Applause is rare during an in-house training match, but it broke out at Right to Dream Park on August 20, 2025. A gap in the Superliga schedule allowed FC Nordsjælland to stage a full-squad run-out featuring first-team players and several U19s, and it became a milestone afternoon for 18-year-old striker Souleymane Alio.
Alio’s Remarkable Comeback
About half an hour from the final whistle, Alio entered the game for his first appearance in 18 months. He had been sidelined since a serious injury in February 2024. The forward marked his return by scoring the game’s last goal, timing a run into the box to meet a through ball before driving a shot into the near corner, drawing another round of applause.
Alio’s path to Nordsjælland differs from many of the club’s West African prospects who often come through the Right to Dream academy in Ghana. He grew up in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in a large family and played for a local team, regularly facing future teammate Diallo Sanoussi at youth level. While Sanoussi followed the Right to Dream route, Alio attended a local try-out for an academy from Burkina Faso.
After time at a small academy in Côte d’Ivoire, Alio moved in 2021 to the New Stars academy in Burkina Faso. His father is from Burkina Faso, and although he had few connections there, a teammate from his Ivorian side was also selected, easing the transition. Alio quickly stood out as an exceptional talent.
This remarkable journey of Souleymane Alio illustrates not only his resilience but also the diverse pathways young players can take to reach professional football. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in West Africa and beyond, showcasing the importance of talent, determination, and the right opportunities in shaping a successful football career.
As FC Nordsjælland continues to develop young talents, Alio’s success may pave the way for more players from varied backgrounds to shine on the international stage. The club’s commitment to nurturing talent not only strengthens their squad but also contributes to the growth of football in the region.