Alphonso Davies Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 21, 2025
As the world enters 2025, Alphonso Davies stands not only as one of the most electrifying footballers on the planet but as a symbol of hope, resilience, and triumph over adversity.
At just 24 years old, the Canadian left-back has already etched his name into footballing history as a Bayern Munich legend, a global ambassador for refugee rights, and the face of a new era in North American football.
From his roots in a Ghanaian refugee camp to conquering Europe’s elite stages, Davies’ journey is nothing short of cinematic.
Then: A Childhood Forged in Adversity (2000–2015)
1. Born in a Refugee Camp – A Fight for Survival
Alphonso Boyle Davies was born on November 2, 2000, in Buduburam, Ghana, a refugee camp housing Liberians fleeing civil war. His parents, Debbie and Tommy Davies, had escaped violence in Liberia and spent years in limbo, raising Alphonso in extreme poverty.
At the age of five, the family was granted asylum in Canada, settling in Edmonton, Alberta. It was here that Alphonso Davies discovered football—not on pristine pitches, but on icy fields and indoor gyms, playing barefoot in the snow.
2. Rise Through the Canadian Youth System
Alphonso Davies quickly stood out for his blistering pace, agility, and fearless attacking style. He joined Edmonton Internationals and later Alberta’s provincial team, where scouts began to take notice.
In 2015, at just 14 years old, he became the youngest player to sign with Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s MLS academy. A year later, he made history by becoming the youngest player in Major League Soccer history at 15 years and 3 months.
By 2018, he had broken out as a star:
- Scored 5 goals and 5 assists in 28 appearances
- Named MLS Rookie of the Year
- Earned his first cap for the Canadian national team at 17
His meteoric rise made him one of the most sought-after young talents in the world.
Related: Achraf Hakimi Then and Now
The Rise: Arrival at Bayern Munich and Breakout Stardom (2019–2021)
1. A €13.5 Million Move to Bayern Munich
In January 2019, Bayern Munich signed Davies for €13.5 million—a record fee for an MLS player. The move was seen as a gamble: Could a teenager from Canada thrive at one of the world’s most prestigious clubs?
The answer came swiftly.
2. Revolutionizing the Left-Back Role
Under Hansi Flick and later Julian Nagelsmann, Alphonso Davies redefined the modern full-back:
- Explosive pace (often clocked at over 36 km/h)
- Dribbling ability rivaling wingers
- Relentless defensive work rate
- Attacking threat from deep positions
His breakout season came in 2019–20, when Bayern won the historic continental treble:
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2020) – Played every knockout game
- Bundesliga Champion
- DFB-Pokal Winner
In the Champions League final against PSG, Davies delivered a man-of-the-match performance, neutralizing Kylian Mbappé and earning global acclaim.
3. International Leadership for Canada
Davies became the flagbearer for Canadian football:
- Scored Canada’s first goal in 64 years at a FIFA World Cup (2022) with a thunderous strike against Croatia
- Helped Canada qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup—their first since 1986
- Named Canada Soccer Player of the Year (multiple times)
His goal against Iran in the 2022 World Cup group stage—though not enough to advance—was hailed as a national moment of pride.
Related: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia Then and Now
Now in 2025: Bayern Munich’s Captain and Global Icon
1. Club Captaincy and Leadership
In 2024, following the departure of Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller, Alphonso Davies was named vice-captain of Bayern Munich, and by early 2025, he assumed the captain’s armband—a historic moment for both the club and global football.
Now in his prime, Davies has evolved from a pacey winger-turned-defender into a complete, intelligent, and commanding left-back:
- Improved positioning and defensive discipline
- Mastered overlapping and underlapping runs
- Developed into a key playmaker from the back
- Mentors younger players like Mathys Tel and Armel Bella-Kotchap
Under new manager Vincent Kompany, Davies anchors a renewed Bayern side, blending youth, speed, and tactical flexibility.
2. Record-Breaking Achievements by 2025
By the start of the 2024–25 season, Davies’ resume includes:
- 5x Bundesliga Champion (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
- 2x DFB-Pokal Winner
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2020) and finalist (2024)
- FIFA Club World Cup Winner (2020)
- Over 180 appearances and 20+ goals for Bayern
- First Canadian to win the Champions League
He’s also a Ballon d’Or nominee, peaking at #8 in 2023—the highest ever for a Canadian.
3. The “AFD” Legacy – More Than a Player
Davies is no longer just a footballer—he’s a cultural phenomenon:
- His jersey is one of the best-selling in the world
- His signature celebration—pointing to the sky—honors his parents and journey
- His nickname, “AFD”, is synonymous with speed, humility, and heart
He’s also a fashion and lifestyle icon, partnering with adidas, Gatorade, and EA Sports, and appearing on the cover of FIFA 24.
Related: Adrien Rabiot Then and Now
Advocacy and Humanitarian Work
1. Voice for Refugees and Immigrants
Davies uses his platform to advocate for refugee rights and inclusion:
- Appointed UNHCR Global Goodwill Ambassador (2022)
- Donated millions to refugee education and healthcare programs
- Spoke at the UN General Assembly about the power of sport in integration
His message:
“I was born in a camp. Now I play at the highest level. If I can make it, so can you.”
2. Champion of Canadian and North American Football
Davies has been instrumental in the growth of soccer in Canada and North America:
- Inspired a surge in youth participation
- Supported the launch of Canadian Premier League
- Advocated for better infrastructure and investment
He’s widely credited with putting Canadian football on the global map.
Related: Josko Gvardiol Then and Now
Personal Life and Character in 2025
Davies remains one of football’s most humble and grounded stars. He is married to Jordyn Huitema, a Canadian professional footballer who plays for Paris FC and the Canadian women’s team—a power couple affectionately dubbed “Team Canada” by fans.
They reside in Munich, where Davies is known for:
- His charity work with children and refugees
- His love for music—he released a rap single in 2023 titled “From Buduburam to Bayern”
- His strong faith and family values
Despite his fame, he still speaks fondly of Edmonton, calling it “the place that gave me my chance.”
Cultural Impact and Legacy in 2025
Alphonso Davies represents a new paradigm in football:
- Talent without ego
- Speed with purpose
- Fame with responsibility
He’s shattered stereotypes:
- Proved that players from non-traditional football nations can dominate in Europe
- Showed that refugees are not burdens—they are future leaders
- Redefined what a full-back can be—not just a defender, but a game-changer
In 2025, statues of Davies are being proposed in Edmonton and Vancouver, and schools in Canada have introduced “The Alphonso Davies Program” to promote sports and education for immigrant youth.
Related: Mason Mount Then and Now
Conclusion: Alphonso Davies – Then and Now in 2025
- Then: A boy born in a refugee camp, playing football barefoot in the snow, dreaming of a better life.
- Now: Bayern Munich captain, global humanitarian, Canadian icon, and one of the most influential footballers of his generation.
Alphonso Davies’ story is not just about football.
It’s about hope, resilience, and the power of opportunity.
As he leads Bayern into a new era, inspires millions, and continues to fight for the voiceless, one thing is certain:
Alphonso Davies isn’t just running down the wing.
He’s running toward history.
⚡ “I run for my parents. I play for my country. I fight for every kid with a dream and no path.” – Alphonso Davies, 2025
Related: Raphinha Then and Now