Brighton Midfielder Baleba Aims to Become the World’s Best

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba aims to become the world’s best midfielder.

Since joining the Seagulls from Lille in 2023, Baleba’s profile has quickly grown, garnering attention from top clubs across Europe.

This 21-year-old midfielder was named Brighton’s Young Player of the Season for 2024/25 and is reportedly being watched by teams such as Manchester United and Bayern Munich.

Inside the Amex Stadium, there are expectations that Baleba could be the next big sale for the club, following the significant transfers of players like Moises Caicedo (£115m), Marc Cucurella (£62m), and Joao Pedro (£60m) in recent seasons.

Baleba is currently representing Cameroon at the Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament where he hopes to prove himself as a leading midfielder.

On sharing his long-term goals, Baleba mentioned the players he looks up to as he seeks to excel in his position.

“I watch many highlights. I pay attention to their positioning and scanning. But I try to be my own player,” he stated, referencing idols such as Paul Pogba, Sergio Busquets, Thiago Alcantara, and Kevin De Bruyne.

“It’s my ambition to be the best midfielder in the world. I want to work hard and learn from midfielders everywhere, not just in the Premier League, where I’ve gained a lot of knowledge.”

“I also take lessons from players outside the Premier League, like Vitinha and Joao Neves in Ligue 1. In LaLiga, I learn from Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. I try to learn every day by watching them on YouTube.”