Date of Birth: 22 July 2004
Place of Birth: Bakoteh, The Gambia
Height: 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s): Winger
Current Club: Brighton & Hove Albion
Jersey Number: 17
When it comes to becoming a top footballer in the English top flight, certain qualities must be instilled in you and key lessons you have to learn as you progress because you cannot drift to the top.
This is something Yankuba Minteh understood from an early age, which is what renders his journey so noteworthy. To fully appreciate his rise, we've gone back a few years to explore these 9 biofacts from his childhood in Gambia.
Yankuba Minteh Career Bio Facts From Childhood in Gambia
1. His Early Football Career was at Steve Biko FC in The Gambia
Yankuba Minteh began his football journey in The Gambia, where he honed his skills at Steve Biko FC. Known for producing talented players, Steve Biko FC was the perfect place for Minteh to develop his raw talent.
His rapid growth at the club made him one of the standout players, catching the attention of scouts and agents, and leading to an opportunity that would take him from the local pitches of The Gambia to European football.
2. He Later Joined OB's Youth Academy
In the summer of 2021, Minteh's agent, Bakary Bojang, arranged for him to attend a try-out with the Danish club Odense Boldklub (OB), alongside fellow Gambian Dawda Darboe. Although his initial trial did not go as planned, Minteh was granted a second chance, and this time, he impressed the coaching staff as he lit the pitch on fire.
His perseverance paid off in the summer of 2022 when he was offered a two-year contract with OB. Initially, Minteh joined the club’s U19 team, where he continued to develop his game, eventually earning a first-team contract later that year due to his impressive performances.
3. He Scored the Winning Goal in His Danish Superliga Debut
Yankuba Minteh made an immediate impact when he made his Danish Superliga debut on 10 September 2022. Coming off the bench as a substitute for Franco Tongya, Minteh took just three minutes to find the back of the net, scoring the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory against FC Copenhagen.
The goal didn't just secure three points for OB, it marked Minteh’s arrival on the big stage, showcasing his knack for crucial contributions in high-pressure situations. His debut performance solidified his place in the first team and set the stage for further success.
4. His Exploits at OB Led Him to Newcastle United
Minteh’s standout performances at OB during the 2022–23 season did not go unnoticed, as his name began circulating among top European clubs. On 12 June 2023, Newcastle United, one of the Premier League's top sides, announced that they had secured Minteh’s signature.
The deal was reportedly worth around €7 million, a significant sum that underscored Minteh’s rising stock. Newcastle’s interest highlighted his promise and the impact he had in Denmark, with the club seeing him as a key asset for the future.
5. The Magpies Loaned Him to Dutch Side Feyenoord
Upon his arrival at St James' Park, Minteh was immediately loaned Eredivisie champions Feyenoord for the 2023–24 season, a strategic move aimed at giving the young Gambian regular first-team football. He debuted for Feyenoord on 4 August 2023, in the prestigious Johan Cruyff Shield, further gaining valuable experience in a competitive environment.
His time in the Netherlands proved to be a fruitful one, as he continued to develop his game, scoring his first goal for the club on 3 September 2023, in a dominant 5–1 win against FC Utrecht. His stint at Feyenoord was marked by growth and critical performances that further enhanced his reputation.
6. He is the Second Gambian to Score in the Champions League, After Ebrima Colley
Yankuba Minteh etched his name in Gambian football history on 13 December 2023, when he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a group stage match against Celtic.
Despite Feyenoord’s 2–1 loss, Minteh’s goal was a personal milestone, making him the second Gambian player to score in Europe’s most prestigious club competition, following in the footsteps of Ebrima Colley. This achievement on the European stage placed him among an elite group of Gambian footballers, who have made their mark in international football.
7. Brighton & Hove Albion Came Calling, Giving Him the Chance Newcastle Didn’t
Minteh’s growing reputation attracted the attention of Brighton & Hove Albion, who were quick to make a move for the young talent. On 1 July 2024, Minteh signed a five-year contract with the Premier League side for a reported fee of £30 million.
The move to the Seagulls was seen as a significant step forward in his career, offering him the opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League. Brighton’s interest was a clear indication of their belief in Minteh’s potential, as they provided him with the platform to shine at the highest level of English football, something he had not yet achieved with Newcastle.
8. Yankuba Minteh's Premier League Debut Against Everton was Next to None
Yankuba Minteh made a memorable Premier League debut for Brighton & Hove Albion on 17 August 2024. In a fixture against Everton at Goodison Park, Minteh showcased his skill and composure, providing a crucial assist for Kaoru Mitoma in a 3-0 victory.
His performance was widely praised, as he seamlessly adapted to the pace and intensity of the Premier League. Minteh’s debut was a personal triumph and a clear signal to the rest of the league that he was a player to watch.
His contribution helped Brighton secure a comfortable win, setting a positive tone for his future in English football, with ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher suggesting Newcastle might have made a mistake letting Minteh go.
9. He Represents Gambia Internationally
Yankuba Minteh made his debut for The Gambia on 4 November 2022 in friendlies against DR Congo and Liberia, quickly scoring his first international goal in a 2-2 draw with Congo.
He continued to impress, participating in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and scoring his second goal in a 3-1 win over Seychelles on 8 June 2024, followed by a third in a World Cup qualifier against Gabon. Minteh has become an integral part of Gambia’s national team, playing a crucial role in their international success.
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