The Nigerian star is thriving at Craven Cottage and ranks among the Premier League’s top center-backs this season.
Fulham signed Calvin Bassey from Ajax in July 2023. In his first interview, he expressed his excitement before adding a personal touch: “It’s a London club as well, so it’s always a plus to go home.”
Although born in Aosta, Italy, and representing Nigeria internationally, Bassey grew up in Newham and is now back in the city that shaped him. In just over a year, he has become a cult hero at Fulham—beloved by teammates for his humor and cherished by fans as the defensive rock transforming their backline.
Fulham’s £19 million investment in Bassey now looks like a bargain, but it took time for him to settle and secure a starting spot. His difficult stint at Ajax, where he lasted just one season, stalled his career and dented his confidence. However, Fulham took a chance on him, and under Marco Silva’s guidance, Bassey has rediscovered the form that made him a standout at Rangers.
His growth as a crucial Fulham player can be traced back to his rough outing against Tottenham in October 2023. That night, Bassey struggled, misplacing risky passes and making a costly error that led to a Spurs goal in a 2-0 defeat. Fast forward to last Sunday’s rematch, and the transformation was clear. Bassey outmuscled both Djed Spence and Cristian Romero, sending them tumbling before confidently dribbling past them. His physical dominance and composure showed just how much he has evolved in 20 months.
The Leicester academy product has also made his mark on the big stage. In February 2023, he scored his first goal for Fulham in a dramatic 2-1 win at Old Trafford, ending the club’s long winless streak against Manchester United. A year later, he opened the scoring in an FA Cup last-16 clash at the same venue, celebrating with a dance that cemented his connection with Fulham fans.
His commanding performances have sparked debates among supporters, with some suggesting he is the best center-back in the Premier League outside the traditional Big Six. While players like Nottingham Forest’s Murillo and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi might challenge that claim, Bassey has firmly entered the conversation.
Off the pitch, he’s a prankster and a source of laughter for teammates like Emile Smith Rowe and Nigeria international Alex Iwobi. But on the field, Calvin Bassey has become Fulham’s defensive powerhouse.
Leave a Reply