From Brescia to Lisbon, and then stops in Paris, Istanbul and Braga. Cher Ndour’s long sports Erasmus journey came to an end two months ago as Fiorentina decided to invest in one of the most promising young talents in Italian football. “I had a great time abroad,” he said in an interview with Vivo Azzurro TV during Italy U21s’ training camp. “However, Italy is Italy, and I could feel that call of home running through my veins. As a kid, I needed challenges and new experiences. When the opportunity to go abroad came up, even though I was very young, I chose to take it. I’m lucky to have two parents who care deeply about me, who’ve always stood by my side and even followed me to Lisbon, Paris and Istanbul. They always gave me advice but, ultimately, let me make my own decisions.”

Born in Brescia in the summer of 2004 to an Italian mother and a Congolese father, Cher started playing football at the age of four on the small pitch at the Fiumicello parish. At six, he was approached by Brescia, and, aged ten, he became part of Atalanta’s youth set up: “I’d tell young Cher to enjoy the ride and put the joy of playing football above everything else.” At 16, his life took a dramatic turn as he flew to Lisbon to start a new adventure with Benfica, becoming the youngest debutant in the club’s history and the only Italian ever to win the UEFA Youth League. In July 2023, after winning the European Under-19 Championship with Italy, he was signed by Paris Saint-Germain, where he was welcomed by another European champion: “Gigio (Donnarumma, Ed.) and I hit it off right away in Paris,” he recalled. “I had just won the Euros, and the first thing he did was congratulate me.” He then made three appearances in Ligue 1 and scored his first goal in the Coupe de France. But young players need game time to grow, and so he went out on loan – first to Braga (one goal in nine appearances) and then to Beşiktaş (one goal in twelve appearances), where he was mentored by another Azzurri great: “When I arrived in Istanbul, Ciro (Immobile, Ed.) was already there. We got along really well, and being able to talk to him was important – especially since Turkish isn’t exactly an easy language,” he said with a smile. “Ciro and Gigio have done great things - they both won the Euros. I hope that I can win it one day, too.”

HIS JOURNEY WITH ITALY. After progressing through all the age groups in the youth setup, Cher received his first call-up to the Italy U21 squad in September 2023. Over the past two years, he’s become a key figure for Carmine Nunziata’s side, and he hopes to take part in the second European Championship of his young career this summer. The first one was unforgettable: “I spent the whole season with Coach Nunziata in the U20 setup,” he continued. “However, Coach Bollini really pushed for me to play in the U19 Euros – and, in the end, he was right. I immediately connected with the coach. We had a really strong team, full of talent in every position. The only match where we really struggled was during the group stage against Portugal, where we lost 5-1. But I think that loss helped keep us grounded and gave us even more motivation to go all the way. I watched the semifinal against Spain from the stands – completely on edge – because I was suspended. Then, in the final, maybe as a twist of fate, we faced Portugal again. It was amazing. When the referee blew the final whistle, it was just pure joy.” His first time wearing the Italy shirt was back in 2019 with the U15s: “I was excited but also nervous. I remember travelling with four or five teammates from Atalanta. When you get to Coverciano and see all those photos of the legends, it really hits you. I immediately felt at home and built a great relationship with the coach, Patrizia Panico. When I signed with Fiorentina, she even messaged me to wish me good luck.”

POGBA AND LEBRON JAMES. “I’m a simple, easy-going guy,” said Cher about himself. “Whenever I can, I go back to Brescia to see my friends and my girlfriend. We usually hang out at this old bar owned by one of my first coaches from the parish.” When he’s off the pitch, he enjoys switching off completely from football: “In my free time, I like to rest and fully disconnect from sport.” His favourite dish? “Carbonara, but I also love picanha with rice and potatoes.”
His matchday playlist? Always the same: “I’m superstitious, I listen to the same five songs before every game.” As for idols, he draws inspiration from three giants of sport: “In terms of playing style, I’ve always looked up to Pogba. In terms of work ethic and the career he’s had, Cristiano Ronaldo is also inspiring. And then there’s LeBron James – I'm a big NBA fan. What he’s doing at 40 is not just about talent, it’s about relentless dedication.” However, at 20 years old, it’s all about looking ahead: “I’ve got a few dreams in my head, like winning the Champions League and making my debut with the senior national team.”