Abdulai Juma Bah making his debut for Real Valladolid CF
© Ibrahim Conteh on LinkedIn

Sierra Leonean international, Abdulai Juma Bah made headlines over the weekend with his LaLiga debut. 

The 18-year-old who plays for Real Valladolid CF was featured in his side’s home clash with Real Sociedad at the Jose Zorrilla Stadium in the Spanish Municipality of Valladolid. Over 21,000 supporters watched on from the stands as the centre-back from Freetown played his part in a goalless draw. 

Bah described the feeling he had as the best ever. “It was emotional,” he said.

Bah’s Agent Dismisses Injury Fear

Bah’s debut forcibly ended in what looks like an anti-climax. 

The defender was stretched off the field late in the second half after he had a knock. It appeared that the defender was bound to spend some time on the sidelines but his agent said the player is fine and fit for Valladolid’s next clash against Sevilla on Tuesday. 

Bah’s Journey From Freetown to Spain

Bah’s career is fast-moving.  The centre-back’s career started at Freetown Giants Academy, from where he moved to AIK Freetong, a talent-developers club named after the Swedish-based club AIK Sweden.

Before moving to the Swedish side Bah was loaned to Feetonian SLIFA where he became a regular starter and the club’s captain in his second season. He led his team in competing in the Leone Rock Premier League, Sierra Leone’s top football competition.  

In August 2024, AIK Freetong announced that a loan agreement had been reached with the Spanish side Valladolid for a season-long loan move for the defender. The contract also included an option to make the deal permanent next summer. Bah becomes the latest to join a few Sierra Leonean footballers to reach the level of playing in Europe’s top leagues.

Abdulai Juma Bah making his debut for Real Valladolid CF
© Ibrahim Conteh on LinkedIn

Bah’s Determination

“I just want to play football and help my team and my family,” Bah said. 

The Sierra Leonean international’s contributions will certainly be important to Valladolid who have had a poor start to the season. The club is currently one place above the relegation zone and will be looking to improve their position in weeks and months to come. 

The side has only one win in six games, with three defeats and two draws.

Bah, who is basked in the euphoria of top flight football, has some serious work to do to make a mark. Valladolid currently has a defensive problem. The side has a -11 goal difference, the worst in the league.

Abdulai Juma Bah making his debut for Real Valladolid CF
© Ibrahim Conteh on LinkedIn

Bah’s Sierra Leonean Heritage

Bah hails from the fula tribe, one of Sierra Leone’s largest ethnic groups. His father is a baker – a profession in Sierra Leone dominated by the fula. His mother is a trader. Bah recalls juggling football, fetching firewood for the bakery and helping his mom with trading.  

Reaction from Sierra Leoneans

Bah’s LaLiga debut was a proud moment for Sierra Leoneans who have longed to see their compatriots play at top level. Many Sierra Leoneans shared congratulatory messages on social media. 

Ibrahim Conteh, a football administrator, says on Linkedin, Bah’s “success showcases the potential within our football ecosystem and reminds us that we have many more Juma’s in Sierra Leone waiting for their moment.”