From Church Drummer to Football Star: Marc Guehi’s Untold Story

During his childhood, Marc Guehi’s first love wasn’t football but playing the drums at his family church. The English professional footballer comes from a devoutly religious household, with his father playing a significant role in church activities as a pastor. Marc’s father began his ministry in Côte d’Ivoire, where Marc was born and spent the first year of his life. After his first birthday, the family moved to England.

In his new environment, Marc, who never missed Sunday church services as the church drummer, discovered a new passion: football. He dreamed of emulating his one and only idol, John Terry. This newfound love for the beautiful game led him to enroll at Cray Wanderers and later at Chelsea’s academy, where he started following in the footsteps of his hero, John Terry.

From Church Drummer to Football Star: Marc Guehi's Untold Story

From Church Drummer to Football Star: Marc Guehi’s Untold Story

Our Marc Guehi Biography tells you Facts about his Childhood Story, Early Life, Parents (a Pastor Dad), Family Background, Sibling (a sister), Girlfriend/Wife to be, Lifestyle, Personal Life and Net Worth, etc.

In a nutshell, we portray the History of a fast-rising Defender, a man who knows what it means to Come back Strong after Chelsea’s Rejection.

Marc Guehi Story begins from his boyhood days at Abidjan (Ivory Coast) right until when he became successful.

To whet your autobiography appetite on the engaging nature of his Football Bio, we’ve deemed it fit to portray his Early Life and Rise Gallery. Behold a summary of Marc Guehi’s Life Journey.

Marc Guehi Biography - Behold his Early Life and Success Story.

Marc Guehi Biography – Behold his Early Life and Success Story.

Yes, we all know Strength and man-marking ability make Marc Guehi “a force of nature”.

The defender is like Antonio Rudiger, a man who possesses a strong mentality and the ability to leave no prisoners. Despite the accolades surrounding the Ivorian-born English Defender, we notice that only a few have read a concise piece of Marc Guehi’s Biography. We’ve prepared it for you. Now, without further ado, let’s begin.

Marc Guehi Childhood Story:

For Biography starters, he bears the full name – Addji Keaninkin Marc-Israel Guéhi. Marc Guehi was born on the 13th day of July 2000 in the city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

In case you are not aware, Guéhi’s birth city – Abidjan – in Côte d’Ivoire is the same city Wilfried Zaha and Didier Drogba were born.

The south-east London footballer is one out of four children born to the marital union between his parents.

Growing Up Story:

Guehi spent the first 12 months of his childhood life in Côte d’Ivoire. After his first birthday, his parents agreed to leave Côte d’Ivoire for England.

Marc Guehi’s Mum and Dad sought a new life – far away from Africa. They got a visa to the United Kingdom.

When Marc Guehi’s family arrived, they settled in the London Borough of Lewisham, where he spent the rest of his childhood.

As a little London boy, Marc Guehi’s first love wasn’t football. The boy enjoyed playing local drums in his family’s church.

As a Church Drummer, he never joked with Sunday mornings (church hours). Those were his busiest and most happy moments.

Marc Guehi Family Background:

The England footballer hails from a strongly religious household – with his parents highly involved in church duties.

According to The Athletic, Marc Guehi’s father is a Pastor. The man once operated a local church – in the city of Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

Back then (as of 2000), both of Marc Guehi’s parents who just got married – agreed not to raise their children in the Ivory Coast. instead, they sought a new life – far away from West Africa.

To be a pastor’s child in any African country must be very scary. First, there is this burden of your family on you. Then, there is also a society’s burden – which ensures you must not be wayward.

For Guehi’s Dad – being the Pastor of his local church means guarding his children’s faith.

Even while living in London, Marc Guehi’s parents maintained that he, alongside his siblings, must focus on two things. The first of them is religion, and the second is having a sound education.

Again, regarding his family background, the England footballer is not from a rich home. We got to know this after he spoke with The athletic media company. In his words;

I never had amazing luxuries while growing up.

Now, I looked at what I have become as a blessing.

My parents and people around me ensure I kept my feet on the ground, and I’m thankful for that.

Marc Guehi Family Origin:

Many fans are aware he has English Nationality because of his involvement with England’s youth – where he has won big.

In an actual sense, Marc Guehi’s family have their roots in Abidjan, the economic capital of the Ivory Coast. He is one of the Akan, Voltaic or Northern Mande Abidjan ethnicity.

This is Abidjan, where Marc Guehi's family comes from.

This is Abidjan, where Marc Guehi’s family comes from.

Ivory Coast is the African home of Amad Diallo and other legendary stars. They include the likes of Salomon Kalou (ex-Chelsea star), Yaya Toure (ex-man city legend), Eric Bailly (Man United), Serge Aurier (Spurs), Franck Kessié (AC Milan) and Nicolas Pépé (Arsenal).

Marc Guehi Education and Career Buildup:

Early on, all the boy wanted was to attend a football school. This ambition went against the position held by his Mum and Dad. As Pastors/Minister of their local church, Marc Guehi’s parents maintained their stands, which are;

100% religion, 100% education, and 0% football.

The truth is, going to school and focusing on his religion were the priority at his home.

Marc Guehi’s parents never wanted him to focus on football. Rather, they advise he gets fully educated – even up to his Masters and Doctoral level.

Similar to our story on Ademola Lookman, Marc deceived his parents under the pretence – that he would follow their educational wish. Away from schooling, Marc enjoyed his football with Bromley-based Cray Wanderers.

The youngster started receiving football education classes – at six. And luckily, Marc Guehi’s first-ever coach was a Chelsea scout.

Early on, it was fairly easy (a 12-minute drive) for Guehi to shuttle between his family home in Lewisham to Bromley – where he played football.

Also, he found it quite easy to combine football with schooling – which he did all in the name of satisfying his parents.

The place he played football was relatively close to his family home.

The place he played football was relatively close to his family home.

Marc Guehi Biography – Football Story:

Education was in front of the queue, but soccer made its way as the boy got older. Do you remember his coach – that Chelsea scout?… He was the one who took Marc Guehi to Chelsea – to make him have trials with the club.

He noticed the boy was very good at defending. Owing to Chelsea Football Club’s prestige, it was truly difficult for Marc Guehi’s parents to say NO. Their boy joined the Blues academy at seven.

Life at Chelsea Academy:

Guehi grew up in Chelsea Academy alongside his best friends – Rhian Brewster and Conor Gallagher. All boys – nicknamed The Trios – were among the lucky stars who got selected – after passing Blues trials.

This is Guehi - moments after he joined Chelsea academy. Wait a minute... Have you noticed Brewster?

This is Guehi – moments after he joined Chelsea academy. Wait a minute… Have you noticed Brewster?

At first, it was hard for Marc Guehi’s parents to accept the fact – that their son (pictured above) would dedicate his entire childhood to football rather than what they had earlier wanted.

About the help he got from Chelsea in settling the mind of his parents, Guehi told the Athletic Media;

I remember staff from Chelsea academy coming to my house to reassure my parents that everything would be okay.

That following this passion would be enjoyable for me.

Among all these amazing Chelsea schoolboys from 2008, about nine of them became professional footballers. Wait a minute… Have you noticed Reece James in the picture?

Marc Guehi Biography – Road to Fame Story:

Until the age of 15, it wasn’t clear if the youngster would make a living out of football.

However, things began changing at the time Marc, alongside his best friends (Rhian Brewster and Conor Gallagher), won the treble.

That victory pleased the club, which then blessed Guehi with his first professional contract – in September 2017. From that moment, all that Marc dreamt of – was to emulate John Terry – his one and only idol.

After the contract signing, things got even better for the youngster. Guehi’s Chelsea academy set did wonders as they scooped the quadruple–including the FA Youth Cup and Premier League 2–all in the same season.

Marc Guéhi and his teammates celebrate their victory.

Marc Guéhi and his teammates celebrate their victory.

This set of Chelsea boys didn’t just reinforce the club’s image. In fact, they became one of the fiercest youth sides in the whole of England.

Only the likes of Arsenal’s Fabio Vieira’s FC Porto youth side could beat them at the European level (during the battle for the 2018–19 UEFA Youth League).

Maybe you never knew that Chelsea set never lacked in all positions. They had big stars like Reece James (right back), Tariq Lamptey (right back), Billy Gilmour (midfield), and Callum Hudson-Odoi (winger).

Marc Guehi Biography – Success Story:

For those who may not know, Guehi’s success extends beyond the club level. He has also achieved two national honors: a UEFA Championship trophy and FIFA World Cup.

Behold the FIFA U-17 World Cup Champions.

Behold the FIFA U-17 World Cup Champions.

Recognized as a genuine leader, Guéhi captained a Young England team to their U17 European Championship finals. He also scored in the World Cup final – which came just months later.

Have you noticed the picture below?… Most footballers who represented England came from the same Chelsea squad that made the country proud – at the club level. We talk about the likes of Conor Gallagher, Callum Hudson-Odio, etc. Other notable names are Phil Foden, Morgan Gibbs-White, Jadon Sancho, etc.

Marc Guehi's parents must be proud to see their son living the dreams he convinced them about.

Marc Guehi’s parents must be proud to see their son living the dreams he convinced them about.

Life with Chelsea’s Big Boys:

After making his country proud on the international stage, Marc Guehi returned to Chelsea – hoping to get a first-team opportunity.

The departure of Maurizio Sarri and the arrival of Frank Lampard brought new hope for Chelsea’s young players.

With the benching of Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta from the Chelsea first selection, Frank Lampard focused more on his youngsters. The likes of Fikayo Tomori and Reece James got their chance. A star like Nathan Ake was a surplus.

Guehi was given a chance to pair with Kurt Zouma – which went well. He was among the defenders who nearly caused Jesse Lingard to go into extinction – while in active service. All thanks to his impressive tackles.

This is Marc Guehi, handling Jesse Lingard.

This is Marc Guehi, handling Jesse Lingard.

Swansea Success:

Truth be told, the fierce competition between Chelsea’s senior defenders resulted in a lack of proper game time for Marc Guehi. Like many other brave youngsters, he moved on – via loan.

On January 10, 2020, six months into Lampard’s tenure as Chelsea manager, Guéhi joined Steve Cooper’s Swansea City. In a surprising move for fans, the Welsh club simultaneously recruited three players: Gallagher, Brewster, and Guéhi, dubbed the Three Musketeers.

About the identity of his friends – while at Swansea, Guehi said,

I’m always the mature and responsible one.

Conor Gallagher is the silent assassin.

Rhian Brewster is the reckless one — who loves to get all over the place. He sometimes calls me – “my Dad”.

While in Wales, Guéhi fought to secure his place – in just half a season. Fans label him as – the most focused and reliable defender. In fact, there is a coolness and assurance about his gameplay.

Having returned from the COVID-19 pause, the Baller started well in the next season. In that 2020–21 season, Guehi became an ever-present figure in defence.

One day, he gained national recognition after using his powers to bully Raheem Sterling during an FA Cup clash.

Raheem Sterling ran through on goal until he met Guehi, who bullied him in a WWE style.

Raheem Sterling ran through on goal until he met Guehi, who bullied him in a WWE style.

In that match, everyone noticed Marc Guéhi’s leadership traits. The Power Defender took no prisoners that day as he bullied Raheem Sterling – ruthlessly. Watch the video below;

Because of that match and his other performances, Guéhi was recognized as one of the EPL’s brightest talents.

He helped Swansea climb further up the table – with a fourth-place EFL finish and a whooping 17 clean sheets to his name.

Crystal Palace Raid:

Following the end of the 2020/2021 EFL season, Guéhi could feel his destiny calling him in the Premier League. On the 18th day of July 2021, the News – Crystal Palace sign Marc Guehi on a five-year deal, filled the ears of every Chelsea fan.

The Baller became the first recruits of Patrick Vieira’s managerial tenure with the Eagles. Behold the moment when the Rising Defender joined the Premier League.

By putting pen on paper, Marc Guéhi became Crystal Palace’s most expensive signing – only behind Mamadou Sakho and Christian Benteke. Since joining the club, lots of football fans have asked;

Did Chelsea make a mistake?…

Verily I say, football fans are just about to see another version of Dayot Upamecano (the French superstar) powering his way into becoming a contender for the Best Defender of his Generation.

Don’t forget, Guehi is only 21 (at the time of writing his Bio). The origin of his success today is a legacy of the hours spent practising indoors at Chelsea’s Cobham.

At the time of creating Marc Guehi Biography, all the boy wanted is to get as many games under his belt, gain experience, and win (the key thing). The rest, as we say, is now history.

Who is Marc Guehi Dating?… Girlfriend, Wife, Child?

Being able to find love and still be a successful footballer is the best feeling ever. Without question, Marc Guehi is handsome.

His cuteness surely attracts ladies who would do anything to become his girlfriend, wife, or mother of his children (Baby Mama).

Who is Marc Guehi dating?

Who is Marc Guehi dating?

At the time of writing Marc Guehi Biography (10th of August 2021), he is yet to make his relationship public. Just maybe, his parents must have advised him to remain single – at least for now.

Personal Life:

Away from football, who is Marc Guehi? This section of our Bio will help you understand him better.

First thing first, Marc Guehi is so mature for his age. Because of his maturity, you can easily forget that he is only 21 years old – At the time of writing his Life story.

Interestingly, the England and Ivorian defender believes in Santa Claus and even enjoys dressing up as him. Christmas is never dull with Guehi, who plays Santa Claus at his father’s church.

Second, he loves a special workout – using the spinning bike under the sun. This gives Marc’s body a Vitamin D Dose.

Marc Guehi Lifestyle:

First, he is NOT isn’t the type who gets excessively proud. Neither is Guehi someone who uses his social media to deliver self-satisfied talks on how rich football has made him become.

Marc Guehi Lifestyle - He is an antidote to expensive living.

Marc Guehi Lifestyle – He is an antidote to expensive living.

The boy avoids glossy magazines – and he is an antidote to showing exotic cars, big houses, etc.

Marc Guehi Family Facts:

They encourage him and also believe in him. This is something that gives Marc Guehi the power to defeat dragons. In this section, we’ll throw more light on his parents and family members.

About Marc Guehi Father:

First, he celebrates his birthdate every 28th of October. Pastor Addji Keaninkin Guehi is a minister in charge of a Christian church. He started his congregation way back in Abidjan, the capital city of Côte d’Ivoire.

Marc Guehi Mother:

Like her husband, Mrs Addji Keaninkin is also a Church Minister. Guehi’s Mother also began doing congregational duties – way back in Abidjan, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire. She is super proud of what her son has achieved in football.

Marc Guehi Siblings:

In an interview, he once revealed something about his sister to The Athletic Media Company. This was then Guehi discussed scoring in the finals of the FIFA U-17 World Cup. In his words;

My sister called me the day before the finals. She told me I would score.

Well, the prophecy made by Marc Guehi’s sister came to pass. In that FIFA U-17 World Cup final, he scored a goal. Luckily for Marc Guehi’s family, that day was his Dad’s birthday. By implication, it means DESTINY!

Marc Guehi Untold Facts:

In this biography, we will use this section to tell more truths about the Crystal Palace Defender. Without further ado, let’s begin.

Marc Guehi Salary Breakdown:

His salary, when he left Swansea, was around €24K. Now at Crystal Palace, the Power defender earns approximately 30,000 pounds per week.

Marc Guehi Profile:

As observed above, the youngster, just like Radu Dragusin, excels greatly in power, movement, mentality, and defending. Just may be, Guehi could have been the perfect person to replace Thiago Silva if he was still a Chelsea player.

Marc Guehi Religion:

The Christian way of life is just as important to him as it was back then – in his childhood.

Marc Guehi has grown up loving God, and when the Footballer has had the chance, he still goes to church with my family. The Christian faith remains a big part of his family and his life.

EndNote:

Chelsea’s academy produces Wonderkids, most of who then become prosperous elsewhere. The likes of Fikayo Tomori, Marc Guehi, and Tammy Abraham are typical examples.

Despite the many talents coming out of their academy, people still wonder why the Blues are still opting to sell them and then go after international stars like Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde.

As a child, he got heavily involved in his family’s Christian faith. Hence, it was more about being a church boy and following religious doctrines brought to him by his Mum and Dad. Football was never in the equation, as Marc Guehi’s parents preferred education.

Today, the Defender remains a role model, first in his religious faith (what he learned from his parents). Second, in football.

Indeed, God’s graciousness and glory have followed Marc Guehi throughout his life.

Appreciation Note:

Esteemed fans, we appreciate you – for taking the time to read our Biography Stories about Footballers from the United Kingdom. Have you read the Life History of Marcelo Bielsa and Xabi Alonso?

Kindly alert us if you find something that doesn’t look right in this memoir. Would you rather provide a comment on your perception of Guehi?

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