Carlos Baleba

Cameroonian footballer.

Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba, born on January 3, 2004, in Douala, Cameroon, is a promising young midfielder currently playing for Brighton in the Premier League. Baleba began his professional career with Lille in France before making a high-profile move to Brighton in 2023. Despite his young age, he has quickly established himself as a regular in the Premier League, making 27 appearances in the 2023/24 season. Known for his defensive prowess and progressive play, Baleba has drawn comparisons to established midfielders like Edson Álvarez and Yves Bissouma. His rapid rise from Cameroonian youth football to the English top flight marks him as one of Africa's most exciting young talents.

Early life & youth football

As of the 2023/24 season, Carlos Baleba has begun to make his mark on the international stage. He has been called up to represent Cameroon at the senior level, although detailed information about his appearances and performances for the national team is limited. Given his rapid rise in club football and his potential, Baleba is expected to become an important player for Cameroon in the future, potentially featuring in upcoming African Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifying campaigns.

Professional career

Carlos Baleba's senior career began in January 2022 when he joined Lille from the École de Football des Brasseries du Cameroun academy in Cameroon. At just 18 years old, Baleba was initially integrated into Lille's B team, which competed in the National 3, France's fifth tier. During his time with Lille B in the latter half of the 2021/22 season, Baleba made several appearances, showcasing his potential and adapting to European football. His performances at this level caught the attention of the first-team coaching staff, setting the stage for his rapid progression.

The 2022/23 season marked Baleba's breakthrough into senior football with Lille's first team. He made his Ligue 1 debut on August 14, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a match against Nantes. Throughout the season, Baleba gradually established himself as a valuable squad member, making a total of 19 appearances in Ligue 1. While he didn't score any goals, his contributions in midfield were notable, particularly his defensive work and ability to progress the ball.

Baleba's performances for Lille were characterized by his energy, defensive prowess, and ability to carry the ball forward. He averaged 1.43 shots per 90 minutes, placing him in the 76th percentile among midfielders. His pass completion rate of 91.

5% (97th percentile) demonstrated his efficiency in possession, while his defensive statistics were equally impressive, with 2.99 tackles (91st percentile) and 2.30 blocks (99th percentile) per 90 minutes. These performances attracted the attention of several top clubs, and on September 1, 2023, Baleba completed a transfer to Brighton for a reported fee of £23 million.

This move represented a significant step up for the young midfielder, transitioning from Ligue 1 to the Premier League. At Brighton, Baleba quickly adapted to the demands of English football under the guidance of manager Roberto De Zerbi. He made his Premier League debut on September 16, 2023, coming on as a substitute against Manchester United. As the season progressed, Baleba's role in the team grew, with De Zerbi praising his ability to fit into Brighton's playing style.

The 2023/24 season saw Baleba make 27 appearances for Brighton in the Premier League, including 14 starts. He played a total of 1,323 minutes, demonstrating his increasing importance to the team. While he didn't score any goals, his contributions in midfield were crucial to Brighton's play.

National team

Player’s style

Baleba is a versatile midfielder who primarily operates in a central or defensive midfield role. His style of play is characterized by his excellent defensive abilities combined with progressive passing and carrying. Statistically, Baleba ranks highly in tackles (91st percentile), blocks (99th percentile), and clearances (91st percentile) among midfielders, demonstrating his defensive prowess. Offensively, Baleba is known for his ability to carry the ball forward and initiate attacks.

He maintains a high pass completion rate (97th percentile) while attempting a moderate number of passes, indicating his efficiency in possession. His progressive carries place him in the 54th percentile, showing his willingness to drive forward with the ball. Baleba's playing style has drawn comparisons to midfielders like Edson Álvarez and Yves Bissouma, known for their defensive solidity and ability to progress play. As he continues to develop, Baleba's combination of defensive skills and progressive play could make him a valuable asset for both club and country.