Berlin, June 5 (IANS) Senegalese international Bara Sapoko Ndiaye might still feel caught in the middle of a strange journey after an unprecedented upswing at light speed.

The 18-year-old’s story comes close to a from-zero-to-hero fairytale after the midfielder, only six months ago, left the Gambino Stars Africa academy in Gambia to give it a try as an on-loan, relatively unknown player at Bayern Munich.

A rocket-like rise followed, taking the midfielder to four league appearances for the Bavarians, culminating in his promotion to his home country’s national team and the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, reports Xinhua.

While the move to Germany seemed like a leap into the unknown, the young man seized his unexpected opportunity and made the most of it. Strict FIFA rules, which exclude non-EU youngsters from playing for European Amateur and youth sides, somehow catapulted him to the top.

After Bayern coach Vincent Kompany opened the doors to his first professional games, he drew the attention of Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw. May 31st marked a milestone in his breathtaking rise as he slipped into the Senegal shirt in a friendly against the USA. “There is more to come,” he wrote enthusiastically on social media after his first games for the reigning German Champions, unaware of what would follow.

A dreamlike story followed, as he could call himself a 2026 German Champion and German Cup winner. A passing rate of 93.65 percent put him in the limelight in Munich and set a speed record at the Bayern Campus of over 36 kilometres.

Surviving the heated midfield competition at Bayern, Ndiaye impressed with a callous attitude despite his rookie status, surrounded by experienced stars such as Harry Kane, Michael Olise, and Joshua Kimmich.

Now, media reports say Bayern is working on a five-year contract through 2031. It is worth remembering the comments of Bayern’s sports board member, Max Eberl, who only six months ago spoke about the youngster having to get familiar with European football.

Like most Bayern officials, Eberl is currently on fire when it comes to Ndiaye’s development. He spoke about a unique story.

Having worked his way up, the midfielder became a candidate for his national team’s starting eleven despite a challenging World Cup group that includes 2018 World Cup champion France, Norway, and Iraq.

Meanwhile, Bayern is praising Ndiaye as part of the club’s blossoming youngsters making their way in the wake of Lennart Karl and Tom Bischof.

–IANS

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