often say you are a product of your environment. But Oday Dabbagh is living proof that you can embrace the experience of different cultures while being a powerful representative of your nation. We sat down with the 26-year-old Palestinian striker to delve deeper into his journey so far, the importance of authentic representation, self-expression through different mediums, faith, and much more.
Oday Dabbagh rose to global acclaim during his recent loan spell at Aberdeen, making the move to Scotland in the January transfer window earlier this year. The move proved fruitful for the striker as he ended the season a champion, lifting the Scottish Cup. His form has since earned him a summer move to Egyptian powerhouse, Zamalek SC, swapping the Scottish Highlands for the Cairo sun.
(Jack Rowley)
Born and raised in the Old City in Jerusalem, Dabbagh reflects on his childhood with great fondness. “It was a beautiful childhood. Since I was young, I used to play football in the alleys of the old town, and my relationship with my family was wonderful. I will say, they cared more about studying than football, but we found a compromise in the end.” [laughs]
A keen footballer from the very beginning, Dabbagh was one of many Palestinian children playing football with their friends at any opportune moment. Given the nation’s passion for the game, I was curious to learn more about why football plays such a big role in Palestinian culture.
“I think globally, this sport is so important because it really brings people together – fans, teams, players, countries. For us, it gives our people an incredible sense of pride. But beyond that, sport is powerful because it’s a gateway to build bridges.”
For Oday Dabbagh, football was that bridge, allowing him to play the sport he loves professionally. Despite typical Arab familial expectations on pursuing education, which I’m sure many of us can relate to, Oday’s breakthrough into the professional game came while he was just a teenager.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
“It was a wonderful feeling. I was very motivated to show my abilities, and that experience was the start of everything for me. That launched me into the Palestine U-18 Youth National Team Championship. To be honest, I didn’t expect to reach that stage at the time. I think I’ve always focused on working hard in the moment rather than anticipating what could be or what could come next. That mindset probably reduced the pressure on me.”
Making his professional debut in the Palestinian domestic league for Hilal Al-Quds at 16, he then guided the club to three consecutive West Bank Premier League titles. And became the league’s top goalscorer in 2019, bagging 16 goals.
Staunchly determined to succeed, Oday’s domestic exploits meant the youngster was garnering attention across both Europe and the Middle East, with the then-20-year-old opting to make the move to Kuwait. In the face of European interest, one would assume that it would be the most desirable option, but once again Dabbagh displays the level-headedness that has held him in good stead thus far in his career.
“I chose Kuwait because it was my first professional experience, and I wanted to adapt in an Arab country first. It turned out to be a really good decision that prepared me for Europe later.”
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Despite the elation of securing his first professional contract abroad, Oday admits to having mixed feelings about leaving home. “My feelings were mixed… joy, sadness, and fear. But once you get on the plane, those feelings disappear because you know you’re going toward your goal and you have to achieve it. Of course, I missed my family and friends, and that was difficult. But I learned a lot, and it only strengthened my dedication to my dream.”
Since making the move to Kuwait, Oday has played in six different countries, and he can’t speak highly enough of the experiences he’s had, particularly the impact it has had on developing his style.
“I’m really happy I played in so many countries. I learned new cultures, met new people, and picked up different styles of football. It made me adaptable. With style, each place has its own identity, but you also get this mix of cultures from other players – music, fashion, food, language… That has shaped me a lot, on and off the pitch.”
(@IMAGO)
Thriving at club level, Oday’s most prolific achievements have come on the international stage. Representing Palestine, the striker has gone from strength to strength with the “Lions of Canaan,” becoming the nation’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals in 45 appearances. Not only is he putting the nation on his back on the pitch, but Oday is a proud ambassador of his Palestinian identity, as he doubles down on how important the role is to him.
“I believe that this did not come out of nowhere; it came as a result of continuous work and commitment. I am truly proud to be a representative of my country, and I certainly thank every person who supported me or helped me to reach this level. It is a great thing to be an ambassador for your country.”
But football isn’t the only medium through which the 26-year-old chooses to express himself. A self-proclaimed fashion head, Oday’s style is equally versatile and experimental. Perhaps that may come as no surprise, given the melting-pot of experiences he’s had playing in six different countries.
(Hussein Mardini – 3XV Sports)
Most importantly, Oday firmly believes in the power of fashion as a vehicle of self-expression and identity, “It’s very powerful. It gives us the space to be ourselves and to show the moments and experiences we’ve picked up along the way.”
Not only does he represent his identity through football and fashion, but his very name pays homage to the culture he holds most dear. Names possess significant meaning in Palestinian culture, and so with that in mind, I asked Oday what his name means, to which he said: “Adi is an old Arabic name that means ‘running’ or a ‘fast enemy.’ Quite ironic, when one considers his attributes on the field, with speed and tenacity key hallmarks of his game.
‘Surely with hardship comes ease’ – Surah Ash-Sharh (94:5-6)
A powerful verse from the Quran that serves as a reminder that every difficulty is accompanied with relief, and even in difficult situations, there are blessings and ease.
With hardship an inevitability in football, it is crucial to bounce back from tough situations, and I was keen to explore how Oday motivates himself during periods of difficulty in the game.
“I tell myself that I am here to achieve a goal, and I cannot give up. And that is how I overcome difficulties. I talk to myself and motivate myself every time. Then I have my family, faith, and a deeper dream to make a difference. I do want to inspire young players. And when I remind myself of all of these things, I never stop pushing forward.”
(Palestine National Team)
At just 26, Oday Dabbagh’s story is far from over; from making his mark domestically, to securing his first professional contract and leaving home at just 20, to now being the face of the franchise for his national team.
As he settles into the lively city of Cairo, surrounded by history, the forward has not once forgotten his roots. Motivated by his hardships, a determination to make his family proud, and fulfil his goals, Oday is fast “running” to the top as one of the most influential figures in the game, transcending the boundaries of football, fashion, and identity, not to mention the “fast enemy” being a constant thorn in the side of opposition defences.
After reflecting for the vast majority of this conversation, it seemed poignant to conclude by looking ahead, asking Oday what he would like his legacy to be.
“That I gave it my all on and off the pitch, and that I took that, and used it to make an impact for the next generation. And that next generation did the same.”
Forever selfless, Oday Dabbagh is an inspiration and a role model, determined to use his growing profile to embrace his identity and advocate against injustice. Dabbagh’s career thus far has been remarkable, but his story has just begun.
As he celebrates his 28th birthday, Marcus Rashford will no doubt be aiming to push on after his strong start to the season, racking up 11 goals and assists in just 11 starts. But while Rashy invariably looks forward, we decided to look back, paying homage to the work he’s done and the impact he’s had, especially off the pitch.
The Mancunian burst onto the scene back in 2016, introducing himself to the Old Trafford faithful with a brace in the Europa League against Midtjylland. That same week, Rashy bagged yet another brace, this time in the Premier League against Arsenal. Destined for greatness, the path hasn’t always been smooth, but one thing is for certain: Marcus Rashford is the voice of the streets.
More than a footballer, Rashford never forgets his roots. Not only did he force a government U-turn during the COVID pandemic over free school meals, but he has also built libraries in primary schools across the UK and consistently supported his former primary school in Wythenshawe. Not to mention linking up with Carl Anka to write inspirational books for children.
From books to the booth, it’s no secret Rashy rocks with Lil Baby – just look at the EFL Cup celebrations in 2023 with Jadon Sancho. MBE has also linked up with DBE, as well as fellow Mancuinian Meekz. After a tough few years, Rashford has been ‘DUE4AWIN’ for a while, and he’s running it back in style this season.
Coming a long way from matching fits with Jesse Lingard, Rashford knows how to put it on. But after making a stand for what’s right, and giving back to those less fortunate, a situation Rashford can personally relate to, the pendulum of favour shifted. Despite his positive contributions, his charitable work has often been weaponised against him, in response to normal fluctuations in form. As layering chains, and supporting the next generation of underprivileged children, became seemingly incompatible.
The backlash he faced after his trip to watch the New York Knicks last November, epitomises the intense scrutiny players face when simply expressing themselves, as most of the discourse challenged his professionalism and used his outfit as justification of said criticism.
First and foremost, Rashford looked fly as hell in his LV hoodie and chains, not to mention the dope gold grillz. But most importantly, why is it being used against him when he is entitled to rock whatever drip he wants to? The whole narrative in mainstream media around black footballers and black athletes in general when it comes to self-expression needs to be questioned.
There is a fine line between criticism and personal attacks, and it often feels as though the discourse is targeted at Marcus the person rather than Rashford the footballer.
Granted his form during the trip wasn’t the best but he would be the first to admit that. Ultimately, you can criticise his efficacy on the pitch, but a line must be drawn.
In a time of increased mental health awareness within football, the media must be held responsible for their persistent efforts to challenge his integrity as a human being. Rashford has made some mistakes, and he will likely continue to make them, but what individual in their twenties hasn’t? Whenever the media discusses Marcus Rashford, they mention his wages, cars, and clothes. Yet, there is complete silence when it comes to his positive work.
From 39, to 19, to 10, Rashford is on his way back to being number 1. Whether he’s backstage at DBE concerts or linking up with Prince William, Rashford has always been more than a footballer. A cultural icon for his playing style, philanthropy, and positive impact, it’s time we appreciated what he has achieved at a young age.
In the words of Marcus Rashford: “If you back me, good. If you doubt me, even better.”
Happy Birthday, Rashy.