FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi was nicknamed ‘Gareth Bale’ as a youngster in his rural hometown of Jega in Kebbi State, but his dream was to follow in the footsteps of Brazilian idol Marcelo and also play for mighty Real Madrid.
On Friday, ‘Rocket Man’ Zaidu acquitted himself against former African Footballer of the Year Riyad Mahrez on his Super Eagles debut.
“He kept talking about being the next Marcelo of Real Madrid,” recalled scout Alberto Silva, who got the leftback to Portugal in 2016 after a tournament in Kaduna.
“He’s a big fan of both Marcelo and Real Madrid.”
Zaidu’s grass-to-grace story has captured the imagination in Portugal, where he features for champions Porto.
The 23-year-old defender had to overcome career-ending injuries at Gil Vicente by going down to lower league outfit Mirandela, before a move to Santa Clara last season, which lifted him to Porto and UEFA Champions League football this summer.
