Alhassan Yusuf

**Alhassan Yusuf** Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi Pigui (born July 18, 2000, in Kano, Nigeria) is a professional Nigerian footballer who primarily plays as a midfielder. He is recognized for his dynamic style of play and contributions to both European and Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs, as well as the Nigerian National Team. **Early Life and Career Genesis** Alhassan Yusuf hails from Kano in Northern Nigeria. Details regarding his early life and formal education are limited, but his professional career began in Europe. His talent as a midfielder (right-footed) paved the way for his move to professional football overseas at a young age. **Career Progression and Notable Works** Yusuf's professional career began to gain traction in Sweden before he moved to Belgium. In 2019, he played 26 league matches in his first full season, scoring two goals and adding two assists. His performance led to him being named the 2019 Allsvenskan Newcomer of the Year. He subsequently joined Belgian club **Royal Antwerp** on July 16, 2021. During his tenure at Royal Antwerp, Yusuf was instrumental, scoring three goals and adding one assist in 26 matches in his first season (2021). In 2022, he tallied 22 league appearances with two assists. He also featured in European competitions, including four appearances in the UEFA Europa League, where he notched an assist on November 25, 2021, against Eintracht Frankfurt, and six appearances in the UEFA Europa Conference League qualifying matches. **Major Achievements and Current Status** While at Royal Antwerp, Yusuf won the 2022-23 Belgian Cup and the 2023 Belgian SuperCup. In August 2024, he transferred to Major League Soccer (MLS), joining the **New England Revolution**. Since arriving, he has accumulated 41 MLS appearances, including 37 starts, registering two goals and four assists. In the 2025 season, he recorded 34 appearances, 32 starts, two goals, and two assists over 2,936 minutes played. On the international stage, Yusuf has been capped seven times by the **Nigeria National Team**. He participated in the latest Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2024, making three appearances as Nigeria finished as runner-up. Following the 2023 AFCON, he was honored with the Member of the Order of the Niger, one of Nigeria's highest honors.