Nigeria defender Calvin Bassey named Fulham’s Player of the Season

Photo Credit - Fulham Media.

Super Eagles defender Calvin Bassey has been named Fulham’s Player of the Season for 2024/25.

According to a statement on the club’s official website, Bassey beat his fellow Nigerian teammate Alex Iwobi, who came in at second position. Bassey amassed 39.6% of the votes to be crowned the winner, while Iwobi came second with 21.55%.

Antonee Robinson finished third on (19.90%), former Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno came fourth after collecting (10.9%) votes, and Saša Lukić finished fifth after getting (8.1%).

A highly dependable figure at the back, Bassey featured in all but three of the Cottagers Premier League fixtures as the team went on to collect a record points haul, with his pace, strength and confidence in bringing the ball out of the defence, a key component in their success.

He also contributed at the other end of the pitch, with two vital goals – the winner at home to Nottingham Forest, and the opener at Old Trafford in a famous FA Cup win.

Speaking on winning the award, Bassey said: “Thank you guys for voting me Player of the Season. I want to thank God – without God I wouldn’t be where I am. Big up all my team, guys who are not necessarily at the club, who have been helping me.

“Obviously, thanks to the coaching staff and the manager for trusting me and believing in me. Hopefully we can do amazing things next season, so thank you for your support guys.”

He was a product of Leicester City’s youth system but did not make a senior appearance for the club before joining Rangers on a free transfer in July 2020. He made 65 appearances over two seasons for Rangers and won the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.

In July 2022, he signed for Dutch club Ajax, with Rangers receiving the highest transfer fee in their history, but the following July, he signed for Premier League club Fulham.