Carlos Baleba has been named Brighton & Hove Albion’s Young Player of the Season for 2024–2025, capping a stellar year in which the 21-year-old midfielder emerged as one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents.
Since arriving at the Amex Stadium from Ligue 1 side LOSC Lille in the summer of 2023, Baleba has become an indispensable figure in Fabian Hürzeler’s midfield.
His campaign was highlighted by a string of commanding performances that showcased his range of abilities — from relentless ball-winning to incisive attacking transitions.
Over the course of 35 appearances, the Cameroonian international contributed three goals and two assists, with his match-winning strike against West Ham drawing particular praise.
Yet Baleba’s value to Brighton goes far beyond numbers. His tireless work ethic, positional awareness, and ability to shift the tempo of a match have made him a central figure in Hürzeler’s system.
The German head coach has repeatedly praised Baleba’s rapid development and growing maturity on the pitch, calling him “a cornerstone of Brighton’s future.”
Baleba’s journey to Premier League prominence began at the École des Brasseries du Cameroun, a renowned football academy in Douala.
His talent quickly caught the attention of scouts across Europe, eventually leading to his move to Lille, and subsequently to Brighton.
In just two seasons in England, the midfielder has transitioned from an emerging prospect to a player being closely watched by some of Europe’s top clubs.
Transfer speculation has begun to swirl around the Cameroonian, with both Chelsea and Liverpool reported to be monitoring his situation closely.
Despite the rumours, Brighton remain intent on keeping their midfield dynamo, with club officials viewing him as a foundational piece for their continued ambitions in both domestic and European competitions.
Off the back of his club success, Baleba has also been recognised on the continental stage.
He has been shortlisted for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Young African Player of the Year award, a testament to his impact not only in England but across the wider footballing landscape.
If selected, he would join an elite group of African talents who have used that recognition as a launchpad to global stardom.
Baleba’s rise has sparked optimism in his homeland, where he is seen as a beacon for the next generation of Cameroonian footballers.
With senior national team opportunities likely on the horizon, he is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of football in Cameroon.
The midfielder, however, remains grounded. Those close to him describe a player who is as focused in training as he is during matches, constantly seeking to improve his game.
His drive, forged in the competitive footballing streets of Douala, is matched by a calm composure that belies his age.
As Brighton look ahead to the next campaign, much will rest on the shoulders of Carlos Baleba. But if this season is anything to go by, he is more than ready to take the challenge head-on.
