Alidu Seidu Reveals Harrowing Past: How Football Saved His Life

Ghana international Alidu Seidu has shared a heart-wrenching account of his tumultuous childhood, revealing how he nearly lost his life on the streets of Kumasi after being attacked with a machete.

The 24-year-old defender, who currently plays for French Ligue 1 club Stade Rennais, has spoken publicly about the challenges he faced growing up in Kumasi.

Seidu’s early life was marked by violence, theft, and vandalism. He recalls walking the streets with knives or machetes, committing petty crimes, and facing punishment from his father.

His mother’s tears and his own desperation often led him to run away from home. However, it was during this dark period that Seidu’s uncle intervened, recognizing his nephew’s potential and encouraging him to focus on football.

One fateful incident proved to be a turning point in Seidu’s life. During a street fight, he was struck on the head with a machete, leading to a three-month hospitalization.

“I lost a lot of blood, I couldn’t speak… Everyone thought I was going to die,” he recounted. This harrowing experience put things into perspective for Seidu, and he credits football with saving his life.

Seidu’s journey from the streets of Kumasi to the French Ligue 1 has been nothing short of remarkable.

After joining Ivorian club JMG Abidjan in 2019, he secured a move to Clermont Foot in 2020. His impressive performances earned him a lucrative transfer to Stade Rennais in January 2024, worth €11 million.

Since making his debut for Ghana in June 2022, Seidu has accumulated 15 appearances for the Black Stars, scoring one goal. Unfortunately, his progress has been halted by an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in November 2024.

As he works towards recovery, Seidu’s inspiring story serves as a testament to the transformative power of football and the human spirit.