Stories and facts
Mohammed Salisu Abdul Karim, born on 17 April 1999, is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Ligue 1 club Monaco and the Ghana national team.
His journey from the streets of Kumasi to the top levels of European football is a remarkable story of talent, perseverance, and determination.
Salisu's football story began in his hometown of Kumasi, where he played for the local youth team, Kumasi Barcelona Babies, before moving to the West African Football Academy in 2013.
After leaving WAFA in 2015 for personal reasons, he spent over a year without a club. However, he caught the attention of the newly established Nsawam branch of the African Talent Football Academy during a trial in 2017. This opportunity led him to join the youth setup at Real Valladolid later that year.
At Valladolid, Salisu quickly made his mark, debuting for the reserves in early 2018. His strong performances earned him a contract extension with the club, and by the end of the 2018–19 season, he was promoted to the senior team.
Salisu’s first professional appearance came in January 2019, and his solid performances in defense helped establish him as a regular starter by the following season.
The 2019–20 season marked a breakthrough for Salisu, as he made his La Liga debut and scored his first professional goal in a 2–0 victory over Eibar.
His impressive displays caught the eye of Premier League club Southampton, who triggered his £10.9 million release clause in August 2020.
Salisu’s arrival in England was met with high expectations, with Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl hailing him as a player with immense potential.
Though his early months at Southampton were hampered by fitness issues, Salisu made a memorable debut in February 2021, starting in a 2–0 FA Cup win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
His first Premier League start came soon after in a 1–1 draw with Chelsea, where he impressed with his defensive capabilities.
As Salisu continued to grow, he became a regular fixture in Southampton’s defense, scoring his first goal for the club in the EFL Cup against Sheffield United in 2021.
In 2023, Salisu took the next step in his career, joining Ligue 1 club Monaco on a five-year contract. His move to France marked a fresh chapter for the young Ghanaian, and the challenges of Ligue 1 will offer him a new stage to showcase his skills.
Salisu’s international career with Ghana has had its ups and downs. Initially called up for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, he withdrew due to injury.
There were rumors of a reluctance to play for the national team, but these were swiftly denied by his family, who affirmed his pride in representing Ghana. After taking some time to focus on his club career, Salisu officially pledged his commitment to the Black Stars in 2022.
He made his debut for the national team in a 3–0 loss to Brazil in September 2022 and scored his first international goal in a 2–0 victory over Switzerland later that year.
Salisu’s international breakthrough came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he started in all three of Ghana’s group matches.
His standout moment came in a thrilling 3–2 win over South Korea, when he scored the opening goal, further cementing his place as a key player for both Ghana and his club.
Salisu's journey is one of persistence and dedication. From his humble beginnings in Kumasi to becoming a key player for Monaco and the Black Stars, he continues to shine as one of Ghana’s most promising footballers.
His story is still unfolding, and his career is one to watch as he continues to achieve great things on the international stage.
Explore the life of Mohammed Salisu below.
