Saadiq Abdikadir Mohamed
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | January 15, 1996 | ||
| Place of birth | Nakuru, Kenya | ||
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder / Forward | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2015 | Dallas | ||
| College career | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2016–2017 | Saint Louis Billikens | 22 | (5) |
| 2018–2020 | Bradley Braves | 15 | (0) |
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2012 |
Banadir | ||
| 2013–2014 | Leopards | ||
| International career‡ | |||
| Kenya U17 | |||
| 2012 | Somalia U17 | ||
| 2012–2013 | Somalia | 5 | (0) |
|
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 12:57, 18 March 2021 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12:57, 15 January 2019 (UTC) | |||
Saadiq Abdikadir Mohamed (born January 15, 1996) is a Somali footballer.[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]
Early life
Mohamed was born in
Club career
During his time in Somalia, he was targeted along with many others, by terrorist group Al-Shabaab, simply for playing football.[10] After a surprise African youth championship qualification victory over Sudan, Mohamed gave a post-match interview in which he appeared to question Al-Shabaab, and asked for more peace in Somalia - to which he received numerous death threats.[10] Two months before this game, a teammate of his had been killed, having been attacked after staying behind after training for extra practice with Mohamed.
After his interview, Mohamed moved back to Kenya, and signed with Kenyan Premier League side A.F.C. Leopards. While in Kenya, he was arrested several times - all without the police filing charges, to try and elicit bribe money from family members. Because of this, his contract with the Leopards was terminated.[10]
Move to America
Having no club to play for, and no place to safely live without persecution, Mohamed travelled to the United States, where a friend had been granted asylum. His friend helped him compile a highlight reel for potential new clubs, and he jumped around the country trialling with various university sides. While staying in Texas, FC Dallas gave him a chance and he spent some time with their academy. Eventually the Saint Louis University offered him a place on their roster. During his time in America, he stayed with the sister of journalist J.R. Biersmith, who had been documenting Mohamed's struggle as a footballer under the Al-Shabaab regime.[10]
University career
Mohamed had a very successful first year with the Saint Louis Billikens, earning an A-10 All-Rookie team selection, as well as twice earning A-10 Rookie of the Week honours. In his two years at Saint Louis University, Mohamed totalled twenty-two appearances and five goals.[1]
During this time, J.R. Biersmith finished his documentary on Mohamed, titled Men in the Arena, and it was released in 2017.[11] The documentary focused on Mohamed and fellow Somali footballer Sa'ad Hussein, and their struggles with playing football in a country ravaged by civil war.
In February 2018, the Saint Louis University reneged on their promise of a full scholarship for Mohamed, and so he decided to transfer to the Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. He racked up twelve appearances in 2018 for the Braves, but was redshirted during the 2019 season, and only managed to feature in three games in his last season.[2]
He graduated with honours in 2020, having been approved for asylum in the United States the previous year.[2][10]
Career statistics
International
- As of matches played 15 January 2019.[12]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Somalia | 2012 | 2 | 0 |
| 2013 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 5 | 0 | |
References
- ^ a b "Profile". Saint Louis University. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- ^ a b c "Profile". Bradley University. Retrieved 15 January 2019.
- ^ "Saadiq Mohamed - Sports Illustrated article".
- ^ "Saadiq Mohamed - Atlanta Journal-Constitution article".
- ^ "Saadqiq Mohamed - Journal Star article".
- ^ "Saadiq Mohamed - St Louis Dispatch article".
- ^ "Saadiq Mohamed - STLPR article".
- ^ "Saadiq Mohammed's Inspiring Story". fox2now.com.
- ^ "fter A Lifetime As An Outsider, Saadiq Mohammed Found Belonging In Soccer". hayatlife.com.
- ^ a b c d e f Grossman, Hallie (25 June 2019). "From fear to freedom: The soccer journey of Saadiq Mohammed". espn.com. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
- IMDb
- ^ Saadiq Abdikadir Mohamed at National-Football-Teams.com
