Sick world of ‘football trafficking’ where desperate kids are shipped to UK like Man United star… then sold into sex
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Sponsored by. SMILING for the cameras, Amad Diallo looked delighted this week as he signed a stunning new deal with Manchester United. The dazzling prodigy - originally from the Ivory Coast - has fulfilled the dream of so many African youngsters of a lucrative career at one of the world’s richest clubs.
![[Amad Diallo of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/amad-diallo-manchester-united-celebrates-961727287.jpg?strip=all&w=733)
It’s a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for the gifted youngster whose footballing journey began with him being trafficked to Europe as a 12-year-old. His dramatic equalising goal against arch-rivals Liverpool last Sunday follows his brilliantly executed volley to seal victory in the Manchester derby.
![[Amad Diallo of Manchester United running during a Premier League match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/amad-diallo-playing-boca-barco-961929894.jpg?strip=all&w=691)
His story will now be one of riches and, if he can help revive slumbering giant United, glory too. Yet, for thousands of other African youngsters, the promises of trials at clubs like United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain made by shysters claiming to be agents are a sick con.
![[Children playing soccer in Mali.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/young-african-boys-playing-soccer-962833816.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
These ‘agents’ demand thousands in upfront payments which often amount to the life-savings of a player’s family. The trials never materialise. The ‘agents’ disappear with the cash and the teenagers are abandoned, leaving them at risk of being sexually exploited or left destitute.
![[Al Bangura, Watford soccer player.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/photo-ama-corbis-via-getty-962801149.jpg?strip=all&w=689)
A few years ago a young lad turned up at the reception at Tottenham’s old White Hart Lane ground saying he’d come from overseas for his trial with the club. The youngster had been conned, there was no trial. Spurs’ safeguarding procedures kicked in and the police and local authorities were contacted.
