
Photo Credit: Grasshopper Club Zürich
Swiss side, Club Zurich, have bolstered their squad with the capture of Senegal defender Mouhamed El Bachir Ngom in a deal worth €600,000.
The former Senegal U23 centre-back joins the club popularly known as Grasshopper from Latvian side Riga FC on a permanent deal.
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Bachir Ngom, who began his career at Senegal outfit Diambars FC, signed for the record Swiss champions until 2029 having previously played for FK Auda before joining Riga FC in a free transfer.
The 25-year-old, who was voted best defender in the Latvian league in 2025 following Riga FC’s annexation of the top flight title, bade farewell to his former club, officially announcing his signing in Switzerland.
“After an enriching experience at Riga Football Club, the time has come for me to turn the page. I am immensely grateful to the Riga supporters for all these wonderful years of support. A new adventure begins in Switzerland with Grasshopper Zurich.”
Grasshopper currently sit 11th on the Swiss top flight table with 19 points from 22 games this campaign and will next face sixth placed Young Boys on Saturday.
Mouhamed El Bachir Ngom has committed his future to Grasshopper Zurich by signing a contract that will keep him at the club until 2029. The long-term deal reflects the Swiss side’s belief in his ability to become a key figure in their defensive rebuild.
Grasshopper, the record Swiss champions, are currently focused on stabilising their position in the Swiss Super League, and Ngom’s arrival is seen as a strategic move to add strength, experience, and athleticism at the back.
The Senegalese defender began his football journey at Diambars FC, one of the country’s most respected talent-producing academies. Known for developing technically sound and tactically intelligent players, Diambars provided Ngom with a solid foundation before his move to Europe.
His first European experience came with FK Auda, where he gained valuable exposure to the physical and tactical demands of European football. That stint paved the way for a move to Riga FC, which proved to be a defining chapter in his career.
At Riga FC, Mouhamed El Bachir Ngom established himself as one of the most reliable defenders in the Latvian league. After joining the club on a free transfer, he quickly became a mainstay in the starting lineup, impressing with his composure, aerial dominance, and ability to read the game.
His performances during the 2025 season were particularly outstanding, playing a crucial role as Riga FC clinched the Latvian top-flight title. Ngom’s consistency and leadership at the back earned him the accolade of Best Defender in the Latvian League, further enhancing his reputation across Europe.
Following the completion of his move, Mouhamed El Bachir Ngom took to social media to express his gratitude to Riga FC and their supporters.
“After an enriching experience at Riga Football Club, the time has come for me to turn the page. I am immensely grateful to the Riga supporters for all these wonderful years of support. A new adventure begins in Switzerland with Grasshopper Zurich.”
His farewell message underlined the importance of his time in Latvia, a period that helped shape him into a mature and dependable defender ready for the next challenge.
Standing out for his physical strength, positional awareness, and calm distribution, Mouhamed El Bachir Ngom offers qualities that Grasshopper have been seeking. Comfortable playing in a back four or a three-man defence, he also brings versatility and international experience.