Simon Adingra’s life story is one of resilience and determination, as he recounts the challenges he faced on his path to becoming a professional footballer. Playing in the streets of Ivory Coast as a child, Adingra’s passion for football was ignited by the success stories of role models like Didier Drogba.

At a young age, an acquaintance suggested he join a training center in Abidjan. However, this marked the beginning of a challenging chapter when a supposed coach deceived Adingra and nine other young Ivorians, taking 300 euros from them with promises of a football academy in Benin. The reality was starkly different; there was no academy, no accommodation, and they were left stranded without resources.

Undeterred, the group of youngsters faced two choices: return to Ivory Coast or persevere in the hope of a better opportunity. Choosing the latter, they took odd jobs, including washing plates in restaurants to survive. A chance encounter with a compatriot in Benin led to a turning point. Outraged by their plight, he assisted in finding them a new home and proposed creating a small football academy.

Over time, the academy in Benin flourished, thanks to the dedication of Adingra and his peers. A pivotal moment occurred during a tournament in Accra, Ghana, where Adingra’s outstanding performances caught the attention of recruiters from the ‘Right To Dream’ Academy. This opportunity led to a two-week test at the renowned training center, where he faced initial challenges due to language barriers.

Despite the obstacles, Adingra spent two years at the ‘Right To Dream’ Academy, rubbing shoulders with talented players like Kamaldeen Sulemana (currently with Southampton) and Mohamed Kudus (Ajax, now at West Ham). Adingra’s journey from the deceptive promises in Benin to a professional football career serves as an inspiring tale of triumph over adversity.