From a refugee camp in Ghana to UN Ambassador – the story of Bayern’s Alphonso Davies

What have you done during your first 20 years of life? Were you born in a refugee camp, then changed country, started to play football, won eight major trophies, and then became the first footballer in history to be named a UN Ambassador? Well, if not, meet the man who did – Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies.

The Bavarians left wing-back was just named a UN ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the first player in history to do so. He started to lend his support to the work being done by the UNHCR, the body that helped organize his family’s resettlement in Canada after they fleed from a civil war.

„My family had to leave everything behind in Liberia to find safety in Ghana, where I was born in a refugee camp. When I was five years old, we were resettled to Canada. We built up a new life and I worked hard to get where I am today, but I will never forget where I came from. I know what it's like to be a refugee myself" Davies said on his Twitter account announcing his new role.

But how his life unfolded? He never knew his native country, Liberia. His parents had to flee the country during the civil war and they traveled hundreds of miles across west Africa to find safety in the refugee camp in Ghana, where his father admitted he feared his children wouldn't have enough to eat. After five years in Ghana, they left for Canada via a resettlement program.

“My parents said it was like being in a container that you can’t leave because you don’t know what would happen to you. “It was hard to find food and water. You don’t know what’s coming the next day. My mum didn’t know how she would feed me, take care of me. She cried. They were struggling, for themselves and for me" said Davies, per New York Times.

Things changed for the better when they arrived in Canada and settled in Edmonton, where Davies started to train football, but he always knew his roots were in Liberia.

„My parents told me about the war that was going on in Liberia. In that situation, there are only two opportunities, either be part of the war or get out. My parents had no intention of carrying guns and shooting guns. I am happy they chose to get out" he said recently. He also admitted he wanted to visit Liberia and Ghana.

„I asked my parents about it because we still have family in both countries but the way things are going right now I will have to wait a little bit longer, “ he said in an interview with Gary Lineker.

Davies was also a target for racism when he posted a photo with his partner, Canadian women's international Jordyn Huitema.

"It is very important to get rid of the stigma around refugees. As a footballer, I have encountered racism not too long ago. It is tough, not even being the color I am but being resettled as well. It is about raising awareness because there are people out there who really don't care. They say what they want. Those are the people we are trying to change and open their eyes to see we are all human beings no matter where you come from and we can all help each other as much as possible" said Davis.

As a UN ambassador, Bayern Munich footballer hopes he will raise awareness of the refugee situation in the world, raise more money for the camps and talk further about racism. And he will have the time to do it, as he is only 20 years old. He can play for further 10-15 years. But he has many trophies already. The Bayern Munich left-back has already won a Bundesliga, Champions League, and DFB-Pokal treble, as well as the Super Cup and Club World Cup. He also has been named Canadian Player of the Year twice, he finished 2nd in UEFA's Defender of the Year award and made UEFA Team of the Year, Champions League Team of the Season, and Champions League Breakthrough XI.