Kego, a footballer whose journey began in the streets of Naples, has carved an inspiring path from street football to securing a professional contract in Spain. His unique style, reminiscent of legends like Ronaldinho and Neymar, earned him admiration and opportunities, including a PUMA contract even before joining a club. Despite facing numerous challenges, Kego's perseverance paid off when he landed a spot at UD Ibarra, a Spanish fifth-tier team managed by Diego Maradona's son.
Kego's football odyssey is nothing short of extraordinary. Born to Colombian parents, he grew up playing football in the bustling streets of Naples, Italy. The cages and alleys became his training grounds, where he honed his skills and developed a flair that would later draw comparisons to football greats. Described by peers as possessing the combined talents of "Ronaldinho and Neymar," Kego's street football prowess caught the eye of many.
"You see guys like Ronaldinho or Neymar, you see them entertaining people," Kego remarked.
His journey took him across 14 countries, where he played street football and trialed at various clubs. Despite lacking a formal club affiliation, PUMA recognized his talent and potential, offering him a contract that underscored his marketability and skill.
Kego's big break came through The Last Stand, an organization known for hosting street football tournaments across England. His performance in these competitions set him apart and eventually led to his professional debut in Spain. However, Kego's path was not without setbacks. Between the ages of 8 and 18, he was part of Crystal Palace's academy, where he was named Academy Player of the Year in 2017. His time there placed him alongside future stars like Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala in England's youth international teams.
Despite these successes, Kego faced a personal crossroads. His father's promising football career in Colombia was cut short by the terror wrought by Pablo Escobar, prompting the family to move to England. Later, his father's decision to quit work to support the family impacted Kego deeply. Coupled with his mother's health issues, Kego temporarily quit football to provide family support.
"That for me just humbled me in a lot of ways. But yeah, it was very difficult, especially at that time because with my mum, there was just too much to handle at that point," Kego explained.
As his mother's health improved, Kego returned to football with renewed vigor. He participated in street tournaments in London just months ago, staying true to his roots.
"You come into the cage or you go into the streets and you bring your own flavour," Kego shared.
Kego's resilience led him to UD Ibarra, managed by Maradona Jr., where he now plays under his son. This unique dynamic adds another layer to Kego's journey.
"Even the other day in training, when I was passing the ball to him and he played it back. His son's passing me the ball!" Kego exclaimed.
Maradona Jr. expressed admiration for Kego's dedication and skill.
"I think what struck me the most was his desire to train, to feel good, to integrate with his team-mates," Maradona Jr stated. "His most important quality is his dribbling, his ability to score goals is very important to us. He struck us for his desire and his intelligence, both on and off the pitch."
Kego's story is one of perseverance and inspiration. Despite facing numerous rejections and challenges throughout his career, he remained undeterred.
"I've never had rejections in my life ever," Kego admitted. "So when I received that news, it did break me. But it had to break me so I can build myself back up again."
Through adversity, Kego found strength in community support and his unwavering passion for the game.
"It was very tough to take as a young man. It can definitely affect a young person that's trying to make it as a pro player. But again, at the end of the day, you need a good community around you," he reflected.
Kego's journey serves as a beacon for aspiring footballers worldwide. His transition from street footballer to professional player underscores the importance of determination and adaptability in achieving one's dreams.
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