At first glance, Samuel Amissah looks like the next big name rising through England’s youth system, a calm, two-footed defender with leadership qualities far beyond his age.
But behind the England badge lies a story deeply tied to Ghana, the country of one of his parents, and a heritage he still proudly carries.
Amissah’s journey through England’s national youth teams has been rapid and impressive.
He has progressed steadily through England’s youth ranks, making 5 appearances for the U16s in 2022, 7 for the U17s in 2023, another 7 for the U18s in 2024, and 5 appearances for the U19s in 2025.
His standout moment came at the 2024 U17 European Championships in Cyprus, where he played a crucial role in England’s run to the quarter-finals.
When the pressure grew fiercest, Amissah didn’t hide; he wore the captain’s armband during the latter stages of the quarter-final clash against Italy, a match England heartbreakingly lost on penalties.
That leadership streak is part of what separates him from his peers.
Coaches describe him as a composed, intelligent, and fearless defender who reads the game with maturity and is comfortable playing out from the back on either foot.
Amissah’s club story is just as compelling.
When Brentford disbanded their academy, many young players saw their dreams collapse overnight but Amissah’s didn’t.
He made the bold move to Fulham, a decision that completely reshaped his trajectory. He flourished.
His performances for Fulham’s U18s and U21s during the 2023/24 season were so strong that he earned his first professional contract in May 2024. His rise continued.
In the 2025/26 season, he has already played 7 matches for Fulham’s U21s, featured in the EFL Cup, made three appearances in the National League Cup, and was even named in a Premier League matchday squad, taking a place on the bench in a 1–1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur in December 2024.
For a teenager, this is a huge step, a sign Fulham see him as part of their long-term first-team picture.
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Eligible for Ghana: A door still wide open
Despite representing England at multiple youth levels, Samuel Amissah remains fully eligible to play for Ghana. He has not yet played an official senior match for England, meaning the Black Stars still have a chance to bring him home.
And given Ghana’s long-term defensive rebuilding, a player with Amissah’s blend of technique, composure, and leadership could be a major asset in the coming years.
As he continues to rise through Fulham’s system and England’s youth setup, the conversation around his international future will only grow louder.
The Black Stars have already missed out on several diaspora talents in recent years; Amissah represents a chance to get ahead early.
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