Yankuba Minteh: The Gambia’s Most Expensive Player
Yankuba Minteh is a rising star in the world of football and hails from the small West African nation of Gambia. He is part of the talented players such as Amad Diallo, Asisat Oshoala, Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface and Franck Kessi showcasing Africa’s immense talent on the global stage.
His journey from the streets of Banjul to the prestigious stages of European football is a testament to his resilience and extraordinary abilities. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we explore the life and career of Yankuba Minteh.
Player Profile – Yankuba Minteh
Yankuba Minteh is a winger for The Gambia and Brighton & Hive Albion and is only the second Gambian to score in the UEFA Champions League.
He began his career with Steve Biko FC in The Gambia before moving to OB in Denmark, where he quickly progressed from the U19 team to the first team, making a notable debut in the Danish Superliga.
In June 2023, he was transferred to Newcastle United but loaned to Feyenoord for the 2023–24 season, where he made an impressive impact, scoring in the Johan Cruyff Shield and the UEFA Champions League, and notably contributing to a historic 6–0 win over Ajax.
On 1 July 2024, Minteh joined Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League for a reported £30 million. Internationally, Yankuba Minteh has represented The Gambia since 2022, scoring in friendlies, the 2023 AFCON, and the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.
Player Profile Overview
| Player Name | Yankuba Minteh |
| Date of Birth | 22 July 2004 |
| Place of Birth | Bakoteh, The Gambia |
| Height | 1.80 m |
| Weight | 140 pounds |
| Nationality | Gambian |
| Current Club | Brighton and Hove Albion |
| Position | Winger |
| Preferred Foot | Left |
| Youth Career | Steve Biko FC Odense Boldklub |
| Senior Career | Odense Boldklub Newcastle United Feyenoord Brighton & Hove Albion |
Yankuba Minteh’s Early Life and Background
Yankuba Minteh was born on 13 March 2002 in Banjul, The Gambia. He began his football journey at Steve Biko FC, a club based in his home country.
His potential was evident from a young age, Minteh’s performances at Steve Biko FC caught the attention of scouts, leading to an opportunity to trial with Danish club OB.
Despite a challenging start, Minteh impressed during a second try-out, securing a two-year contract with OB in the summer of 2022.
His early career was marked by rapid progression and notable achievements, including his debut in the Danish Superliga where he scored a decisive goal on his debut.
Yankuba Minteh’s Playing Style and Strength
Yankuba Minteh is a dynamic and versatile winger renowned for his explosive pace and technical prowess. His playing style is characterized by his ability to swiftly navigate down the flanks, using his acceleration and agility to outpace defenders and create scoring opportunities.
Minteh’s dribbling skills are exceptional, allowing him to manoeuvre through tight spaces and deliver precise crosses or cut inside to take on goal. The Gambian although left-footed, plays on the right as an inverted winger like Mo Salah.
His vision and creativity enable him to link up effectively with teammates, while his sharp decision-making in the final third makes him a constant threat to opposing defences.
With a keen eye for goal and a willingness to track back defensively, Minteh combines flair with a solid work ethic, making him a well-rounded and impactful player.
Yankuba Minteh’s Career Highlights
Yankuba Minteh joined OB Odense in early 2022, making the leap from Gambian football to European football. His signing was part of OB’s strategy to invest in young talent.
He made his debut for the first team in the Danish Superliga during the 2022-2023 season. After securing a spot with the U19 team in the summer of 2022, he quickly earned a place in the first team.
Yankuba Minteh’s Superliga debut on 10 September 2022 was a memorable one, as he scored the winning goal in a 2–1 victory against Copenhagen, making an instant impact just minutes after coming on.
His performances quickly caught the eye due to his speed, dribbling skills, and ability to impact games from the wing. Yankuba Minteh had several standout performances with OB Odense, where he displayed his potential as a winger.
The Gambian became known for his ability to take on defenders, his creativity in the final third, and his contributions in terms of assists and goals. Although Minteh was still developing as a player, his time at OB Odense was crucial for his growth and development in European football.
Yankuba Minteh’s Move to England
His performances led to interest from bigger clubs and set the stage for the next steps in his career. Yankuba Minteh’s transfer to Newcastle United in June 2023 marked a significant step in his career, with the club securing his services for a reported fee of around €7 million.
To aid his development, Newcastle immediately loaned him out to Feyenoord, the reigning Eredivisie champions, for the 2023–24 season. This move provides him with valuable experience in a top European league while preparing him for future challenges in the Premier League.
Yankuba Minteh’s Loan to Feyenoord
After being signed by Newcastle United in July 2023, Minteh was immediately loaned out to Feyenoord. Yankuba Minteh joined a Feyenoord side that had just won the Eredivisie title.
He debuted in the Johan Cruyff Shield and scored his first goal for the club on 3 September in a 5–1 victory against FC Utrecht. Despite a muscle injury in late October that sidelined him for several weeks, Minteh returned strongly and continued to impress.
Yankuba Minteh scored his first UEFA Champions League goal in a match against Celtic, becoming the second Gambian to score in the competition after Ebrima Colley.
Yankuba Minteh’s time at Feyenoord saw a standout performance on 7 April 2024, when he scored two goals and provided an assist in a historic 6–0 victory over Ajax during De Klassieker.
Return to England with Brighton & Hove Albion
After his loan spell in the Netherlands, Yankuba Minteh moved to Brighton & Hove Albion for around £30 million. He hit the ground running on his debut, providing an assist for Kaoru Mitoma in a 3-0 victory over Everton, a club he almost joined in the summer.
Yankuba Minteh’s International Career
Yankuba Minteh’s international career has seen a promising start. After receiving his first call-up to the Gambia national team in November 2022, he scored his debut international goal in a 2-2 draw against Congo.
He participated in the 2023 AFCON, playing in the final two group-stage games. Minteh continued to make an impact, scoring his second international goal in a 3-1 victory over Seychelles on 8 June 2024, and later netting his third goal against Gabon in a FIFA World Cup Qualifier.
Football Heroes and Idols
When quizzed about his idols and heroes in football during an interview by Brighton’s media team, Minteh said;
“Sadio Mane was my hero in the Premier League. In world football, Lionel Messi is my idol.
“The way he’s humble and the way he helped his family and the country. The way he plays also I really love, because he’s down to earth and then I think every African player wants to learn from him because he is amazing.
“And then N’Golo Kante also, because he is humble and quiet. All he does is like his job, play football on the pitch and then he also smiles sometimes but sometimes he’s serious. I really love that.”
The Personal Life of Yankuba Minteh
Yankuba Minteh is married to Aisha Touray. They tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Banjul, Gambia, in 2023. Aisha is a prominent figure in Gambian society, known for her work in fashion and entrepreneurship. Her support and love for Minteh have been instrumental in his success.
Conclusion
Yankuba Minteh’s journey from the streets of Gambia to the heights of European football is a testament to his talent, determination, and unwavering belief in his dreams. His rapid rise and impressive performances have captured the attention of fans and experts alike, positioning him as one of the most promising young talents in world football.
As Minteh continues to develop his skills and gain experience, the future looks incredibly bright for this exceptional player. With his pace, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring instincts, he has the potential to become a cornerstone of both his club and national team for many years to come.
