Calvin Bassey, Fulham’s standout defender and the club’s player of the season for the 2024/25 campaign, has set his sights on achieving greatness with the Cottagers. Speaking at the launch of his CB3 initiative at the Forest Gate Youth Centre, the Nigeria international shared his ambitions for the upcoming season, his gratitude for manager Marco Silva’s guidance, and reflections on his time at Rangers and Ajax. Below is an in-depth look at Bassey’s journey, his community efforts, and his aspirations for Fulham, incorporating every quote from his recent interview.
A Community Champion at Heart
Bassey’s connection to Forest Gate runs deep. At the launch of the Calvin Bassey Collective, where he funded the renovation of a pitch at the Forest Gate Youth Centre, he spoke passionately about giving back to the community that shaped him. “I know the area, I know the community, I know what the kids need, and I know what it’s like to be a kid growing up in Forest Gate,” Bassey said. “That’s why it’s so close to my heart. I was one of these kids once, and I just want to show them that if me, just a normal kid from Forest Gate, can come out, you can make it out as well.”
His CB3 initiative is more than just a charitable act—it’s a testament to his desire to inspire the next generation. By investing in the youth centre’s facilities, Bassey aims to provide opportunities for young people in his hometown, showing them that success is within reach.
From Rangers to Ajax: A Journey of Growth
Bassey’s professional career has taken him from the gritty battles of Scottish football with Rangers to the technical demands of Ajax, each step shaping him into the versatile defender he is today. Reflecting on his time in Glasgow, where he moved at the age of 21, Bassey noted the challenges and growth that came with it. “It was tough for me, going up to Scotland at 21, you grow up quickly,” he said. “You become a man quickly. I enjoyed it, I learned a lot. It helped me grow as a person and as a player.”
His move to Ajax, a club synonymous with Johan Cruyff’s philosophy of technical excellence, further honed his skills. Bassey’s ability to play out from the back caught the attention of the Dutch giants, and he credits the experience with refining his game. “I think Ajax helped me as well, especially with the ball and stuff like that,” he explained. “I learned a lot from there as well, different football, different philosophy and I’m just grateful for that opportunity.”
These experiences have molded Bassey into a well-rounded defender, capable of thriving in the Premier League’s demanding environment. His time at Rangers toughened him mentally, while Ajax enhanced his technical prowess, making him a key asset for Fulham.
Marco Silva: The Catalyst for Success
Bassey’s stellar 2024/25 season, which saw him named Fulham’s player of the year, owes much to the faith and guidance of manager Marco Silva. The Portuguese coach, whom Bassey regards as one of the best in the Premier League, has been instrumental in his development. “I feel like he’s helped me a lot,” Bassey said of Silva. “He’s one of the best. He’s helped me settle, he’s helped me with my game, he’s helped me improve and I’m just grateful for that.”
"I think he's one of the best managers in the Premier League" 👀
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) July 16, 2025
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey believes that Marco Silva is underrated as a manager 👔 pic.twitter.com/4Lz6IsZt3e
Silva’s ability to instil confidence and clarity has been a game-changer for Bassey. “He makes everything clear for us, what he expects from us, and it’s easy to go out there and do what he asks,” Bassey noted. “The confidence he gives us to go out there and play, it just helps us to go out and perform.”
This trust has translated into on-pitch success, with Bassey becoming a cornerstone of Fulham’s defense. Silva’s tactical acumen and belief in his players have fueled the team’s ambitions, with Bassey fully committed to helping the club achieve its goals under his leadership.
Europa League Ambitions and Team Goals
Fulham’s 2024/25 season ended on a disappointing note, with only two wins in their final seven matches, resulting in an 11th-place finish in the Premier League. Despite this, Bassey remains optimistic about the club’s potential, particularly their aim to secure European football. “We want to push on and try to get Europe, that’s the aim,” he stated. “We’ve got the squad to do it, we’ve got the manager to do it, so it’s just about us going out there and proving it now.”
Bassey’s confidence in the squad and Silva’s leadership is palpable. He believes Fulham has the tools to break into the top half of the table and compete for a Europa League spot. “We don’t want to just be a team that’s happy to be in the Premier League,” he asserted. “We want to push on and try to achieve great things. That’s what I’m focused on.”
The defender’s hunger for success aligns with Silva’s vision of changing the club’s mentality. Fulham’s strong performances against top sides in the 2024/25 season, coupled with standout contributions from players like Raul Jimenez, Rodrigo Muniz, Antonee Robinson, and Alex Iwobi, suggest that a European push is within reach.
Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Bassey and Fulham
As Fulham prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League season, with their opener against Brighton & Hove Albion on August 16, Bassey’s focus is clear: help the team achieve its highest aspirations while continuing to grow as a player and leader. His journey from Forest Gate to the Premier League, via Rangers and Ajax, is a story of resilience and adaptability. With Silva’s guidance, Bassey is poised to play a pivotal role in Fulham’s quest for European qualification.
Beyond the pitch, Bassey’s commitment to his community underscores his character. His CB3 initiative is just the beginning of his efforts to give back, and his words to the youth of Forest Gate resonate with hope and determination. As he continues to shine for Fulham, Bassey’s story serves as an inspiration—proof that a “normal kid from Forest Gate” can achieve greatness with hard work and the right support.
