Move over Lamine Yamal and Michael Olise—Brighton’s newest £21.5 million wonderkid has already decided exactly whose legacy he is chasing in the Premier League.
18-year-old Nigerian sensation Zadok Yohanna has sent social media into an absolute frenzy following a viral TikTok video. Fresh off his big-money move from AIK Stockholm to Brighton & Hove Albion, the teenage winger revealed the heavy footballing nickname that followed him all the way from West Africa: Riyad Mahrez.
“I Dribble Like Mahrez”
In the light-hearted clip, Yohanna was quick to clarify that he didn’t give himself the lofty title, but he certainly isn’t shying away from it either.
“My teammates in Nigeria, that’s the name they gave me,” Yohanna explained with a smile. “They say I dribble like Riyad Mahrez, not even like Lamine Yamal or [Michael] Olise. I dribble like Mahrez, I play like Mahrez, so they gave me the name Riyad Mahrez.”
When asked about the former Manchester City and Leicester City icon, the youngster didn’t hold back his admiration, calling the Algerian superstar “100% underrated” and adding, “They don’t think about him.”
Why the Comparison Fits
For a teenager entering the most demanding league in the world, embracing a Mahrez comparison takes a serious amount of confidence.
| Feature | Riyad Mahrez | Zadok Yohanna (The Profile) |
|---|---|---|
| Playstyle | Silky touch, elite close control, cutting inside | High-volume dribbler, explosive carrying |
| Reputation | Premier League Champion, African Icon | Nigeria’s most exciting new attacking prospect |
| Brighton Role | Mentorship blueprint | The next generation of Seagulls’ attacking flair |
The buzz surrounding Yohanna isn’t just contained to the Amex Stadium. Back home, Nigerian football fans are already salivating at the prospect of the youngster breaking into the Super Eagles squad.
With his supreme confidence and technical profile, fans are already envisioning a terrifying future frontline featuring Yohanna linking up alongside established superstars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. Driven by a deep motivation to make his family proud, Yohanna clearly has the self-belief to match his price tag.
If he can translate that trademark Algerian silk into Premier League production, Brighton hasn’t just bought a player for the future—they’ve bought an entertainer.
