Ghanaian defender Alidu Seidu has revealed the harrowing ordeal he endured as a child, describing an attack that nearly cost him his life.
The Stade Rennais player, currently sidelined with a serious knee injury, shared his story in an interview with Ouest-France, offering insight into the hardships he has overcome on his journey to professional football.
A childhood marked by trauma
Seidu, 24, had been enjoying a strong start to the season with Rennes before a torn cruciate ligament abruptly halted his progress.
While recovering from such a significant injury is a major challenge for any athlete, the defender says it pales in comparison to what he has survived in his past.
“I’ve experienced worse things in my life than a cruciate ligament injury,” Seidu revealed. “When I was little in Ghana, I nearly died after being struck in the head with a machete. I experienced very difficult times on the street.”
The shocking revelation sheds light on the resilience and determination that have defined his career.
From a childhood of hardship to playing at the highest level in France, Seidu’s journey has been shaped by extraordinary perseverance.
Unbreakable mental strength
Despite enduring such a traumatic experience, Seidu has always maintained a positive outlook, using his past struggles as motivation to push forward.
“It really puts things into perspective. I’m lucky to have become a professional player, to be here,” he said. “I always try to turn the negative into something positive; it’s in my character.”
His ability to overcome adversity has been evident throughout his career.
After moving to France to pursue his football dreams, he established himself as a tough and reliable defender, earning a place in the Ghanaian national team.
A determined road to recovery
Currently in rehabilitation following his knee injury, Seidu is focused on returning to the pitch as soon as possible.
While the road to recovery is long, his history of resilience suggests he will come back stronger than ever.
With such unwavering determination, Alidu Seidu remains an inspiration both on and off the field.
His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome even the most daunting challenges.
