Baleba sets sights on world midfield throne after AFCON heroics

 Carlos Baleba has boldly declared his ultimate ambition.

Cameroon and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba has boldly declared that his ultimate ambition is to become the best midfielder in the world, following his impressive display at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The 20-year-old was in commanding form on Wednesday as the Indomitable Lions edged Gabon 1-0 in a tense Group C encounter, a result that further fuelled Cameroon’s continental title charge.

Baleba’s maturity, tactical awareness, and ball progression stood out in the midfield, drawing praise from pundits and fans alike.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sports after the game, the Brighton star revealed the global icons who inspire his game — but stressed that he wants to carve out a legacy uniquely his own.

“Kevin De Bruyne, Paul Pogba, Thiago Alcântara, and Sergio Busquets. I watch a lot of videos of them.

” I look at their positioning and their scanning of the pitch,” Baleba said.

However, the young midfielder was quick to add:

“But I try to be like Carlos Baleba.”

Baleba, who joined Brighton in 2023 and has steadily grown into one of the club’s most promising talents, doubled down on his lofty target:

“It’s my ambition to be the best midfielder in the world.”

A Student of the Game

Baleba disclosed that his development extends beyond the Premier League, as he studies midfielders from across Europe to sharpen his positioning, scanning, and decision-making.

“I just want to work hard, take some advice, and learn from the midfielders I watch,” he explained.

“Not just in the Premier League, because I’ve learned a lot from there — like Rodri and others — but I also try to learn from players outside the Premier League.”

He cited Ligue 1 stars Vitinha and João Neves, along with Spanish midfield royalty Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, and Sergio Busquets, as reference points.

“I try to learn every day. I watch them often on YouTube. Not just Premier League, everywhere. La Liga, Ligue 1 — I study them often,” he added.

AFCON Stage, Global Ambition

Baleba’s statement mirrors the growing confidence of a new generation of African midfielders eager to dominate world football.

His approach — combining elite role-model analysis with self-identity and work ethic — has positioned him as one of Africa’s most tactically-refined young midfield prospects.

Cameroon coach Marc Brys has previously praised Baleba’s intelligence and humility, traits that have helped him transition smoothly from youth football in France to Premier League prominence.

Against Gabon, Baleba completed  high-pressure progressive passes, consistently scanned before receiving, and maintained excellent positional discipline — hallmarks of the elite midfielders he admires.

What’s Next?

With Cameroon now gaining momentum in Group C, attention shifts to their upcoming heavyweight clash against rivals Senegal, a fixture expected to showcase Baleba’s ability to influence high-tempo games against top opposition.

Brighton supporters will also be watching closely, as Baleba prepares to return to the Premier League with renewed hunger and a sharpened tactical edge.

For the young Cameroonian, the message is clear: AFCON is just the beginning — the world’s midfield crown is the target.