Gambian rising star Sulayman Jallow has officially signed for ACF Fiorentina on a three-year permanent contract with an option for a further year from Italian Serie C side Rimini FC, Footy-Africa can exclusively confirm.
He will join the club’s Primevera side for the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Football fairy tale
In a story that reads like a football fairy tale, 18-year-old Gambian talent Sulayman Jallow has completed a dream move to Italian Serie A side ACF Fiorentina, choosing determination and discipline over distraction in a journey that began on the dusty streets of Tallinding.
Born in 2007 in The Gambia, Jallow’s football journey started humbly with Blackpool Football Academy, a grassroots outfit based in Tallinding. He was discovered while playing street football, where his raw talent, speed, and goal-scoring instincts immediately caught the eyes of scouts. His performances earned him a move to Italy, joining Rimini FC in Serie C.
At Rimini, Jallow was placed in the club’s Primavera (U-19) setup, where he quickly made a name for himself as a prolific forward. His hunger for success and ability to deliver in key moments helped him rise through the ranks, scoring regularly and attracting the attention of scouts from top-tier Italian clubs, including Napoli, Bologna and Parma Calcio.
Chasing the dream
His journey, however, wasn’t without its tests. Upon arriving in Italy, Jallow was accompanied by a fellow Gambian player, who eventually decided to step away from football. In what could have easily been a turning point for the worse, Jallow resisted the peer pressure and stayed committed to his dream. That decision has proven to be life-changing.
“Sulayman had always shown great prospects from when he landed in Rimini,” a source close to his development exclusively told Footy-Africa. “What was interesting for us was that he refused to get carried away and stayed humble, modest and focused on getting to the next level.”
That focus paid off. Fiorentina, a club known for developing young talent, moved quickly to secure Jallow’s services. The Florence-based side agreed to a €100,000 transfer fee, plus bonuses, on a three-year permanent contract with an option for a one-year extension.
He will now join Fiorentina’s Primavera team, where he will have the opportunity to train with some of Italy’s most promising young players and under top-tier coaching.
‘I’m ready to fight’
Reacting to the move, Sulayman Jallow expressed delight and his readiness for the challenge ahead.
“I feel this is an amazing moment for me and my family,” the player said in the exclusive comment for Footy-Africa.
“I’m ready to fight for more because I made a promise to my family and my friends and my community that I’m going to play in the Premier League by the great Allah, now I’m ready to work hard to reach the target,” Jallow added.
New chapter begins
Fiorentina’s investment in the young striker signals belief in his potential to break through to the senior squad in the coming years. For Jallow, it’s a massive leap forward — from street football in The Gambia to the doorstep of Serie A.
His story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to one’s dreams. While many young footballers across Africa harbour hopes of making it in Europe, Jallow’s journey reminds us that talent alone isn’t enough — focus, humility, and resilience are equally critical.
As he begins this new chapter in Florence, fans back in The Gambia — and increasingly now across Italy — will be watching closely, hopeful that Sulayman Jallow is just getting started.
