October 19 – As footballing stories go, few are more uplifting. Two years ago, Gambian refugee Ousman Manneh fled his dictator-led country, leaving behind his entire family, to seek asylum in Germany.
A promising player, he joined fifth-tier side Blumenthaler SV’s under-18 set-up before moving up an age group where he netted 15 goals in 11 games.
The big boys quickly sought him out and after trials at St. Pauli, Hamburg, Schalke and Wolfsburg, his life changed dramatically when Werder Bremen signed him in March last year on a three-year contract. Having lived in a local refugee camp, he suddenly had his own apartment.
This season he was promoted to the first-team squad and last weekend, now aged 19, Manneh’s remarkable journey was complete when he scored the winner against Bayer Leverkusen in his fourth top-flight appearance. “I don’t even know what’s happened,” he told the club’s website.
“I don’t know if I really did score a goal or if that was just a dream. It’s an indescribable feeling and I just can’t believe it. I have been so proud to be the first Gambian to play four games, and now I’m proud to be the first one to score!”
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