Gambia's Pa Omar Babou Finds Stardom in Bangladesh After Israeli Stint

Pa Omar Babou, a Gambian footballer who previously trialed with Maccabi Haifa and played in Israel's youth leagues, is experiencing a career resurgence at 27 with Fortis FC in Bangladesh. Despite not playing in a top-tier league, Babou has been a standout performer, contributing to 21 goals in 16 appearances during the 2025/26 season, scoring 14 and assisting 7. He also captained Fortis to its first-ever qualification for the AFC Challenge Cup group stage.

Babou's journey has been unconventional. He was a prodigious talent in Gambia, scoring the winning goal in the 2014 Gambian Cup final at just 15. He later played in Israel's youth league for Ramat HaSharon, where he was the third-highest scorer in the 2016/17 season with 19 goals. Despite a trial with Maccabi Haifa, he was not signed and eventually moved on.

His senior career saw him play for various clubs, including Hajduk Split in Croatia, Dila Gori in Georgia, and clubs in Belgium and Morocco, with limited success. He returned to Ramat HaSharon for a second stint in the senior team before heading to Bangladesh.

In Bangladesh, Babou has become a key player for Fortis FC, a club founded in 2020. His impressive goal-scoring and playmaking abilities have made him a central figure, leading the team in scoring and assists in the 2025/26 season. His success in Bangladesh marks a significant chapter in a career that has seen him navigate various leagues and clubs across different continents.