Abdul Fatawu’s journey has taken a tough turn after a season-ending ACL injury while on international duty with Ghana.
The promising £14 million winger, who was a key figure in Leicester City’s push for safety, finds himself sidelined, watching from the sidelines as his teammates battle relegation.
If not for his injury, Fatawu believes Leicester’s fortunes might have been different.
The Foxes have struggled, losing six consecutive home matches without scoring, and sitting precariously near the bottom of the Premier League table.
When the injury struck in November, Leicester were out of the relegation zone, but things took a nosedive after that, with coach Steve Cooper losing his job shortly after the injury.
Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Impact and Encouragement During Fatawu’s Recovery
Despite the team’s troubles, Fatawu’s relationship with manager Ruud van Nistelrooy has been a silver lining.
The former Manchester United striker, who suffered a career-threatening ACL injury in 2000, has been a source of strength for Fatawu.
Van Nistelrooy’s own recovery story serves as a guiding light for the 21-year-old winger.
“Ruud has been like a father to me,” Fatawu shares. “He has always been there to offer advice, sharing his own experiences with injuries.
He believes this can make me stronger and more focused.
I can’t wait to be back on the field to show him what I can do.”
Fatawu has dedicated himself to his rehabilitation, spending up to six hours a day at the Foxes’ training ground, hopeful that his knee will return stronger than before.
Though it seems unlikely he’ll play this season, Fatawu is optimistic about returning for pre-season training and continuing his development.
Personal Growth and Reflection During Injury
The injury has not only changed Fatawu’s career trajectory but also his perspective on life.
In celebration of his “Coming of Age” birthday, he donated food and water to a Ghanaian orphanage and hosted friends for Iftar, a meal shared with loved ones during Ramadan.
This personal growth off the field has given him a newfound appreciation for his career.
“I’ve realized just how important football is to me,” Fatawu reflects.
“This experience has taught me so much, not just about the game, but about life itself.
I’ve had support from teammates like Ricardo Pereira and James Justin, who’ve also battled back from similar injuries.”
Fatawu’s Dream to Play for Leicester and the Inspiration of Jamie Vardy
Growing up in northern Ghana, Fatawu’s dreams of playing professional football were born on dirt tracks.
Today, he’s living that dream, playing for the same club that he watched win the Premier League title as a 12-year-old.
“I didn’t know who Leicester City were before they won the title,” Fatawu admits.
“But when I heard the name ‘Vardy,’ I started following them. To be at the same club now and playing with Jamie Vardy feels surreal.”
For Fatawu, playing alongside Vardy is a source of pride.
He appreciates Vardy’s energy and leadership on the pitch, knowing that the veteran striker’s presence can lift the entire team.
“He gives you the confidence to do whatever you want on the pitch,” Fatawu says. “If we play together, I feel like I can help him score goals.”
A Bright Future Ahead for Fatawu Regardless of Leicester’s Fate
While the future remains uncertain for Leicester City, Fatawu is determined to return to action.
Whether or not the team manages to avoid relegation, the young winger is focused on the long-term goal: returning to full fitness and playing for the club he’s dreamed of representing.
“I’m not in any pain now, and I can make all the movements with my leg,” Fatawu says with confidence.
“I’ll be ready from day one of pre-season.
I just can’t wait to be back on the pitch, hopefully with Ruud van Nistelrooy still in charge.”
As Leicester navigates a challenging season, Fatawu’s determination to come back stronger offers hope that better days are ahead—for both him and the club.