A Tamale Boy Inspired by Family: Abdul Fatawu’s Untold Story

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku’s story began in the busy city of Tamale, Ghana, where he grew up in a small mud-brick house. Living in a place known for its lively markets, young Abdul often helped his mother sell produce, learning the value of hard work from a young age.

Despite the daily grind, he found joy and excitement in football. Along with his older brother, Safiu Isshaku, Abdul spent hours kicking a ball around their yard, dreaming of something bigger. Their home became their training ground, where they honed their skills and shared their love for the game.

Abdul’s father, Iddrisu Isshaku, played a big part in his journey. Though not a footballer himself, he saw his son’s talent and supported him every step of the way. One simple act—buying a ball for his sons to practice with—lit the fire in Abdul’s heart. This is the story of a young boy from Tamale whose passion, family support, and hard work helped him rise to become a football star.

Preamble:

Our version of Abdul Fatawu’s biography gives insight into his family background, his parents- his father, Iddrisu Issahaku, his mother, Hajia Maria, his siblings, lifestyle, and family origin. Thus, we have put together these photos as they give us the basics of his early career right to his stardom.

Abdul Fatawu Childhood Story:

For Biography beginners, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was born on the 8th of March 2004 to his parents- his father, Iddrisu Issahaku, and his mother, Hajia Maria, in Ghana.

The Right-winger is the second child blessed with the marital bliss of the couple who gave birth to him. As we begin our biography, we introduce you to Abdul Fatawu’s parents. Who encouraged and strengthened him to pursue his lifelong dream. Here is a photo of the player with his mother by his side.

Early Childhood and Growing-Up Years:

Abdul Fatawa was born in the city of Tamale in Ghana. The aspiring footballer grew up in a small mud brick house. Since his West African homeland was known for its bubbling market, he permanently joined his mother to sell some produce.

Thankfully, the young lad wasnt the only child in the family. Abdul Fatawa’s brother, who is his senior, was by his side. The two boys made memories for themselves aside from causing chaos with their childhood bliss. Moreso, Abdul and Safiu Isshaku shared a passion for sports and always practised in front of their yard in Tamale.

Abdul Fatawa’s father, Iddrisu Isshaku, played a huge role in nurturing his son’s talent. Despite not being a sportsman, he recognized his potential and supported him in his early years. His act of buying a ball for children to practice with was a gesture of love that deeply resonated with the young footballer.

Abdul Fatawu Family Background:

The right winger came from a hardworking family. Abdul Fatawu’s father might have been a farmer with their household land in their family home in Ghana. Or better yet, he might have been self-employed or working in any organization. Nevertheless, Iddrisu Issahaku gave his children the best he could afford. Ensuring they didn’t lack the basic needs of their life.

On the other hand, Abdul Fatawu’s mother took her goods regularly to sell in the market, with either of her boys tagging along. In that way, Hajia Maria helps support her husband with the day-to-day running of the home.

Abdul Fatawu’s parents instilled in their children a strong work ethic and a drive for success. They ensured their boys never went hungry but also encouraged them to aspire for more. The children, in turn, were determined to build a better career than their parents, a testament to their ambition and potential.

About Abdul Fatawu’s Father:

Iddrisu Issahaku is the one who put in effort to care for his children. However, he is hardly mentioned as he may not be a sportsman like Renato Veiga’s father. Nevertheless, he was a persistent father and did the little he could for his child. So much so that Abdul Fatawu’s dad got him a ball, seeing how interested he was in the game.

Apart from being a present father, Iddrisu was also concerned about his child’s progress. When Abdul was sent to the academy, he constantly checked and inquired about his progress. However, Abdul Fatawu’s father passed on at some point before he saw his child’s dreams come true. However, there is a consolation that he did what a loving parent would do when caring for their child.

About Abdul Fatawu’s Mother:

Hajia Maria, the woman who nurtured and brought her son, is forever grateful for how his life turned out successfully. A petty trader, she was using her little proceeds to care for the children, but she never relented. Thankfully, Abdul is a good son and has since gone on a spree to ensure his mother is cared for.

Recently, during a game, the Leicester player flew his mother and older brother to watch him live in the stadium. It is the same way Victor Boniface made travel arrangements for his grandmother in Bayer Leverkusen. Nonetheless, Abdul Fatawu’s mom has seen her child performing in the field and couldn’t be more proud of his success.

About Abdul Fatawu’s Siblings:

Safiu Isshaku is the only one recorded as the sibling of the 2021 Ghana Player of the Month. However, research hints that Abdul Fatawu’s siblings could be more than one. However, since they are barely mentioned, we will go with the brother who is made public. Safiu, the oldest among the boys, has a flair for football but never reached the professional level.

Nevertheless, despite his younger brother’s fame, they’ve continued being great friends. When Abdul was transporting his mother to watch him play, Safiu was with her in the travel arrangements. This shows that, as the eldest brother, he made the proper directives for them, leaving the family in the absence of their father.

Abdul Fatawu Family Origin:

The Dribbling Maestro comes from Tamale, a western part of Africa. Research shows that Abdul Fatawu’s parents are also natives of the footballer’s hometown in Ghana. The Republic of Ghana lies adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea. To the South is the Atlantic Ocean, and it shares a border with the Ivory Coast. Players like Andre Ayew (LW), Thomas Partey, and Jordan Ayew are notable Ghanaian footballers.

What do we know about Abdul Fatawu’s hometown? Tamale is the capital city of Ghana’s Northern Region in West Africa. At the Central Market, you can find various goods, from colourful fabrics to fresh fruits. You’ll see unique local houses with straw roofs just east of the city. To the west, Mole National Park is a great place to see wildlife like elephants and leopards in their natural habitat.

Ethnicity:

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is part of the Dagomba ethnic group. The Dagomba are the leading ethnic group in the Northern Region of Ghana, especially in Tamale, where Abdul Fatawu comes from. They have a rich culture with unique traditions, music, and history. The Dagomba people speak the Dagbani language and play an pivotal role in the region’s cultural life.

Abdul Fatawu’s Biography – Early Career:

When he was of the right age, Abdul Fatawu’s parents enrolled him in the Tamale Utrecht Academy. Instead of putting him in the formal school, the young lad went where his football skills were put into better training. It prepared the Ghanaian for his road to fame ahead and helped him navigate his early career stages.

The right-winger stayed with the academy for his junior years until 19/20, when he left for the Steadfast FC. The rookie player was already 15 years old and in the second-tier Ghanaian division of League One club. In his debut season, the Rising Star played 13 games and scored eight goals and five assists. However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the league was halted.

When the games resumed in 2021, he went on a loan stint to Dreams FC. In the winter of 2022, Fatawu returned from the transfer to Steadfast FC and two months later left for Sporting CP under 23 squad. His incredible performance in his parent club led to significant recognition. Abdul was included in The Guardian’s ‘Next Generation 2021’ and tagged as the best African prospect of his time, a testament to his growing influence in the football world.

It was a vast leap, leaving the shores of Africa to join the Portuguese club. It shows that Abdul’s budding career was skiing on the broad way and making his marks in football. The primary concern is how he would use this opportunity presented to him. Keep reading.

Road to Fame:

Due to age factors, the African footballer couldn’t be registered with the first team. Thus, he had to train with the B squad. After the end of the 21/22 football year, on the 1st of July 2022, he went to Sporting CP’s main team. Abdul made his arrival with Nuno Mendes (LB) and Gonzalo Plata (RW). However, they left for Paris SG and Real Valladolid with Mathew Nunes (CM) and João Palhinha (DM) while he stayed on the team.

Abdul debuted as a substitute for Francisco Trincão in a victory match against Rio Ave. During this season he played in 13 games and scored two goals. In the 23/24 football year, the right winger made his way to Leicester City for a loan transfer on the 31st of August, 2023. After conquering Liga Portugal, he marked his stride in the Championship with Enzo Maresca (Chelsea’s current manager) helping him settle in.

The former Leicester city manager was very helpful to Fatawu. They both understood what it felt like to move abroad to begin a career in a new country. With the help provided, the Ghanaian sensation quickly settled, making his signing with Harry Winks (DM). At the same time, James Maddison (AM), Timothy Castagne (RB), Youri Tielemans (CM), and Boubakary Soumaré (DM) were among the departures.

The Ghana player of the month’s contract with Leicester City came with a clause of buying Fatawu upon promotion to the Premier League. On the 23rd of April 2024, after scoring his first professional hat trick against their rivals, Southhampton, in a 5-to-nothing score, the clause came into effect. The former relegated team made its way to the EPL, and in May, Fatawu was bought for 17M Euros and was named Leicester City Men’s Young Player of the Season 23/24.

Abdul Fatawu’s Bio – Rise to Fame:

Leicester City activated the clause and a five-year contract with Abdul upon promotion to the EPL. The Ghanaian became part of a Leicester team made up of stars like Oliver Skipp (DM) and Odsonne Edouard (CF). In contrast, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall left for Chelsea and Kelechi Iheanacho departed for Sevilla FC.

Abdul made his Premier League debut on the 19th of August 2024 against Tottenham Hotspur, giving Jamie Vardy a goal assist in a draw game. At the time of writing Abdul Fatawu’s biography, we anticipate that the young right winger will make more jaw-dropping moves on the pitch. What about representing his country’s team?

International Career:

Fatawu has since been a part of Ghana’s national squad 2018 at the under-17 level. At 16, the Leicester City athlete joined the under-20 lineups and joined them for the 2021 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Fatawu helped his team win the competition, clinching the title for a fourth time, and was crowned the Tournament’s best player.

The Right-winger made his first call-up to the senior squad and debuted in the qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations in March 2021. Six months later, in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier, Abdul was among the 28 teams in the competition, making history as the youngest player in the Ghanaian team and the fourth youngest in the Tournament. The rest is history, they said.

Personality:

Who is the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations Best Player in 2021 when he isn’t on the pitch? Firstly, Abdul Fatawu’s zodiac sign is Pisces. As a Pisces man, he is very friendly and enjoys the company of others, like his friends and acquaintances. However, his brother, Safiu Isshaku, seems to be his closest companion. Thus, they are always seen together, enjoying the warmth of brotherhood.

Fatawu also loves to work out. As he didn’t attain the feat of being one of the best right-wingers by sitting around. So, keeping in shape helps him maintain his stamina and strength when needed. Despite his deal with Leicester, the second son of the Fatawu family visits his homeland in his spare time. The Premier League Sensation ensures he never forgets his homeland and hangs out with some celebrities in Ghana when he is around.

So far, in Abdul Fatawu’s biography, his family were struggling during his childhood. This means that many things were luxuries to the young lad. So, as soon as money started flowing, he got rides for himself. The Ghanaian player of the month has a Range Rover and one of the latest Toyota cars in his garage. Moreover, his top-notch wardrobe game could be labelled a fashionista like David Beckham, Paul Pogba, and Memphis Depay.

Untold Facts:

In this segment, we will uncover fascinating details about Abdul Fatawu that make him stand out as a unique talent. His honours in the game have undoubtedly added a flair to his skills. Nonetheless, Let’s dive into what makes him such an exceptional player.

Abdul Fatawu’s Religion:

The Ghanaian-born is a Muslim in his faith. And this is made more concrete by his post about the Eid El Mubarak prayers that he attended with his mother. Moreover, the player is always dressed in the traditional attire of the flowing Thobe (also known as thawb, dishdasha, or kandura). It is a long, loose-fitting robe that covers the body from neck to ankles.

Abdul Fatawu FIFA Profile:

The Leicester City Men’s Young Player of the Season has a high work rate and delivery. FIFA gives him a rating of 75 per cent and the potential to grow to 85 per cent because of his exceptional playing techniques. Abdul, who has similar ratings with Wilson Odobert, is a speedster. Also, a long shot taker and an early crosser whose acceleration, balance, shot power, and sprint speed are among the highest numbers (above 80). Indeed, with his peak career taking off, the Ghanaian is bound to improve his techniques.

End Note:

In the hierarchy of success, individuals are often not alone in their journey. Thus, as we write this biography, we talk about the people on the ladder to right-winger fame in his career. No matter how little or irrelevant their part may be in the grand scheme of things, they are important.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku was born on the 8th of March 2004 to his parents- his father, Iddrisu Issahaku, and his mother, Hajia Maria, in Ghana. Thankfully, the young lad wasnt the only child in the family. Abdul Fatawa’s brother, who is his senior, was by his side. Moreso, Abdul and Safiu Isshaku shared a passion for sports and always practised in front of their yard in Tamale.

The Dribbling Maestro comes from Tamale, a western part of Africa. Research shows that Abdul Fatawu’s parents are also natives of the footballer’s hometown in Ghana. The Republic of Ghana lies adjacent to the Gulf of Guinea. To the South is the Atlantic Ocean, and it shares a border with the Ivory Coast.

Football Journey

When he was of the right age, Abdul Fatawu’s parents enrolled him in the Tamale Utrecht Academy. The right-winger stayed with the academy for his junior years until 19/20, when he left for the Steadfast FC. The rookie player was already 15 years old and in the second-tier Ghanaian division of League One club. In his debut season, the Rising Star played 13 games and scored eight goals and five assists. However, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the league was halted.

It was a vast leap, leaving the shores of Africa to join the Portuguese club. Due to age factors, the African footballer couldn’t be registered with the first team. Thus, he had to train with the B squad. After the end of the 21/22 football year, on the 1st of July 2022, he went to Sporting CP’s leading team. After conquering Liga Portugal, he marked his stride in the Championship with Enzo Maresca (Chelsea’s current manager) helping him settle in.

The Ghana player of the month’s contract with Leicester City had a clause of buying Fatawu upon promotion to the Premier League. Abdul made his Premier League debut on the 19th of August 2024 against Tottenham Hotspur, giving Jamie Vardy a goal assist in a draw game.

Appreciation:

We are heartily grateful that you read Abdul Fatawu’s Biography. It is our utmost pleasure to bring the memory of this African footballer to your delight, our readers. This piece is a part of our right-winger stories, which contains players like Nestory Irankunda and Mohammed Kudus. We are confident you will find them very pleasing to read.