You Were Born in Europe, You Can’t Understand What It’s Like Growing Up in Africa”

Hoffenheim striker Gift Orban has shared a raw and emotional insight into the realities of growing up in Africa, contrasting it with life in Europe — and shedding light on what truly drives many young African footballers.

> 🗣️ “I can’t explain it because you can’t understand. You were born in Europe, it’s not like being born in Africa.”

In a powerful interview, the Nigerian international opened up about his personal journey, growing up in a system where survival—not just success—is the daily motivation.

> 🗣️ “If you’re poor in France, the state can help you, charities can help you and take care of you. In Africa, no one gives you anything and you die of hunger.”

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⚽ Football as a Lifeline

For many young Africans, football is more than a dream — it’s a lifeline. Orban explained how poverty creates a hunger that can’t be taught or fully understood by outsiders.

> 🗣️ “That’s why we all want to play football. Where I grew up, if you’re in a poor family, life is impossible.”

This harsh reality fuels an unrelenting determination in many young African talents. For Orban, football became his escape and purpose — not just for personal gain, but to lift others.

> 🗣️ “I want to succeed in life to be able to help… not only my family, that’s already obviously the case, but I want to help all poor people, orphans.”

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🥀 “You Can’t Compare Poverty in Europe to Africa”

Orban did not shy away from addressing a common misconception:

> 🗣️ “There is poor in Europe and poor in Africa. You can’t compare, it’ll never be the same. You need to have lived it like I have. You get up in the morning and you find nothing to eat. Don’t ask me to go into detail.”

His words reflect a lived experience that many footballers from Africa carry silently — a burden that becomes their strength, their drive, and ultimately, their story.

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💬 Final Thoughts

Gift Orban’s message is more than just a quote — it’s a reminder of the resilience, hunger, and purpose behind so many African stars rising in world football. Their journey starts not on the pitch, but in the streets, homes, and struggles that shaped them.