"Senior Man" Alhassan Yusuf Prepares For First Full Season With The Revolution
Yusuf: “When I see the guys training, I have the confidence that this year we can do something.”
Alhassan Yusuf comes across as thoughtful and unassuming when you speak to him.
But on the field, he’s a tenacious player who can impact both sides of the ball.
The midfielder’s ability to make a big tackle, pick out a pass, and fire a long-range shot has earned him the nickname “Senior Man.” Though he doesn’t recall when he first heard the name, it certainly fits him.
“It’s from Nigeria, of course,” Yusuf told The Blazing Musket. “It means two different things. It means a good player, and it's respect for players that play a lot.”
Yusuf, who has made an impact in Sweden with IFK Göteborg and Belgium with Royal Antwerp, is ready to leave a mark on Major League Soccer with the New England Revolution.
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Nigeria native Alhassan Yusuf’s love for soccer came naturally.
He remembers playing in the streets with his brothers at a young age and watching players like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu, two of his idols.
“I think every kid from Nigeria loves football because it's a great nation,” Yusuf said. “When you talk about football in Africa, it's Nigeria who have this history about football.”
While all kids dream of going pro, Yusuf knew it was his destiny early on. When he wasn’t at school, he was playing soccer. Here, he stood out despite facing older players, including his brothers.
“I think from a young age, from really seven or eight [years old],” Yusuf said when asked when he knew he’d be a professional soccer player. “When you play and you have the quality, everyone is talking about it. It also pushes you. I think from the beginning, it was like, ‘Okay, I'm going to go pro. You have to do what it takes.’’’
Yusuf caught the eye of the Tiki Taka Academy, a national program that identifies Nigeria's best young talent. The pool started with 80-90 players and was whittled to approximately 20.
These players then traveled to Sweden to participate in a tournament, which led to Yusuf signing with IFK Göteborg.
Yusuf admits that leaving Nigeria was difficult, noting that the weather, food, and language differed.
But he adapted well.
After getting to know his teammates and the club’s playing style during his first six months, Yusuf had a breakout year in his first full season, collecting two goals and two assists in 26 appearances. His play earned him the 2019 Allsvenskan Newcomer of the Year award.
Yusuf became a regular contributor for IFK Göteborg, logging 77 appearances in all competitions during three seasons. He finished his time in Sweden with two goals and nine assists.
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In 2021, Alhassan Yusuf transferred to Royal Antwerp in Belgium. His solid play continued, and he helped the club win the 2022-23 Belgian Cup and 2023 Belgian SuperCup.
On October 25, 2023, the midfielder scored a goal against FC Porto in his first UEFA Champions League start. On December 13, 2023, he was involved in all three goals Antwerp scored against FC Barcelona, including registering a primary assist.
“That was a huge moment for me, my life and my career,” Yusuf said. “For me, for my family as well, because it was a game that everyone was watching around the world, and it was a Champions League game.”
The performance, which Revolution assistant coach Pablo Moreira later cited, created a buzz, eventually leading to Yusuf’s first-ever call-up to the Nigeria National Team.
“Everyone was talking about it,” Yusuf said. “There were a lot of stuff from Belgium, from Nigeria, the newspapers, saying a lot of stuff.
“But also the coaches from the national team [spoke about it]. Everyone was just talking, texting about the performance. I think that was the game that led also to my first call to the Africa Cup. So it was a big moment.”
Yusuf was part of the squad that finished second at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Upon their return to Nigeria, the team was widely praised for their efforts.
Yusuf has since received regular national team call-ups, each being an honor.
“It's a dream, you're living it,” Yusuf said. “Growing up, for every kid [it’s a dream] just to represent your country and to put on the jersey. And I did it.
“Also, joining Nigeria for the tournament, the African Cup, we came in second. We got recognition from the country, from the President, from everyone. It was a dream, a living dream, I would say.”
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In August 2024, Yusuf joined the New England Revolution. While he did have other offers, he was convinced to come to Major League Soccer after speaking to Revolution technical director Remi Roy and the coaching staff.
“For me, the big moment that led to me coming to the United States [was] talking to Remi and talking to the coach as well,” Yusuf explained. “They explained everything to me, the project and what the goal, the aim of the club is. So I think that was the thing that led to me coming to New England.”
“And I see it as a moment for me to add value to the club and the league because the league is growing now. Everyone is watching it around the world. I don't think it's a big difference for me, going to England or coming to the United States.”
Yusuf was sold on the vision for the Revolution.
“We're going to bring new players,” Yusuf said when asked what he was told before signing. “We're going to bring players with potential, young players like you, like yourself. It was really interesting, hearing that. I think it was an easy decision for me.”
Fans saw what Yusuf can do during his seven appearances in 2024. While his two assists tell part of the story, he’s much more than that. He’s a hard-worker who doesn’t shy away from a tackle.
“I'm the kind of player that wants to give everything,” Yusuf said. “I want to help my club, help my teammates. I think that's where [my effort] comes from. Even though people say, I don't get tired, I do get tired. It's just trying to push myself every day, every game, every training.”
Things didn’t go to plan for the Revolution in 2024, but Yusuf is confident that 2025 will bring improvement.
He and Luca Langoni–two midseason acquisitions last year–are set to embark on their first full MLS seasons.
The club has also refreshed the roster, bringing in essential pieces like striker Leo Campana and centerbacks Brayan Ceballos and Mamadou Fofana.
The Revs are working hard in Florida, building chemistry on and off the field. While nothing is certain in soccer, Yusuf sees a lot of positives for the Revolution.
“I think the potential we have now on the team is amazing for me,” Yusuf said. “With the guys we have now, the confidence that we can challenge everything—every club in this league—we're going to fight for everything.
“When I see the guys training, I have the confidence that this year we can do something.”
Everything I read about this player makes me like him. What a great get by the FO. I think he’ll help us a lot this season!