Jeremie Frimpong: The Headband-Wearing Full-Back Redefining Modern Football

When fans tune in to watch Bayer Leverkusen play, its not just his thrilling electric pace and attacking flair that is captivating, its his trademark black headband. 

Jeremie Frimpong, one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs, has quietly turned heads across the football world with his dynamic style, relentless energy, and infectious spirit. While he may still fly under the radar compared to bigger names, those who know football know Jeremie Frimpong.

In a sport often obsessed with the grand narratives of superstars, Frimpong’s rise feels refreshingly authentic. No gimmicks. No media circus. Just hard work, talent — and yes, a headband that rarely leaves his head on matchday.

Early Life and Roots in Amsterdam

Jeremie Agyekum Frimpong was born on 10 December 2000 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, into a Ghanaian-Dutch family. At the age of seven, he moved with his family to England, settling in Manchester. This relocation proved pivotal — not only did it introduce him to a different footballing culture, but it also put him on the radar of one of the biggest academies in Europe.

At just nine years old, Frimpong joined the Manchester City Academy, where he developed for nearly a decade. He trained alongside some of England’s brightest prospects and absorbed the club’s philosophy of attacking, possession-based football. Although he never made a senior appearance for City, those formative years provided a strong foundation for what was to come.

Breaking Through at Celtic

In 2019, at the age of 18, Frimpong took a bold step. With first-team chances limited at Manchester City, he signed for Scottish champions Celtic. The move turned out to be a masterstroke.

Frimpong quickly established himself as a fan favourite at Celtic Park. His blistering speed, overlapping runs, and sheer enthusiasm lit up the pitch. While still raw in defensive positioning, he made up for it with boundless energy and a willingness to learn. His performances earned him the Young Player of the Year award for the 2019–20 season.

At Celtic, Frimpong also began consistently wearing a headband — often black — a practical choice to control his thick curls during matches, but one that would become a recognisable part of his image.

Bayer Leverkusen and Bundesliga Stardom

In January 2021, Frimpong made another leap — this time to the Bundesliga, signing with Bayer Leverkusen for a reported £11.5 million. Some questioned the size of the fee for such a young player, but Frimpong has silenced critics ever since.

Under manager Xabi Alonso, Frimpong has thrived as a right wing-back in Leverkusen’s fluid, attacking system. He’s not a traditional defender — nor is he just a winger. Frimpong operates in the half-space between both roles, often appearing more as a forward than a full-back. His pace makes him a nightmare to mark, and his low centre of gravity allows him to glide past defenders with ease.

In the 2023–24 season, Frimpong played a crucial role in Bayer Leverkusen’s unbeaten Bundesliga title win, contributing multiple goals and assists. His partnership with fellow young talents like Florian Wirtz and Victor Boniface has made Leverkusen one of the most exciting teams in Europe.

Frimpong’s Playing Style: Speed, Skill, and Stamina

Frimpong is a modern full-back in every sense. His game is built on verticality. He wants to get forward, break lines, and create chances — often overlapping beyond the winger and into dangerous areas. He rarely hesitates. When the ball is at his feet, he drives forward, constantly looking to make things happen.

Defensively, he’s improved massively under Alonso’s tutelage. Though still not the most imposing in one-on-one duels, his anticipation and recovery pace allow him to break up counter-attacks effectively. He’s also developed better positional awareness, knowing when to sit and when to surge forward.

The Headband: A Symbol of His Identity

It might seem trivial, but Frimpong’s consistent use of a headband — usually black, sometimes branded — has become something of a trademark. While many players wear them temporarily, Frimpong’s is a regular fixture, and it suits his aesthetic: low-fuss, high-energy.

The headband keeps his hair in place, but it also sends a subtle message — he's here to work. There’s no pretence. No theatrics. Just a young man giving his all on the pitch, game after game. It’s a small detail, but one that fans have come to associate with his fearless playing style.

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International Recognition and the Dutch National Team

Despite being eligible to play for Ghana, Frimpong committed his international future to the Netherlands national team. His debut for the senior Dutch side came in 2023, and he was later included in the squad for the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament.

While not a guaranteed starter yet, Frimpong’s versatility and pace make him a valuable asset for any coach. As more traditional full-backs age out of the Dutch system, there’s growing belief that Frimpong could become a fixture in the Oranje for years to come.

Off the Pitch: Energy, Positivity and Quiet Confidence

Unlike many modern footballers, Frimpong isn’t constantly in the limelight. He keeps a relatively low profile, preferring to let his football do the talking. That said, he’s known for his positive energy, cheeky smile, and strong camaraderie with teammates. Fans and journalists alike often comment on how refreshing it is to see a player so full of joy — and it's real.

In interviews, Frimpong speaks with humility. He rarely talks himself up, but always acknowledges his hard work and determination. His journey from Amsterdam to Manchester, to Glasgow, to Leverkusen, isn’t just a tale of ambition — it’s one of resilience and risk-taking.

Liverpool’s Newest Signing: Jeremie Frimpong Joins the Reds – Headband and All

When fans tune in to watch Liverpool this season, one figure stands out — not just for his electric pace and attacking flair, but for the black headband that’s become his trademark. Jeremie Frimpong, recently signed from Bayer Leverkusen in May 2025, is one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs. Now wearing the iconic red of Liverpool, he brings a dynamic style, relentless energy, and infectious spirit to Anfield. While he may have flown under the radar in the Bundesliga, Premier League fans are about to discover what those in Germany and Scotland already know — Frimpong is the real deal.

Why Jeremie Frimpong Matters

Football needs players like Jeremie Frimpong. In an era where youth development can feel overly manufactured, Frimpong’s path reminds us that sometimes, it's the ones who take risks — who leave big clubs for better chances — that flourish.

He’s not the tallest, he’s not the most physical, and he’s not one for the spotlight. But Frimpong has carved out his space in elite football through hustle, joy, and heart. That black headband? It’s not just an accessory — it’s a badge of purpose.

Conclusion

Jeremie Frimpong isn’t just another promising right-back. He’s already one of the most effective wing-backs in Europe, with a growing list of honours to his name. From the streets of Amsterdam to the training pitches of Manchester, to the roar of Celtic Park and the bright lights of the Bundesliga, Frimpong’s journey is far from over.

As fans, we’ll continue to watch — not just for the goals and assists, but for that familiar headband streaking down the flank, doing what he does best: changing the game.