3 months ago
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Jeremie Frimpong’s route to the top wasn’t straightforward.
The Liverpool star was born in Amsterdam, moved to Manchester as a child, and then joined Manchester City’s youth academy. But, unsure of his capabilities, the Blues allowed Frimpong to depart at 18.
A two-year stint at Celtic followed, and it wasn’t until 2021, and a move to Bayer Leverkusen, that Frimpong really established himself as an elite player.
A Bundesliga winner, a Dutch international, and now viewed as one of the brightest young right-backs on the planet, when Liverpool was in search of a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, Frimpong’s availability for a modest €35 million ($40M/£30M) was a no-brainer. But his unorthodox journey to the sport’s summit has left Frimpong with a humility and sense of perspective that can sometimes be lacking in those whose progression is more straightforward.
Frimpong understands the importance of community, the need to give back and to provide opportunities for those less fortunate than he. Hence, the formation of this summer’s innovative, global soccer tournament aimed at empowering youngsters to discover new career opportunities.
In a joint venture with Cedrick Ofori, the player’s commercial manager, Frimpong launched Pathways Tournament x Career Fair. The aim is simple: to merge a soccer competition with a careers fair, which can provide opportunities for young people to gain work experience, job placements, internships, mentorship opportunities and more, across a wide range of sectors.
“Football gave me a chance, and now I want to give others a second shot — on or
off the pitch,” explained Frimping, who, just weeks after his Liverpool transfer was confirmed, embarked on a journey to give back to the communities and places that helped shape him.
Via his Pathways charity, which aims to help youngsters transitioning from professional academies, the 24-year-old travelled to four cities and met partners, participants and families at the trailblazing events. He spoke to those involved and shared his story with the players.
Getting a Premier League star to one charity event can be a struggle, let alone four spread across the globe.
The venues included Cologne, his adopted home until this summer; Utrecht, representing Frimpong’s Dutch roots; Manchester, where he honed his skills as a child; and Accra, a tribute to his Ghanaian heritage. Around 50 employment stalls were in attendance at all four careers fairs, including ESPN, Sky Sports, Football Beyond Borders, and UCFB.
As small-sided matches were played on the pitches, waiting away from the field were stalls from industry-leading companies, waiting for eager youngsters looking for new opportunities after leaving professional academies.
In Manchester, the winning team was even treated to an exclusive experience with New Balance, while another gained work experience at a soccer agency, and several earned internships on the back of the inspiring day.
Andy Kanga, the ex-Liverpool youth-team player, was among those in attendance, as was Ntumba Massanka, the former Burnley youngster who has set up his own cake business: Tshibangbakes.
The competition's first year was 2025, but such was its success and the demand for places that an expanded event is being planned next year at a bigger venue.
Soccer players routinely talk of inspiring the next generation and remaining loyal to their roots. It’s a trope often regurgitated with little sentiment or meaning. In Fimpong’s case, nothing could be further from the truth.
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