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Over the years, Italy have been blessed with some of the finest footballers the game has known, particularly defenders. Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi and Alessandro Nesta are among the names most frequently cited when discussing the position’s all-time greats.
In Aosta, north-northwest of Turin, Calvin Chinedu Bassey was born. While the Nigerian still has a few years of sustained consistency to reach the legendary status of those mentioned above, he has already built a legacy in his own right, carving out a formidable support base both at the Cottage and whenever he takes flight on Eagles’ wings.
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Bassey’s rise from academy football to the English Premier League and the heart of the Super Eagles defence is a story shaped by adaptability and steady growth. Although born in Italy, he was raised in London and came through the Leicester City academy, which he joined at the age of 15. He went on to make regular appearances for the club’s under-18 and under-23 sides.
A lack of senior-team opportunities prompted a decisive step in his career, as he joined Rangers in 2020. It was in Scotland that he announced himself at senior level, combining athleticism, tactical intelligence and a rare ability to operate seamlessly across the defensive line.
Bassey’s first campaign at Ibrox saw Rangers win the Scottish Premiership by a remarkable 25 points – a season in which they did not suffer a single league defeat, and conceded just 13 goals. Their 26 clean sheets is a Scottish record.
Having operated mainly at left-back in his first season, Bassey split his time between there and centre-half in 2021/22, as Rangers embarked on another excellent season. In addition to winning the Scottish Cup, the Gers made it all the way to the UEFA Europa League Final, where they were beaten on penalties by Eintracht Frankfurt.
His performances in Europe, particularly his dominance in one-on-one situations and his composure in possession marked him out as a defender capable of operating at a higher level.
That promise earned him a move to Ajax in the summer of 2022 where he featured prominently across domestic and European competitions. In the 2022–23 season Bassey made 39 appearances for the Dutch giants scoring one goal while being used primarily as a left-sided centre-back though he also filled in at left back when required. The Ajax spell was important tactically as it refined his positional awareness and ball progression under pressure exposing him to a more possession-heavy style of football that demanded composure and decision-making from deep. Although Ajax endured an inconsistent campaign, Bassey’s individual development remained evident and set the stage for his next move.
In July 2023, Bassey joined Fulham, returning to England and stepping into the Premier League, where his impact was immediate. Since his move to Craven Cottage, he has made a combined 80 Premier League appearances (six as a substitute), scoring three goals – including a notable strike away at Manchester United in February 2024 and a decisive effort against Nottingham Forest in February 2025.
The 2024–25 season in particular was a standout as he played 35 of Fulham’s 38 league matches, averaged over three clearances per game, close to five recoveries per match and maintained a low error rate leading to goals. His performances were recognized when he was named Fulham Player of the Season – becoming the first African to win the award.
At international level, Bassey committed to Nigeria in 2022 and has since grown into a reliable figure for the Super Eagles, earning over 35 caps and scoring once, in the 1–1 draw against South Africa during the ill-fated 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
Bassey’s style of play is defined by versatility. A modern, left-footed defender, he combines physical strength with speed and is increasingly comfortable carrying the ball forward to initiate attacks. Defensively, the 25-year-old excels in recovery situations, using his pace to cover wide areas and his strength to dominate duels, while his improved positioning allows him to intercept play rather than simply react.
His Premier League experience has sharpened his decision-making under pressure and enhanced his understanding of game management. These qualities make him particularly valuable heading into AFCON 2025 in Morocco where Nigeria will face opponents with varying tactical identities and physical demands.
And in a tournament often decided by transitions, set pieces, and defensive concentration, Bassey’s ability to switch roles seamlessly gives Nigeria a strategic edge. His contributions to the team’s run to the AFCON final in 2023 if replicated and with the complements of his teammates could take them one step further.
