The Alphonso factor
Bayern Munich superstar Davies could draw more young Canadians to soccer
On a windy weeknight earlier this week at the George Nelms Park in Manotick, more than 100 children of all ages and colours were working on their soccer skills, dreaming of the big time.
Accordingly, Alphonso Davies was on the tips of tongues, even if he’s half a world away.
Or, more accurately, it was simply “Alphonso,” as the 19-year-old Canadian phenom has already earned himself the single name tribute granted to soccer royalty.
Davies, who grew up in Edmonton, is the first Canadian to win a Champions League title, leading Bayern Munich to a championship game victory over Paris Saint- Germain last week.
He has become the poster boy for Canadian soccer.
And considering where the sports world is these days, amid the racism and police and politics and guns in the U.S., he also presents a compelling and important story as an underdog and a survivor. Davies was born in a refugee camp in Ghana, his parents among the 450,000 Liberians who fled their country due to a civil war.
Add it all up and it’s a script that is ready-made for a movie blockbuster.
“It just shows what the picture of Canada is today,” says Ottawa South United president Bill Michalopulous. “I was impressed that some of the young players here brought it up to me. They said, ‘Coach Bill, did you hear about Alphonso?’ The younger generation is growing up in a different way and it reflects our society and all the opportunities here.”
Davies’ triumph has been somewhat lost here amid the current political and racial turmoil that has also led to protests and the cancellation of NHL and NBA playoff games and regular season MLB games, but he’s already an international star.
Ultimately, Canadian soccer officials believe Davies’ success could lead to a spike in registration numbers.
If Steve Nash’s basketball prowess brought more Canadians to that game a generation ago, Davies could have a similar impact on bringing newcomers to soccer or in allowing current players to consider much bigger possibilities.
“He’s an amazing player because he comes from Canada and you don’t really hear about many players that have gone as far as Alphonso,” says Sofia Cortes-Browne, a 14-year-old goalkeeper whose hopes include representing Canada at the Women’s World Cup one day.
“Just to hear that someone has actually gone that far is cool. And that game they played against Barcelona (an 8-2 win in a quarter-final match) … they completely destroyed them and I thought that was pretty funny, because it’s someone to relate back to Canada.”
Almedin Brkic, an 11-year-old who has had his own share of internet fame when he showcased his skills online as a six-year-old, feels a sense of national pride when Bayern Munich is playing.
“I watch him closely because he’s from our country,” says Almedin. “I look at players and copy their styles. He’s really fast. He’s running all the time.”
How fast? While breaking up a play in a game in June, Davies was clocked going 36.5 kilometres per hour.
That’s appropriate enough. He has been on a fast track for the past several years.
After leaving the refugee camp in Ghana and eventually settling in Edmonton as a five-year-old, his first experience with soccer was in Edmonton’s Free Footie program. It was established for inner-city elementary students who couldn’t afford registration or the price of equipment. Thankfully, such an amazing natural talent didn’t get lost due to cost.
Ultimately, Davies climbed the soccer ladder to join Major League Soccer’s Vancouver Whitecaps, becoming one of the youngest players in MLS history. In 2017, he became the youngest Canadian player to play and score for the national team.
After US$22 million in transfer fees were paid, Davies left for Bayern Munich in 2019.
Then came the championship victory, while still a teenager.
“What’s happening with Alphonso Davies is probably the most inspirational thing that has happened in Canadian soccer in a very long time,” says Michalopulous.
“The culture of soccer is one of equality. It’s not an expensive sport to play. There is tremendous accessibility in Canada and globally.
“It’s a nice alignment with Alphonso’s story. Given his background, he was able to grow inside the Canadian soccer structure, being identified and making it all the way to Bayern Munich and being part of the winning team in the world final.
“It’s a beautiful story for all soccer players.”