BAssidy Sanogo He is 17 years old and many lives already lived behind. The first began in Mali where he was born and raised together with his family, the second when he decided to leave for Europe, just thirteen years old, to make a dream come true: play football and help his family. The third began when the boat Life Support of EmergencyAt his first mission in the Mediterranean, he saved him together with other migrants left like him after crossing three deserts and immediately the tortures of the prison in Libya. It was December 18, 2022. Bassidy landed in Livorno and shortly thereafter, also thanks to a happy collaboration between institutions and voluntary guardians, he was able to embrace the dream of playing football, up to the call in the Fiorentina: In the first he is inside the youth season he scored six goals, playing against older guys.
Bassidy Sanogo is a story that strongly tells the value of solidarity, civil commitment, determination. Also for this Emergency has decided to give Bassudy the Prize
The otheropallone 2025inside the Emergency Festival which will take place in Reggio Emilia from 5 to 7 September. “Ideally this prize also goes to all those who persist in believing that a ball can change the world,” comments the president of the prize, Paolo Maggioni.
Bassidy, in three years her life has been completely revolutionized: how is it?
“I’m fine, really, because I feel that my life is proceeding according to my goals.”
What do you remember of the rescue of the night of December 18, 2022?
«I remember the emotion when we saw the ship, when we understood that we had made it and the face of the people who saved me. And I remember that while I was still on the RHIB – the dinghy with which you approach the boats in difficulty to help – I lost knowledge for a few minutes due to the fuel fumes that I had breathed on the boat in which dozens of people were crammed together with me. Then once on board the Life Support I finally felt safe and for the first time after a long time I met people who took care of me, without asking for anything in return ».
What pushed it to leave?
“I had many problems in the family and poverty also made itself felt, I also thought that if I had managed to get to Europe it would have been easier to realize my dream of playing football in Serie A and thus being able to help my family”.
Before arriving, he passed everything. What image did it remain in mind of her journey?
«When I was in prison I saw people die next to me, people I had met. Both they and some of the people known and disappeared during the journey remained impressed in my mind, I still think of them. I know I could have been in their place ».
What is the relationship with Mali?
«I have a good relationship with Mali, one day I would like to return to my country and maybe play there with the national team. I would really like it a lot, this is also part of my dream ».
What did football represent for her when you were in Mali?
«As early as I was little football for me was a great dream. Now I feel it even more intense, football for passion, dream. But not only. Football helped me a lot, even in education. I can say that some of the things that football taught me, my parents didn’t teach me. I think of the discipline, rules, constancy, commitment and many other things. Football is everything, it’s my life and without this sport today I would be a different person ».
How do you feel today when it takes the field?
“I feel that I have to fight, that I have to give everything and do everything to win, I want to improve.”
How do you remember the first training in Italy?
«I thought the players in Italy were stronger than me, also because I had spent a year without touching the ball. But when I finally put foot on the pitch and started playing, I realized that I could still do many good things with the ball. And this made me happy. Satisfied. Today I know that I can do even better and more ».
Is there any player inspired by?
«Christiano Ronaldo is my idol, not only as a player, but also as a man. He made me understand that with determination, commitment and discipline we can do everything. Not only in football, but also in life ».
What dreams of today?
«My dream is to become a great professional player, make his Serie A debut with the Fiorentina shirt, play in the Champions League, and above all win the Golden Ball. I dream of bringing an Africa Cup to Mali, since so far it has not yet won it, and to give the best for the national team of my country. Obviously all this also to make my family proud and be able to help. “
Source: Vanity Fair
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