Since Nicolas Jackson joined Chelsea on January 30, 2023, fans have been hoping he’ll become the next Didier Drogba. Now that he is captivating the hearts of many Chelsea supporters with his link-up play, it’s time to share his story. This article delves into the complete history of Nicolas Jackson, a boy who, alongside his brother Christian, vowed to elevate their family’s image through football. Their journey was filled with career and personal ups and downs, and ultimately, Nicolas Jackson emerged as the family’s breadwinner.
Nicolas Jackson’s background is rooted in Gambia through his father, but he was born in Senegal to a Senegalese mother. This article explores the journey of a boy who, during his challenging football days, found inspiration in the words of Bob Marley and Muhammad Ali. Their messages fueled his belief that, like a lion, he would never bow to his opponents but rather conquer them.
Our article goes beyond detailing Nicolas Jackson’s career stats; it delves into the untold story of his childhood, his early experiences with football, and the unwavering support from his parents, David and Lynette Jackson. It also explores the brotherly support from Christian Valentim Dama, as well as Jackson’s personal life and lifestyle. Without further ado, let’s dive into the essence of Jackson’s journey.
Following Drogba’s Footsteps: Nicolas Jackson’s Untold Story
Preamble:
A few years ago, if you had told Jackson he would follow in Drogba’s footsteps by playing for Chelsea and scoring like him, Jackson would have replied modestly, “Amen.” In our efforts to share the stories of African football players, we’ve discovered a missing link. The truth is, not many fans, especially Chelsea fans, have read a detailed account of Nicolas Jackson’s biography, which is incredibly exciting. This is why we’ve prepared this article, so without further ado, let’s get started.
Nicolas Jackson Childhood Story:
For starters in his Biography reading, he bears three nicknames – “Nico”, “the Senegalese Drogbao”, and “The Lion”. Nicolas Jackson was born on the 20th day of June 2001 to his Mother, Lynette Jackson and Father, David Jackson, in Banjul, The Gambia.
It is confirmed that the professional footballer from Ziguinchor isn’t the only child of his parents. From what we’ve gathered, Nicolas Jackson, alongside his older brother (Christian Valentim Dama), are among the children born to his Dad and Lovely Mum.
Dear Football fans, it is an absolute honour for us to introduce a woman of extraordinary character and remarkable strength. We talk about a beacon of resilience and the guiding light behind Nicolas Jackson, a footballer Chelsea and Senegalese fans admire a lot.
Nicolas Jackson’s Mum is an embodiment of diligence and fortitude, a woman who instilled in her two sons (Nico and Christian) the virtues of discipline, tenacity, and hard work from a tender age. Credit: Instagram/jackson.nj11.
Growing-Up Years:
Together with his brother, Christian Valentim Dama, Nicolas Jackson was raised in Ziguinchor, Senegal. Although his birthplace reads differently, he has his African roots in Banjul, in the Gambia (the smallest country in Africa’s mainland). While we await the photos of Nicolas Jackson’s early years, that of his brother (Christian) exists in the public domain.
A childhood photo of Christian Valentim Dama, Nicolas Jackson’s Brother (older). Credit: Instagram/christian_balintine_18
Research shows that Nicolas Jackson’s parents welcomed him to the world exactly four months before The Gambia’s presidential election of 2001. We are yet to ascertain whether the fear of post-election violence was why David and Lynette agreed to relocate their family to Senegal. This is similar to the story of Alphonso Davies, whose Biography (we’ve written) is super exciting to read.
Nicolas Jackson Early Years:
In the destiny of some aspiring footballers, fate exists. For others like Jackson, it is a combination of faith and the gift of hard work that has helped him to achieve his goal. Nicolas Jackson had a fun-filled childhood, which came from playing football while he grew up in Ziguinchor.
Like many top African stars, Jackson started with Street football before finding his way into the local team, ASC Tilene. He and his brother, Christian, loved the game so much, and kicking the ball on this local pitch was where all his troubles and problems, etc., disappeared.
Nurturing his early passions began on this local pitch in Ziguinchor, Senegal.
Christian Valentim Dam, his older brother, once testified to the joyful footballing years of their childhood. He revealed that there was nothing more special in the world than the joys they derived from playing soccer on the local Ziguinchor pitch pictured above.
While Jackson graduated from street football and became one of the top players for his local team (ASC Tilene). At the age of 15, his world changed for the better, and he soon realized he was destined to become the Senegalese Drogba. The rest, as we say, will be discussed in the later part of this article.
Nicolas Jackson Family Background:
The most notable fact about Nico’s household is their dual citizenry status. As earlier recalled in our memoir, Nicolas Jackson has Senegalese ancestry, and he was born in Banjul, The Gambia. As revealed by TransferMkt, Nicolas Jackson has two nationalities – Senegal and The Gambia.
Research shows that Nicolas Jackson’s parents weren’t rich but were still able to use their little resources to cater to their family. If you ask the Athlete about the persons he values most in this world, he would definitely point to his Mum. In fact, this bond between Nicolas and his Mum is summed up here.
Today, her son’s success resonates on Stamford Bridge, and Chelsea Football fans bear witness to the fruits of her labour. Image: jackson.nj11.
Family Origins and Ancestry:
Everyone knows his name sounds Canadian or American, but his family roots trace back to Senegal and The Gambia. Nicolas Jackson was born in Banjul, a city founded by the British in 1816. Originally a trading post and a base to suppress the slave trade, Banjul is now the capital and fourth (4th) largest city of The Gambia, renowned for its thriving tourism industry, vibrant markets, and beautiful beaches.
The second place of Nicolas Jackson’s origins is Ziguinchor, the popular chief town of the Casamance area of Senegal. Ziguinchor is often seen as a city of historic importance, and it is Senegal’s second-largest city after Dakar. Founded in the year 1645 by the Portuguese, the city was once a major trade port. Do you know?… Where Jackson grew up, (Ziguinchor) was ceded to the French by Portugal in the year 1888.
Ethnicity:
Nicolas Jackson sees himself as a Senegalese-Gambian simply because of his family history and dual citizenship. The footballer has strong ethnic ties or heritage to both The Gambia and Senegal.
Both the Gambia (his birth country) and Senegal are home to a variety of languages. Hence, Nicolas Jackson is likely to be fluent in any of three local languages: Wolof, Mandinka, and Fula (which is spoken in both The Gambia and Senegal).
Education and Career Buildup:
Like most kids from middle-class homes in Senegal, Nicolas Jackson was able to complete both his preschool and Elementary education. The name of the exact school in Ziguinchor (which he attended) is not yet known. However, we sure know that Jackson was intelligent enough to multitask between football and his studies. Now, let’s dive straight into Nico’s career.
Nicolas Jackson Biography – Early Career Story:
The native of Banjul found his first sporting success in the popular local championship in his Senegal hometown, known as “Navetane”. It was there that Nicolas Jackson achieved his first breakthrough, a feat that saw him earning a transfer to ASC Tilene de Ziguinchor.
With this neighbourhood team, ASC Tilene Ziguinchor, Jackson rose quickly to become the envy of both his teammates and fans. Nicolas Jackson’s talent earned him a top spot on the watchlist of national scouts in Senegal. Casa Sports, Senegal’s biggest club based in Ziguinchor, signed Jackson when he was 15.
Within a year of joining the club, the youngster’s talent exploded, and that forced the club to integrate him into their senior team. At 16, Nicolas Jackson was already instrumental to Casa Sports as his goals helped the club finish mid-table in the Senegal Premier League (the country’s first division).
Journey to Fame:
Following his rise with Casa Sports, it didn’t take long for the youngster to gain International recognition. To the joy of Nicolas Jackson’s Family, he (in November 2018) received a call to join the Senegal Under-20 team. With this team, he was mentored by coach Youssouph Dabo. Jackson was praised by the technician, who described him in the following words;
“Nico is a Rising star with excellent dribbling skills and the ability to put on a show.”
About coach Youssouph Dabo describing him as someone who loves putting up a show, let’s tell you a small story. Back in the day, Nicolas Jackson was nicknamed the Senegalese Neymar by his teammates and friends. In fact, everyone found joy in watching his playmaking skills, dribbling and goal-poaching abilities.
One of the instances where Jackson put on a great show in his early career years came when his team (Casa Sports) faced AS Pikine, one of their biggest rivals. In the match, which took place at the Alassane Djigo stadium, Nico amazed the whole public, and he received the vote for the best player of the day.
That match, played on 16 November 2018, ended in a 1-1 draw. It became a destiny changer as it exposed Jackson to international scouts from Europe. Also, it was the basis for Jackson’s selection to participate in the West African Club Championship (UFOA Cup), which was held in Togo.
Early Years in Europe:
At the end of the 2018/19 season, Nicolas Jackson, to the joy of his entire family, signed with Villarreal. Like many Senegalese footballers before him (the likes of Boulaye Dia, Habib Diallo, etc.), he was seen as very lucky to be recruited by a top European club at the tender age of 18.
Truth be told, Jackson’s arrival at the Andalusian club wasn’t that celebrated. Painfully, it was as if Villarreal didn’t know they had just acquired a rare gem of a footballer. In fact, the Spanish club did not even border to announce on their social media that they had signed Nicolas Jackson. And Nico wasn’t even introduced to Villarreal fans.
Like most young West African footballers who arrived in Europe at the age of 18, there is always the case of moving a little backwards. In Jackson’s case, he (who was already playing senior football in Senegal) was pushed to Villarreal’s academy. After playing for the club’s academy for a season, he then joined their reserve team (Villarreal B) in 2020.
Again, no matter how gifted they are, many young African footballers find themselves struggling upon arrival in Europe. Perfect examples of these footballers (whom we have written their Bio) are; Vincent Aboubakar, Taiwo Awoniyi (CF), Victor Osimhen, etc. Nicolas Jackson also struggled in his early days with the Yellow Submarine.
As a way of helping him grow, Villarreal was forced to send Jackson on loan. This loan transfer to Spain’s second-division team (Mirandes) didn’t go as planned, as Jackson scored just one goal in a total of 16 league appearances. Poor him!!
Nicolas Jackson Biography – Rise to Fame:
Upon his return to Villarreal (from loan), there came this great FEAT. Nico was afraid of disappointing his family and all those who looked up to him in Senegal. With his tail between his two legs (like a scared dog), Jackson decided to act. Thanks to the words of Bob Marley and Muhammed Ali, he had a rethink of his career and quickly began to correct all his wrongdoings on the pitch.
He expected the worst after returning from his loan (where he performed badly). Rather than finding his way to the club’s senior team to play alongside Carlos Bacca or Gerard Moreno, Nicolas Jackson was thrown back into the club’s reserve team (Villarreal B). Jackson stayed humble, and he accepted Unai Emery‘s decision.
The Rise:
In the club’s B team, Nico proved himself by scoring five times and providing seven assists, which allowed his team to gain promotion to the Segunda Division. By doing that, he gained the trust of the Villarreal manager. During the 2021-22 season, Unai Emery felt the need to provide competition for Arnaut Danjuma, so he made Nicolas Jackson the player to compete with the Dutch Striker.
Nico’s much-awaited breakthrough came in the 2021-22 season. It became the season he announced his name to the global stage. In fact, from day one as a senior team player, Jackson began to set the tone that would change his life forever. Watch how Nicolas Jackson’s Life changed with Villarreal B.
Thanks to a sublime form, he joined the likes of Samuel Chukwueze and Yeremi Pino in taking no prisoners. Jackson’s ability to flourish both on the wings, at the centre and forefront of the attack brought about 13 goals and 5 assists in the 2022/2023 season.
Bournemouth’s Disappointment and Chelsea’s Blessing:
Nicolas Jackson has long wished for a transfer to the Premier League. In January 2023, a £22.5 million deal from AFC Bournemouth was accepted by Villarreal. Unfortunately, the transfer didn’t materialize as Jackson failed his medicals because of hamstring issues.
Similar to the case of Juilo Enciso, he vowed to take advantage of a failed early transfer. After his return from injury, Jackson found himself in red-hot form as he scored a total of nine goals in the months of April and May 2023. Before the start of the 2023/2024 football season, some of the big names in Europe began to enquire about his services.
In June 2023, Nicolas Jackson signed for Chelsea FC (TheGuardian Football Report). By signing for the Blues, he became the fifth Senegalese international to wear the Chelsea shirt. Notable names who have worn this shirt include Kalidou Koulibaly (2022/2023), Edouard Mendy (2020-2023), Djilobodji (2015) and Demba Ba (2013-2014).
Nicolas Jackson joined the Blues as part of Todd Boehly’s plan to foster a long-term project which involves raising youngsters. Speaking of youngsters, we talk about the aggregation of huge talents such as Mykhailo Mudryk (CB), Wesley Fofana (CB), Noni Madueke, Italy’s Cesare Casadei (CM), Lewis Hall, etc.
Surely in the future, Blues fans could imagine Jackson having a solid partnership with the likes of Armando Broja, Christopher Nkunku or David Datro Fofana in Chelsea’s attack. And he is likely to be fed by assists from a host of young midfielders like the Great Enzo Fernandes, Austria-born Carney Chukwuemeka and Andrey Santos. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Love Life:
With his rise to fame (which happened at the early stage of his European career), it is most likely that the Banjul native is bound for success at the Bridge. Now, there is this popular saying that behind every successful Senegalese Striker comes a glamorous Girlfriend, Baby Mama or Wife. At this juncture, we asks the ultimate questions;
Does Nicolas Jackson have a Girlfriend or Wife? …
Who is Nicolas Jackson Dating?…
At the time of developing Nicolas Jackson’s Biography (June 2023), there exists no information in the public domain about his Girlfriend, Baby Mama, Child or wife. Certainly, Nico does not intend to toe the line of his fellow Senegalese teammate, Ismaila Sarr, who married early.
Personal Life:
Who is Nicolas Jackson outside Football?
Now, let’s unfold the personality of the Banjul Striker. Image: Instagram/jackson.nj11.
The way Nicolas Jackson describes himself and the persons he seeks motivation from will surely give you insights into his personality.
Jackson is a huge Bob Marley fan. We talk about the Legendary Jamaican Musician and songwriter who died in 1981. Nico draws inspiration from Marley’s words – which have helped him to overcome adversities or difficulties.
In the earlier section of Nicolas Jacksosn’s Biography (a time of his career struggle with Villarreal), he sought these words of Bob Marley, which helped him to develop the mindset to Conquer his opponents. These words say;
I don’t come to bow, ya know. I come to conquer.
Secondly, one thing that Nico Jackson takes from Muhammad Ali is his strong character, quick wit, and refusal to compromise on his beliefs. Here are Nicolas Jackson’s favourite quotes from the Legendary Boxer.
I have a bodyguard who sees without eyes and hears without ears.
He remembers everything with the power of mind and memory.
When He wants to create something, He simply commands it to exist, and it does.
The Mindset of a Lion:
First, what does it mean when Nicolas Jackson refers to himself as a ‘Lion’? We believe it tells much about his self-confidence and belief. After all, we know that the Lion (king of the Jungle) is often associated with courage, bravery, and strength.
Jackson believes as an African footballer playing in England, the above qualities of a Lion are essential for his performance on the field. A perfect example of a footballer who calls himself and behaves like a Lion on the pitch is the Great Francesco Acerbi.
Do you know?… The Italian footballer survived testicular cancer twice and once had one of his testicles removed. Rather than becoming drunk and ending his career, he came back stronger and developed a Lion mentality. Most importantly, his courage helped Inter Milan reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2023.
Nicolas Jackson’s Lifestyle:
Before joining Chelsea Football Club, Capology’s report revealed the Athlete earned a sum of 520,000 euros (annually). This earning (which is Big Money in Senegal) denotes financial prosperity for Nicolas Jackson’s Parents and the rest of his family members. It is clear that the Striker from Ziguinchor is likely to have built a beautiful house in Senegal, one that is equipped with the swimming pool of his choice.
The Lion of Ziguinchor, pictured enjoying the swimming pool at his hometown.
Truth be told, making lots of money does not transcend into a luxurious lifestyle for Nico Jackson. In his social media account, there exists no sign of him living a luxurious lifestyle. We talk about a lifestyle that is noticeable by a handful of cars, high end-fashion, girls, booze (alcoholic beverages), etc. However, one thing is sure. The Black Mamba does not joke with his holidays.
If there is one thing we know Nico likes, it is the love for driving Buggy Cars. Image: Instagram/jackson.nj11
Nicolas Jackson Family Facts:
The hard work of a successful African footballer like Nico, who plies his trade with Chelsea, has significantly impacted the life of his family members back home in Senegal. Now, let’s tell you how this impact could manifest as we discuss Nicolas Jackson’s family. We start with the Lion’s older sibling.
About Nicolas Jackson Brother:
Christian Valentim Dama has the Instagram handle; christian_balintine_18. He lives in Senegal and is very active on football updates, especially those that relate to his little brother, Nicolas Jackson. In the words of Christian’s Instagram Bio;
There is nothing more special in the world than football.
Despite the immense success and wealth Nicolas Jackson has accrued from his career, he remains deeply connected to his family roots in his home village in Senegal. Together with Christian, his big brother, they often find time to visit their roots, where they bond with relatives or extended family members.
Despite his fame, Jackson will forever remain (at heart) a boy from Ziguinchor in Senegal. Indeed, he and Christian are forever rooted and connected to their village and hometown. Credit: IG/jackson.nj11
In the heart of his village, with Big Brother Christian and the rest of his extended family, Nicolas finds a sense of peace. The truth is, visiting his village serves as a reminder of where the footballer comes from, and the journey he has taken to find success.
About Nicolas Jackson’s Father:
It is a confirmed fact that the Athlete’s Dad is either from Senegal or The Gambia. Again, we noticed that Nicolas and his brother, Christian Valentim Dama, have not got pictures of their Dad posted on their Instagram accounts, except for their Mum. We do not know why, but it could be that their Dad does not want his information to be in the public domain.
About Nicolas Jackson’s Mother:
Judging by the date she celebrates her birthday (every 18th of May), Nico’s Mum holds the Taurus astrology sign. To show you how he loves her, here are Jackson’s words to his Mum on the day she celebrated her birthday in 2020. He said;
May God continue to bless you Mum, and we will make you proud by God’s grace.
And may God bless every mother in the whole world.
Christian Valentim Dama (Nicolas Jackson’s Brother) was not left behind in praising their Mum as he too wrote;
Happy birthday Mom. may the good Lord watch over you and the whole family.
we love you so much and we pray for you that the good God leaves you ready for us for as long as possible and continues to pray for us God is Great.
About Nicolas Jackson’s Relatives:
One thing is certain, the very high possibility of Nico building a great football base in Senegal. We talk about a fanbase spearheaded by his brother and his extended family members. At the time of writing, none of Jackson’s relatives have been identified. However, we are sure about seeing them (alongside Christian) throwing their support around their family’s breadwinner at Stamford Bridge.
Untold Facts:
In the final section of Nicolas Jackson’s Biography, we’ll explain facts you might not know about him. Now, without taking any further of your time, let’s get started.
Nicolas Jackson Salary Analysis:
Earning 520,000 euros per year as a footballer with Villarreal means a lot of money when you view it from an African context.
How rich is the Footballer from Banjul?
In the country of Nicolas Jackson’s Family origin (Senegal), the average person in earns around 186,710 francs per month (according to TradingEconomics). Do you know?… Such an average person (in the country) would need to work for 35 years to earn 6,547,820 francs. This was Nico’s weekly wages with Villarreal (before he joined Chelsea FC).
And in the country where Nicolas Jackson’s Parents had him (The Gambia), the average person living there makes around 192,000 GMD per year. Now, such a person would need 14 and 7 months to earn €43,333, which is the amount Nico once earned monthly with Villarreal.
Nicolas Jackson SOFIFA:
Some call him the Upgraded Michy Batshuayi; however, we see Nico as a replica of Didier Drogba. Jackson, as of 2023, has excellent power stats on FIFA (above 70 ratings), and his greatest asset is his finishing (80). We believe Nico would be an interesting buy for FIFA career-mode lovers.
With a stunning finishing rating of 80, Jackson promises to deliver game-changing moments for Chelsea. Picture: SOFIFA.
Nicolas Jackson Religion:
The Professional footballer from Ziguinchor, Senegal, is a devoted Christian. Jackson never forgets to praise God for his career goals and in the events of family celebrations – like his Mum’s birthday. Nicolas Jackson’s Family are part of the Christian minority of Senegal (about 4% to 5% of the country’s population).
EndNote:
Nicolas Jackson’s Parents welcomed him into the world in the smallest country of mainland Africa. This country is known as The Gambia, a country that is bounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline. Together with his big brother, Christian Valentim Dama, he grew up in Ziguinchor, which is located west of Senegal.
Born in Banjul and of Senegalese ancestry, the footballer holds two nationalities. In Nico’s childhood, there was nothing more special in the world than football. Early on, he began to chase his aspiration to become a professional footballer, taking early steps in the local club ASC Tilene.
His performance at Casa Sports earned him a transfer to Villarreal. While there, Nico initially struggled, and then he began to score goals, impressing with his ability to poach inside the box. In the 2022/2023 season, Nicolas Jackson’s family celebrated their breadwinner, earning a stay in the senior team of the Yellow Submarines.
Under the command of Quique Setién and Unai Emery, Nico demonstrated his worth with outstanding performances and goals for Villarreal. In fact, playing in a team that had top talents like Juan Foyth, Pau Torres, Ecuador’s Pervis Estupiñán, and Giovani Lo Celso was truly fulfilling.
Jackson’s performances in the 2022/2023 season caught the eye of major European clubs. Around the end of the season, Villarreal president Fernando Roig Alfonson made a decision on Nicolas Jackson’s future. The Senegalese striker was sold to Chelsea at a time the club witnessed the departure of top talents like Hakim Ziyech and the Legendary Ngolo Kante.
Indeed, Jackson’s career is a reminder to football fans that talent alone is not enough to succeed. Yes, it takes work and, above all, self-sacrifice. At this juncture, we end the story of a Fast Rising Senegalese Footballer who calls himself “The Black Mamba”.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for taking the time to read our version of Nicolas Jackson’s Biography. We care about accuracy and fairness in our mission to deliver Football Stories that relate to the Teranga Lions Players. Nico’s Bio is part of our wider coverage of African Football Stories.
Please let us know (via comment) if you find anything that doesn’t look right in the Chelsea Forward’s Bio. Also, tell us what you think about Jackson, a Baller who is set to make Chelsea a free-scoring Mauricio Pochettino team. Aside from Nicolas Jackson’s Bio, we’ve got other great African Football stories you’ll like. Surely, the life history of Gift Orban and Axel Disasi will excite you.
