The ‘Maldini’ of Nigeria: How Calvin Bassey Became a Baller

On the eve of the new millennium, Ebere Bassey Etim and Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba welcomed a son named Calvin Bassey, who would later become a celebrated footballer. However, after a few years, Ebere and Kingsley struggled to maintain their marriage, leading to a broken home. Calvin’s story is one of resilience, as he and his single mother, along with his three brothers, had to move from Italy to London to start anew. They settled in the tough neighbourhood of Newham, where football became a refuge and a way to escape the temptations of crime.

As a young boy, Calvin Bassey turned to football as a source of comfort amid the difficulties of his parents’ separation. Despite facing multiple rejections from clubs like Leyton Orient and Crystal Palace, which could have easily led to giving up, he persisted against all odds. His story is one of overcoming adversity to reach the heights of European football. This article details how, at just 15, Calvin Bassey caught the eye of Leicester City and has continued to build on his success ever since.

In a nutshell, our article on Calvin Bassey delves deep into more than just his achievements with the Nigerian national team or Fulham. It offers a comprehensive biography that includes details about his childhood, early football experiences, and family life. You’ll learn about his parents—Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba (father) and Ebere Bassey Etim (mother)—as well as his love life, siblings (Elvis, Michael, and Matthew Ughelumba), grandparents, uncles, aunts, and his unique personality and lifestyle.

We also provide insight into Calvin Bassey’s background, including his Italian, English, and Nigerian heritage, the Nigerian state he hails from, and his Southern Nigerian family roots. The article further explores his ethnicity, religion, hometown, and educational journey.

Preamble:

Our aim is to spark your interest in autobiographies with this piece on our story of Calvin Bassey’s history. To kickstart this journey, let’s take a look at a gallery that chronicles his life – from his boyhood days to his rise in football. Indeed, Calvin Bassey has had an incredible journey marked by remarkable achievements and growth.

Yes, it’s well-known that one of Calvin Bassey’s standout attributes as a central defender is his athleticism and strength in one-on-one battles with opposing forwards. Despite the acclaim he’s received, we’ve noticed that many fans are still unfamiliar with his fascinating personal story. So, let’s dive in and explore it.

Calvin Bassey Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, the athlete bears the full name Calvin Chinedu Bassey. Interestingly, his birth name is Calvin Chinedu Ughelumba. The promising talent was born on the eve of the New Millennium, the 31st day of December 1999, in Aosta, Italy, to his mother, Ebere Bassey Etim, and father, Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba.

Bassey arrived in the world as one of the children out of four boys. All children were born into the marital union between their Dad, Kingsley, and Mum, Ebere.

Now, let’s introduce you to one of Calvin Bassey’s Parents, his mother. Meet Calvin Bassey’s mother, Ebere Bassey, the strong woman who made a lot of sacrifices to take proper care of the athlete and his brothers. Also, she is a significant factor in his journey to becoming a successful footballer.

Growing-Up Years:

Calvin Bassey, the Nigerian defender with Italian roots, was born in Aosta, Italy. His early life took a dramatic turn when he was just six years old. During this time, his father unexpectedly left the family, including his mother and his three brothers – Elvis, Michael, and Matthew Ughelumba – in their Italian birthplace.

Subsequently, facing this new reality, his mother demonstrated remarkable resilience. She decided to relocate to the UK with her four sons, seeking a better life. They settled in Newham, one of London’s most challenging neighbourhoods.

Reflecting on those times, Bassey vividly describes Newham as a “War Zone,” highlighting the area’s rough nature. Interestingly, Chuba Akpom and Ezri Konsa, were raised in Newham and had their fair share of rough neighbourhood struggles.

This environment of adversity and resilience profoundly shaped Bassey’s formative years. Growing up in such a demanding urban landscape, he learned to tackle challenges with strength and determination. Consequently, these early life experiences not only honed his character but also laid a solid foundation for his future triumphs in the world of football.

Calvin Bassey’s Early Life:

The young talent’s passion for football ignited on the bustling streets of Newham. In this vibrant neighbourhood, the game transformed from mere interest to a deep-seated passion. Yet, this journey was far from straightforward. His earliest football memories are of playing for Colegrave Primary School.

He encountered numerous obstacles, each one rigorously testing his resolve and honing his skills. Reflecting on his early years, he once said, “In my neighbourhood, you had two paths: join a gang or play football.” He faced a crossroads where a single wrong decision could have led to serious trouble with the law.

However, football instilled in him a sense of discipline. He knew the importance of rest and recovery, ensuring he was home early to prepare for upcoming games. The age of 12 marked a significant turning point in his life when he joined CM Football Academy.

Calvin Bassey Family Background:

Bassey’s story starts in East London, where being close to family was very important. This strong bond with his family helped shape who he is. His mom played a big role in his life, not just looking after him but also being his main source of inspiration and motivation.

His mom saw his interest in football when he was young and encouraged it. This support from his mom was key to Calvin starting his journey in sports. His mom was a big support for him, especially as not much is known about his dad’s job.

Born into a middle-class family, Bassey benefited from a nurturing environment that was pivotal for the realization of his dreams. Calvin is the second son in his family and was born in Italy. He has three brothers, too.

The sportsman and his brothers lived with their mom because of some family issues. In a significant move, they even changed their last name from their dad’s, Ughelumba, to their mom’s, Bassey. This shows how important their mom is in their lives and careers.

Calvin Bassey Family Origin:

Where is Calvin Bassey from? Bassey’s origins trace back to both Italy and Nigeria, giving him dual citizenship. Born in Italy, he holds Italian nationality by birth. However, his roots are firmly planted in Nigeria through his descent, as both of his parents are Nigerian.

This blend of cultures and identities makes Bassey a player with a rich and diverse heritage. The dynamic left-back’s father comes from the Umunnamehi village in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, located in southeastern Nigeria.

Bassey’s ancestral connection to Anambra State adds a unique aspect to his Nigerian heritage. Also, it provides a deep link to the traditions and history of southeastern Nigeria. On the maternal side, Calvin Bassey’s mother, Ebere Bassey Etim, brings another cultural dimension to his background.

The Athlete’s Mum, Ebere Bassey Etim, identifies with the Efik people of the South-South region of Nigeria. Research has it that Efik people are mostly in Cross River in Cross River state of southern Nigeria. The Efik culture, known for its rich traditions and history, contributes significantly to Bassey’s diverse family background. This mix of Italian birth and Nigerian heritage forms a significant part of Calvin Bassey’s identity both on and off the football field.

Calvin Bassey Ethnicity:

Soccer star Calvin Bassey is of Nigerian ethnicity. His familial roots extend to southeastern Nigeria. The athlete’s father hails from Umunnamehi village in Anambra State, and his mother, Ebere Bassey Etim, belongs to the Efik group in Nigeria’s South-South region.

So, Bassey’s ethnic background includes Igbo culture from Anambra and Efik culture from the South-South. He joins the likes of William Troost-Ekong, who has his roots in south-south Nigeria (a Dutch Nigerian who hails from the Akwa Ibom state of Nigeria).

The Brave 2024 AFCON penalty taker, Terem Moffi, is also from South-South Nigeria as he hails from Cross River state. Lastly, Stanley Nwabili is from South-South, precisely Rivers State. Though born in Italy, Bassey’s Nigerian heritage deeply influences his identity.

Calvin Bassey Education:

Calvin Bassey’s educational background isn’t widely publicized in the same detail as his football career. However, it’s common for professional footballers like Bassey to balance their education with their early sports training.

Many young athletes attend regular schools while also participating in football academies or training programs. Bassey, having grown up in London after moving from Italy, likely received his education in the UK.

This would have been alongside his development as a footballer, which eventually led him to join Leicester City’s youth academy. Specific details about the schools he attended or the level of education he achieved are not commonly known, as the focus has been predominantly on his football career.

Career Buildup:

At 12 years old, Calvin Bassey started playing for CM Futsal Football Academy. He was in year eight at school and stayed with the academy until he was 15. For four years, CM Football Academy played a crucial role in his development, guiding him towards his future success.

Bassey and his family clearly recognize the academy and team who supported him. He has often thanked them, showing his appreciation for the help he received in his formative years. Calvin always remembers the support that shaped his early career.

His daily life during this time was a blend of intense training sessions and competitive football matches. This disciplined lifestyle kept him away from neighbourhood distractions. Importantly, his older brother had a key role in keeping him focused, helping Calvin stay on track towards his football goals.

Calvin Bassey Biography – Football Story:

In 2015, Calvin Bassey found himself on the brink of losing sight of his Premier League aspirations. Over three years, he faced rejections from numerous clubs, including Crystal Palace, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leyton Orient, Charlton Athletic (twice), and Barnet.

Despite these setbacks, Bassey remained unwavering in his determination. However, as he approached his final year of school, he began to realize that the dream of playing in the Premier League was slipping further from his grasp.

The one glimmer of hope came through Jermain Defoe, whose nephew Calvin played cage football in Newham, east London. With a renewed sense of resolve, Bassey gave himself one last summer to succeed. He stated, “I’m going all out, and if I don’t secure a club, I’m quitting.”

At just 15 years old, he secured a do-or-die trial opportunity at Leicester City. Bassey vividly recalled the situation, explaining that “Leicester had already rejected 12 or 13 left-backs before me.”

Surprisingly, this turned out to be his big break, allowing him to play freely and ultimately sign with the club. His excitement was palpable as he proudly showed a photograph to his teachers, providing undeniable proof of his incredible journey from rejection to success.

Road to Fame Story:

At 15, Calvin Bassey joined Leicester City after impressing during his trial. Describing this move, Calvin noted, “Joining Leicester was a stroke of perfect timing.” This decision inaugurated his professional career, a journey deeply influenced by his experiences on the streets of Newham.

Bassey’s innate talent began to shine, propelled by his relentless dedication and hard work. He quickly progressed through their youth ranks, playing for both the under-18 and under-23 teams. However, he didn’t make a senior appearance for Leicester.

The Rangers signed him on a free transfer in July during the summer window. In two seasons with Rangers, he played 65 games, helping them win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. Additionally, Bassey was crucial in the Rangers’ run to the 2022 UEFA Europa League Final.

Unfortunately, they lost to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties. His excellent play during the season landed him a spot on the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season for 2021–22. In July 2022, Bassey made a big move to Ajax. This transfer set a record for Rangers, as they received their highest-ever fee for a player.

He became Steven Gerrard’s second major signing of the summer, following Ianis Hagi’s permanent deal. That same year marked another milestone for Bassey. He received a call-up from the Nigeria national team, showcasing his talent in international competitions.

Calvin Bassey Biography – Rise to Fame Story:

On July 28, 2023, Calvin Bassey took a major step in his career by joining Fulham, a Premier League club. He signed a four-year contract, starting a new phase in his professional journey.

This move to Fulham meant stepping up to a higher level, as he became a notable player in the competitive Premier League. Fulham showed their confidence in Bassey by paying a large transfer fee to Ajax. They agreed to €21 million, highlighting his worth and promise as a player.

This investment from Fulham reflects their trust in his talent and the impact they expect him to have on the team. His move to Fulham marked a thrilling new chapter for Bassey. Under Manager Marco Silva, the club made strategic changes.

They sold Aleksandar Mitrovic, which allowed them to sign Belgium’s Timothy Castagne and Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi. Additionally, Bassey now plays with key teammates like Issa Diop (entre-back), Antonee Robinson (left-back), Joao Palhinha (defensive midfield), and Harry Wilson on the right wing.

International Career:

Calvin Bassey, born in Italy, had the choice to play for Italy, Nigeria, or England internationally. In 2021, he decided to represent Nigeria. He accepted their call-up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.

Bassey’s debut for Nigeria was in a goalless match against Ghana on March 25, 2022, during the World Cup qualifiers. By January 2024, Bassey reached a new career highlight. He is playing in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria.

This represents a significant step in his international football career. Bassey isn’t alone in his multi-national eligibility at Fulham. Other Nigerian players like Joe Aribo (CM), Ademola Lookman, and Bright Osayi-Samuel, all London-raised, share similar diverse backgrounds.

In the ongoing AFCON, Bassey praised Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Osimhen is arguably the tournament’s next biggest star, following Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Senegal’s Sadio Mane. Bassey, often referred to as the “Maldini of Nigeria“, is a footballer who has stepped up to solidify the Nigerian defence since after Joseph Yobo’s departure. The rest of our Biography, as they say, is now history.

Love Life:

The talented full-back is currently single and not married. He is focusing on his football career. This situation is common for young athletes, as they often prioritize their professional goals.

Despite being single, Bassey is in a relationship. He has a girlfriend but keeps her identity private. This choice shows his commitment to separating his personal life from his public football career. It highlights his respect for privacy in his off-field life.

Personal Life:

On the soccer field, Calvin Bassey passionately commits to every game, pouring his heart into every play. Yet, once he steps off the pitch, he masterfully keeps his personal life private, illustrating his discipline and the boundaries he’s set for himself.

Off the pitch, Calvin Bassey finds joy in gaming and music. With a constant smile, he shares, “I could easily take over as the DJ, and I’d be confident about it.”

He explains, “My music choices vary with my mood. Sometimes, it’s the party mood with artists like Lil Baby, Gunna, and Young Thug. Other times, I switch to legends like Michael Jackson – he’s incredible! Then, there are moments for Ed Sheeran or Adele. Adele is phenomenal! On the drive-in, you don’t need upbeat tunes in the morning. That’s the time for some Adele and Ed Sheeran.” This range in music preference reveals another layer to Bassey’s personality, showcasing his diverse interests.

The 1999-born player shares the Capricorn Zodiac sign with footballers like Josh Maja (CF), Ilaix Moriba, and Simon Adingra. This sign is often associated with a strong sense of independence, a quality Bassey clearly embodies in both his personal and professional endeavours.

Amidst a rigorous football schedule, the former Rangers player still finds time for personal fitness routines. His unwavering commitment to fitness is apparent in his impressive endurance on the pitch. Observing him during a match, one can see his disciplined approach to fitness through his well-defined physique.

Calvin Bassey Lifestyle:

Italian-born athlete Calvin Bassey places a higher emphasis on privacy rather than public exposure on social media. He chooses to maintain a low profile, avoiding any display of his accomplishments. This choice to not showcase luxuries is a strong reflection of his character, deeply rooted in humility.

Despite reaching great heights in his football career, Bassey maintains a humble lifestyle. Those within his close circle describe him as both humble and intensely focused. This unique blend of qualities distinctly sets him apart in the often extravagant world of sports stardom.

The Fulham star, known for his versatility on the field, is also notable for his subtle presence on social media platforms. Contrary to many high-profile individuals, he doesn’t use his online platforms to flaunt a luxurious lifestyle, such as displaying cars, houses, or gold watches.

Calvin Bassey Family Life:

Every soccer star has a family who cares deeply for them, and Calvin Bassey is no exception. Here, we’re going to share some facts about his parents and siblings. Additionally, we will provide information about Bassey’s other relatives.

Calvin Bassey Father:

The baller’s father, Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba, hails from Anambra State, Nigeria, and lives in Italy. However, Kingsley’s marriage with Ms. Bassey ended in divorce, leading to a custody battle over their children.

Ultimately, Ms. Bassey gained custody and changed the children’s surname from Ughelumba to her maiden name, Bassey. Kingsley Ikenna Ughelumba opened up to Totori News in 2020, right after Calvin signed with Rangers FC.

He recounted the troubles with Calvin’s mother, Ebere Bassey Etim, which resulted in her denying him access to Calvin. Despite Kingsley’s attempts to mend the relationship, he couldn’t reconcile with Ebere, who retained custody of Calvin and his three brothers.

Ikenna explained the situation further: “The conflict started in 2008. The judge encouraged us to settle our issues amicably as a family, but she refused to cooperate. That refusal is why I’ve been estranged from my children.” Calvin himself acknowledges that his father plays no active role in his life.

Calvin Bassey Mother:

Ebere Bassey Etim, Calvin’s mother, is from the Efik group in Nigeria’s South-South region. Calvin deeply credits his mother, Mercy, for instilling in him a strong work ethic. In 2020, upon signing his first contract with the Rangers, he saw a chance to repay her for her unwavering support.

He made this move at the age of 20, after joining Rangers that summer, and before even appearing in a senior match for Leicester. Reflecting on this, Bassey shares, “It’s every kid’s dream to buy a home for their family. So, I moved them out of our old area.”

The defender had promised this to his mother, but she hardly expected it to happen so swiftly, just five months after his signing. “Her reaction was priceless – praying, jumping with joy. I felt immense happiness in giving back to her, acknowledging all the sacrifices she made for us boys.”

This strong connection with his mother led Calvin and his siblings to change their surname from Ughelumba to Bassey, her maiden name. “We stayed with our dad when I was very young,” Calvin recalls. “But from the age of six, it has been just Mom and us. I always knew I wanted my jersey to bear my mom’s name. It’s my way of saying thank you.”

Calvin Bassey Siblings:

This section of our bio reveals more facts about the athletes’ birth brothers. So, without further ado, let’s begin.

Calvin Bassey Brothers:

Interestingly, Calvin is not an only child. His parents had other children besides him, making him one of four brothers. His siblings are named Elvis, Michael, and Matthew. Elvis Bassey, the eldest brother, holds a special place in Calvin’s life.

Bassey often mentions Elvis as a major influence during his childhood. Moreover, Calvin shares a unique bond with another brother, who is known in the music industry. Matthew Bassey, Calvin’s brother, is an English rapper.

He performs under the stage name Y.CB and is part of the gang and UK drill group 7th. This connection adds another layer to the diverse talents within the Bassey family.

Calvin Bassey Relatives:

The dynamic left-back carefully guards his extended family’s privacy. He deeply values these family ties but chooses not to share their details publicly. Although information about his grandparents is scarce, we know they are Nigerian. This Nigerian heritage is a significant part of his life, yet he prefers to keep it out of the public eye.

Untold Facts:

In the final part of Calvin Bassey’s Biography, we’re going to reveal more interesting facts about him. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

Calvin Bassey Salary:

According to Capology, the story of Calvin Bassey’s financial success is quite remarkable. As a Centre-Back, he earns an impressive annual gross salary of £2,340,000.

How Rich is the defensive powerhouse:

The comparison between Calvin Bassey’s earnings and those of an average Nigerian citizen is quite remarkable. Typically, a Nigerian earns about 4,060,000 Naira (approximately 3548.54 Pounds) annually. Now, here’s an interesting fact: it would take an average Nigerian citizen 12 long years to earn what Calvin Bassey makes in just one week with Fulham FC.

Calvin Bassey Religion:

Speaking about religion, Bassey is quite forthcoming. He reveals that attending church is a regular practice for his family. Significantly, his faith in God began to flourish when he was around 16 years old. This time in his life marked a pivotal moment in his spiritual development, highlighting the role of religion both for him and his family.

EndNote:

Calvin Chinedu Bassey, a notable footballer, was born on the eve of the new millennium, the 31st day of December 1999, in Aosta, Italy, to Nigerian parents. After his father left, Calvin’s mother moved to London with him and his three brothers – Elvis, Michael, and Matthew.

This move marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, surrounded by his close-knit family. Bassey holds Italian, Nigerian, and English nationalities, a testament to his diverse background. From an early age, he demonstrated dedication by balancing his education with his budding football career. This blend of academics and sports defined his early years.

Joining Leicester City at 15, Bassey started his football career in their youth system, progressing through Crown Pro Football Academy. His skill and versatility on the field led him to join the Rangers in 2020, a significant step in his professional journey.

After a successful debut season with Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership, Bassey transferred to Ajax in July 2022 for a record fee of around £20 million. His journey continued as he joined Fulham in July 2023 with a transfer deal of €21 million. Calvin’s international football career also took off as he chose to represent Nigeria on the international stage. According to Fulham Boss via CompleteSport, he is a “Very Good Central Defender“.

Appreciation Note:

Thank you for dedicating your time to our comprehensive biography of Calvin Bassey. We truly appreciate your interest in his life story. Our commitment to player fairness is unwavering, especially in sharing stories about African Football Stories.

Part of our extensive collection, Calvin Bassey’s biography focuses on Nigerian football narratives. If you come across any inaccuracies or points that seem off in this detailed account of the footballer with Italian roots, we warmly welcome your feedback.

Please feel free to reach out to us in the comments section, as we are eager to hear your thoughts on this skilled left-footer’s career and the detailed article we have crafted about him. Besides Calvin Bassey’s story, we offer a wide range of captivating Childhood Stories for your reading pleasure.

In particular, the life histories of other notable footballers, such as Gift Orban and Edmond Tapsoba, are waiting to be discovered. We encourage you to delve into these inspiring tales and immerse yourself in the journeys of these exceptional athletes.