Footballer

Carlos Baleba

Carlos Baleba Birthday:	January 3, 2004
Birth Name:	Carlos Noom Quomah Baleba
Place of Birth:	Douala, Cameroon
Tribe:	Bassa
Market Value (Transfermarkt):	€65 Million (October, 2026)
Net Worth:	$3 Milllion (1.75 Billion FCFA)

Carlos Baleba is a Cameroonian professional footballer born on January 3, 2004, in Douala, Cameroon. Baleba is of Bassa descent, and his father was also a professional footballer.

He plays primarily as a central midfielder for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League and represents the Cameroon national team.

Family and Background

His father, Eugene Baleba, is a former professional footballer who heavily influenced his training, discipline, and agility (including teaching him acrobatics). His late mother passed away in April 2023, shortly before his transfer to Brighton & Hove Albion.

At age 13, Baleba promised his mother he would build her a house and buy her a car once he became a professional. He began constructing the house in Douala during his time at Lille and completed it in 2025.

He grew up in Douala, where his family once faced hardships including losing their home in a fire and living in a modest plank-wood structure where he used truck tires for agility drills.

Early life and club career

He is recognized for his stamina, dribbling, and passing. Baleba’s career began in Cameroon, followed by a move to Lille OSC in France in 2022 before joining Brighton in August 2023.

He began his football journey at Futur Soccer FC in Douala and later joined the École de Football des Brasseries du Cameroun (EFBC) academy at age 13. The EFBC academy is known for developing talent, with players like Samuel Eto’o also having attended.

Initially a winger known for his pace, Baleba was moved to midfield by his coach after an injury, where his technical abilities proved effective.

He joined French club Lille OSC in January 2022. While at Lille, he played for both the reserve team and the first team. He made his Ligue 1 debut in August 2022 and quickly impressed. In August 2023, Baleba made a significant move to the Premier League, signing with Brighton & Hove Albion on a five-year contract. The transfer fee was reported as €27 million.

He made his Brighton debut in September 2023 and scored his first league goal for the club in September 2024. The 2024/25 season saw him win Brighton’s Young Player of the Season award. International career Baleba made his debut for the Cameroon national team on June 8, 2024. This came during a World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde, which Cameroon won 4-1. He has since played in several World Cup qualifiers for Cameroon.

Carlos Baleba has officially joined Manchester United from Brighton & Hove Albion, completing the move on August 25, 2026; for a contract lasting until June 2031, with an option for another year.

Style of play

Baleba is known for his defensive contributions, including tackling, interceptions, and blocking. He is also recognized for his stamina, dribbling, passing, and ability to carry the ball forward. He has been compared to midfielders like Paul Pogba and Wilfred Ndidi.