Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion. Image: Getty Images.
Image: Getty Images
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yankuba Minteh is a refreshing young player that's driven, talented, and grounded.
At just 20, the Gambian winger is carving his place in the Premier League, fuelled by the ethos of African football greats like Sadio Mané, N’Golo Kanté, and Mohamed Salah.
“Sadio Mané has always been my inspiration,” Minteh explains.“His career, the way he carries himself, and how he gives back to his country—it’s incredible. But I also admire N’Golo Kanté and Mohamed Salah. They’re all humble guys who work hard and stay true to themselves.”
Minteh’s admiration for Mané goes beyond football. The Senegalese forward has poured millions into charitable projects, including building a hospital in his hometown. Inspired by this, Minteh aspires to make a similar impact both on and off the pitch.And his football rise has been nothing short of electric.
Since joining Brighton, he’s become a pivotal player, earning a nomination for the PFA Player of the Month in February after helping the Seagulls win three of four Premier League games.
His standout moment was his dominance during a 3-0 victory over Chelsea, where he netted a brace. With five goals and three assists in 22 league appearances, he’s quickly proving his worth.
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion. Credit: Getty Images.
Image: Getty Images
Despite his rise, Minteh remains hungry for growth. “I wouldn’t say my time at Brighton has been perfect,” he admits. “I’m still adapting to the system and learning from experienced players.
The manager trusts me and just asks me to work hard, which is what I’m doing.”Minteh is only the second Gambian to grace the Premier League, following Modou Barrow’s stint at Swansea City. Back home, the league is revered.
“The Premier League is huge in Gambia. If you play there, you’re seen as a legend. Since I joined, Brighton has gained a lot of fans back home,” he says.Though he hasn’t returned to Gambia since signing for Brighton, he’s well aware of his growing fanbase.
“When I was at Feyenoord and visited home, people wore my jersey and asked for photos. I know when I go back now, it’ll be even bigger. But I love it. The fans motivate me.”Minteh left Gambia at just 16 to chase his footballing dreams in Europe.
“It was tough,” he recalls. “Leaving home alone, without my parents, was scary. But I knew I had to be independent. I wanted to make my family and country proud.”
Four years later, he’s done just that. “I’m proud of myself. I changed my family’s life. My parents tell me they’re proud, and that pushes me to work even harder.”Yet, home is never far from his thoughts. “I miss sitting with friends, playing football, going to the beach, being with my family,” he says.
Yankuba Minteh of Brighton & Hove Albion. Credit: Getty Images.
Image: Getty Images
Thankfully, he doesn’t have to miss Gambian food—his mother ensures he gets his favorite dishes at home. “If I eat out, I go for Afra, our street food,” he adds.
At Brighton, he doesn’t claim a single best friend but sees his teammates as brothers. One person stands out, though. “If I had to pick someone close to me, it’s Daniel Niedzkowski.
He’s like an uncle—always looking out for me and making me laugh.”And if he could take one person from Brighton on a dream trip? “Daniel,” Minteh answers without hesitation. “He’s hilarious. I’d take him to Gambia to show him my home.”
From Banjul to Brighton, Minteh’s journey is still unfolding. His talent speaks for itself, but it’s his humility that makes him a star to watch.