Promising 25-year-old Sierra Leone native, Ibrahim Kargbo has recently joined the ranks of the “yellow-blues,” igniting excitement among fans of FC BATE Borisov in Belarusian Premier League.
Kargbo’s journey to Europe began at just eight years old when he moved with his father, Ibrahim Kargbo Sr., a skilled footballer and former captain of the Sierra Leone national team who proudly gained Belgian citizenship.
In Belgium, amid the bustling streets of Antwerp, young Ibrahim honed his skills at the Beerschot academy, where the scent of fresh grass and the thrill of competition filled the air. In 2015, following his father’s move to England, Ibrahim ventured into the English football scene, training at renowned clubs like Reading and Crystal Palace.
In 2018, Kargbo took a significant step in his career by signing his first professional contract with Roeselare, a club competing in the second Belgian division. Just a year later, he transferred to Lierse, a team adorned in historic colours, where he showcased his talent on the field in the third Belgian division.
This period proved pivotal as he earned the opportunity to represent the Belgian junior team, competing in more than a dozen thrilling matches, each one a stepping stone to greater heights.
Kargbo’s career took a dramatic turn at the end of 2019 when he signed a long-term contract with Dynamo Kyiv. However, his initial excitement was tempered by FIFA regulations, which barred him from playing in the first half of 2020 due to his previous contracts with Roeselare and Lierse.
After months of anticipation, he finally made his official debut in June 2020 during the semi-final of the Ukrainian Cup against Minaj. He entered the match as a substitute and celebrated a hard-fought 2-0 victory.
Despite his undeniable talent, Kargbo faced challenges in securing a permanent spot at Dynamo. He sought new opportunities through loan spells with Olimpik in Donetsk, Celje in Slovenia, and Doxa in Cyprus. In early 2023, Kargbo became a free agent and returned to Celje, ready to embrace new challenges and adventures. His journey continues, filled with the promise of exciting futures and uncharted territories in the world of football.
Ibrahim Kargbo Jr has joined @FCBATE - the club has confirmed ✅
— Alie Bittar (@bittar32) March 8, 2025
The Belarusian professional team announced the news via their social pages.
BATE is the only Belarusian team to have qualified for the group stage of the @ChampionsLeague #SierraLeone #FSLNews #PlayersAbroad pic.twitter.com/xryG8TZpI0
