Saido Berahino, upon seeing his goal scored at Old Trafford replayed on Match of the Day with his family, exclaimed, "Wow, that's me scoring at Old Trafford!"
Saido Berahino: A Rising Star Facing Adversity
Saido Berahino, a 20-year-old forward for West Bromwich Albion, made headlines in September 2013 when he scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford. However, his journey to that momentous occasion was not without its challenges.
In his second season at West Brom, Berahino faced racist chants during a game against Aston Villa. The abuse included bananas being thrown at him and bullets being sent to his home. Despite these horrific incidents, Berahino persevered and continued to shine on the pitch.
Berahino's Old Trafford winner was a decisive factor in West Brom's historic victory, marking the first time the club had won at Old Trafford since 1978. The goal was an unbelievable and brilliant feeling for Berahino, who admitted he only fully appreciated its significance when he watched a replay of the game on Match of the Day with his family.
Berahino's talent did not go unnoticed. Roy Hodgson, then the England national team manager, called him up for the first time in November 2014. Berahino had been a childhood Manchester United supporter, admiring players like Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke, and the Old Trafford victory must have felt particularly sweet.
Berahino's rise continued throughout the 2013-2014 season, as he scored a total of 9 goals in all competitions. His impressive performances earned him the 2014 Under-21 Player of the Year award. West Brom manager Steve Clarke, who had told Berahino to put his shin pads on during his debut, was proud of the young forward's progress.
In a show of support, West Brom icon Cyrille Regis visited Berahino at his home to discuss the racism he had faced. Regis, who faced similar abuse in the 1970s, shared his experiences with Berahino, offering advice and encouragement.
Berahino's full England call-up came in November 2014, and he continued to impress, scoring 20 goals in all competitions during the 2014-2015 season. Despite the challenges he faced, Berahino's determination and talent have made him a shining example of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
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