The Journey of Ibrahime Sylla
Ibrahime Sylla, a young man from Guinea, is among the approximately 120,000 individuals who sought asylum in Mexico last year. His remarkable journey transformed him from a victim of persecution to a hopeful soccer player with the Liga MX team, Necaxa. Drawn to football since early childhood, Sylla played whenever he could, using the sport to cope with the social turmoil surrounding him in Guinea.
Facing Persecution
At just 17, Sylla’s life drastically changed when he was threatened during a confrontation linked to civil unrest in Conakry, following a military coup in 2021. Fearing for his life and accepting that he could no longer stay safe in his home city, he decided to depart. On February 25, 2022, a family friend aided his escape to Brazil, where he briefly stayed before continuing his journey across the Americas.
The Treacherous Journey
Despite the initial dangers he faced in Brazil, he decided to join a group of five travelers heading to the U.S. They enlisted his help in carrying their belongings in exchange for lodging and food, marking the start of a treacherous journey northward.
Sylla’s travels took him through numerous countries, and he soon confronted perhaps the most daunting challenge: crossing the perilous Darien Gap. This densely forested and treacherous area presents significant risks, with treks often resulting in injury or more severe outcomes. The sight of an abandoned child there left him traumatized. Despite these encounters, it was during a brutal climb in the jungle that he found a new determination; a gentle nudge from a fellow traveler reminded him to persevere and press onward.
A New Dream in Mexico
After traversing countries like Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Honduras, he finally reached Mexico on April 1, 2022. At this point, Sylla opted to stay rather than continue to the U.S., embracing a newfound “Mexican dream” instead of the once sought-after American dream.
In 2022, the Mexican Commission for Refugee Assistance (COMAR) processed over 119,000 asylum requests, with a less than 25% acceptance rate. Eventually, with the support of the UNHCR, Sylla’s application was approved, and he was relocated to various cities in Mexico, ultimately finding refuge in Tijuana. There, he discovered the local culture, learning Spanish through music and savoring traditional dishes.
Resilience and Future Aspirations
Reinvigorated by the ability to play soccer again, Sylla soon pursued opportunities with local clubs. Although he did not secure a spot with Xolos de Tijuana, he caught the attention of Necaxa scouts during a private trial and was quickly accepted into their youth academy. Training with the under-23 team and playing with a third-division club, he exemplifies resilience amidst adversity, humor, and positivity, quickly becoming a beloved member of the team.
In addition to training, he supports himself as a data entry clerk, while also completing his high school education. Possessing aspirations for the future, he dreams of pursuing a degree in fields like game development or cybersecurity. His personal project includes developing a video game themed around hide-and-seek and an app designed for personal trainers.
A Personal Revelation
Reflecting on his past struggles, Sylla expressed that he thought moments of joy were lost to him forever. Now, residing in Mexico—the country he calls his second home—he views his new life as a profound rebirth, grateful for the laughter and happiness he has found there.
