Alidu Seidu Reveals How Football Saved Him from a Life of Crime
Ghanaian international Alidu Seidu has opened up about his tumultuous upbringing, sharing how football became his lifeline and steered him away from a path of crime and violence. The 24-year-old defender, who currently plays for Stade Rennais, spoke candidly about his early life during an interview with French media outlet Ouest-France.
Born and raised in Kumasi, Seidu faced numerous challenges growing up. In 2019, he left Ghana to join Ivorian club JMG Abidjan, and he later moved to French side Clermont Foot in 2020 before signing with Stade Rennais in January 2024. However, his journey to success was fraught with difficulties.
Reflecting on his past, Seidu admitted to engaging in illegal activities during his youth. “We walked the streets with knives or machetes; I committed thefts, vandalism, and small-time trafficking,” he confessed. The emotional toll of his actions weighed heavily on him. “My mother was always crying, and sometimes I ran away at night to avoid my father punishing me,” he recalled.
Seidu credits his uncle for intervening and guiding him toward football, which he described as a transformative experience. “Fortunately, my uncle was there and pushed me towards football because he knew I had something. He always supported me, and football saved my life,” he stated.
The defender also recounted a harrowing life-threatening incident where he was attacked with a machete, leading to hospitalization. “I lost a lot of blood; I couldn’t speak, and everyone thought I was going to die. It puts things into perspective,” he shared, highlighting how the experience changed his outlook on life.
Despite facing setbacks, including a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury that has sidelined him from the Ghana national team since November 2024, Seidu remains positive. He has made 15 appearances for the Black Stars since his debut in June 2022, scoring one goal. “I’m still lucky to have become a professional player, to be here. I always try to turn the negative side into something positive; it’s in my character,” he emphasized.
