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Mo Faal

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Not to be confused with the footballer Muhammadu Faal, also known as Mo Faal.

Mo Faal
Personal information
Full name Modou Lamin Faal[1]
Date of birth (2003-02-11) 11 February 2003 (age 22)[2]
Place of birth The Gambia[3]
Height 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)[4]
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Port Vale
(on loan from Wrexham)
Youth career
2018–2019 Sutton Coldfield Town
2019–2021 West Bromwich Albion
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021–2024 West Bromwich Albion 1 (0)
2022 → Hereford (loan) 4 (1)
2022 → AFC Telford United (loan) 6 (0)
2022–2023 → AFC Fylde (loan) 16 (10)
2023–2024 → Doncaster Rovers (loan) 25 (7)
2024 → Walsall (loan) 20 (6)
2024– Wrexham 8 (0)
2025– → Port Vale (loan) 0 (0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 19:06, 11 February 2025 (UTC)

Modou Lamin Faal (born 11 February 2003) is a Gambian professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Port Vale, on loan from EFL Championship club Wrexham.

Faal moved from The Gambia to Birmingham, England, at the age of seven. He was spotted by West Bromwich Albion playing for Sutton Coldfield Town and joined the West Brom Academy in 2019. He made his professional debut in August 2021. He had five loan spells in three seasons, playing for Hereford, AFC Telford United, AFC Fylde, Doncaster Rovers, and Walsall. He was named National League North Player of the Month in February 2023 during Fylde's National League North title-winning season. He was signed for a club record £500,000 fee by Wrexham in August 2024. After Wrexham were promoted from League One at the end of the 2024–25 season, he returned to the division on loan with Port Vale in August 2025.

Early life

[edit]

Faal was born in The Gambia but relocated to Birmingham, England, with his family when he was seven years old.[3] He aspired to play for the Gambia national football team.[5]

Club career

[edit]

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

Faal joined the Academy at West Bromwich Albion in November 2019,[6] at the age of 16, after impressing during a two-week trial. He had been scouted while playing local football for Sutton Coldfield Town in Birmingham.[2] He made an early impression and became the first scholar in West Brom history to play for the U-23's, featuring in a number of matches for Deon Burton's side during the 2020–21 campaign. He was also a regular fixture in Albion's U-18 side and enjoyed a prolific season, scoring seven goals.[2] This earned him a call-up to train with the Baggies' first team under manager Valérien Ismaël.[7] He agreed a new contract with the club.[8]

Faal made his professional debut on 25 August 2021, coming on as a substitute for Kenneth Zohore, in a 6–0 loss to Arsenal in the second round of the EFL Cup.[9] On 5 March 2022, he signed for National League North side Hereford on a one-month loan deal.[10] He scored two goals in five games for Josh Gowling's Bulls.[11] He scored regularly for Richard Beale's West Brom Premier League 2 team and scored a goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League Cup final victory.[12]

On 28 October 2022, he joined AFC Telford United on loan.[13][14] He played six National League North games for Kevin Wilkin's "Bucks".[15] On 2 December 2022, Faal moved to AFC Fylde of the National League North on a one-month loan deal; manager Adam Murray had previously coached Faal at The Hawthorns.[7] He scored a brace on his debut to secure a 2–1 win at Gloucester City.[16] The loan was later extended until the end of the 2022–23 season as director of football Chris Beech praised his "immediate impact".[17] He was recalled by West Brom on 6 March 2023.[18] His performances before his recall saw him win the February National League North Player of the Month award having scored five goals across the month and scoring a total of 10 goals in the 16 games during his full spell at Mill Farm.[19] AFC Fylde were promoted as National League North champions at the end of the season.[20] He signed a new two-year deal with West Brom in July 2023.[21]

On 11 August 2023, Faal joined League Two club Doncaster Rovers on a season-long loan deal.[22] On 13 January 2024, he returned to his parent club with Rovers manager Grant McCann expressing his disappointment in the way that the striker had used his representatives to end the loan at the break period.[23] McCann had previously praised Faal for his progress at the Eco-Power Stadium,[24] and later said there were no hard feelings over his exit.[25] On 15 January 2024, Faal returned to League Two with Walsall on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season.[26] Walsall were eight points and seven places above Rovers.[27] He had a slow start to his time at the Bescot Stadium, being restricted to cameo appearances.[28] Manager Mat Sadler compared him to Elijah Adebayo.[29]

He was given a chance in the West Brom first team after impressing manager Carlos Corberán during his loan spells away.[30] On 13 August 2024, he scored his first goal in a 2–1 defeat at Fleetwood Town in the EFL Cup first round.[31] He was strongly linked with a move to Barnsley.[32]

Wrexham

[edit]

On 30 August 2024, Faal signed a three-year deal (with a further one-year option) for Wrexham after being bought for a £500,000 transfer fee.[33][3] This made him the club's record signing.[34] He made his debut for the club on 10 September 2024, in a 2–1 win over Salford City in the EFL Trophy.[35] On 8 October, he scored his first goal at the Racecourse Ground in a 3–0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers U21.[36] Wrexham were promoted out of League One at the end of the 2024–25 campaign, with Faal scoring three goals in 16 games – of which eight were league games, all appearances off the bench without scoring.[37] The Red Dragons were well stocked with attackers, leaving him with limited opportunities to play.[38]

On 7 August 2025, it was announced that Faal joined League One club Port Vale on loan for the 2025–26 season.[39] Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said that "several League One clubs" had tried to bring Faal in on loan, but that they "we're [now] looking forward to watching him develop under a terrific manager in Darren Moore".[40] He scored four minutes into his debut five days later as he came off the bench 71 minutes into a 1–0 win at Blackpool in the first round of the EFL Cup.[41]

Style of play

[edit]

Faal is a target man forward with a big physical presence.[42] In addition to his size, he also has pace and an unorthodox, difficult-to-defend-against style.[43]

Career statistics

[edit]
As of match played 12 August 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup EFL Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
West Bromwich Albion 2021–22[44] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 0 — 1 0
2022–23[45] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2023–24[46] Championship 0 0 — — 0 0 0 0
2024–25[47] Championship 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
Total 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 3 1
Hereford (loan) 2021–22[37] National League North 4 1 — — — 4 1
AFC Telford United (loan) 2022–23[37] National League North 6 0 — — 1[a] 0 7 0
AFC Fylde (loan) 2022–23[37] National League North 16 10 — — — 16 10
Doncaster Rovers (loan) 2023–24[46] League Two 25 7 3 1 1 0 4[b] 1 33 9
Walsall (loan) 2023–24[46] League Two 20 6 — — — 20 6
Wrexham 2024–25[47] League One 8 0 1 0 — 7[b] 3 16 3
Port Vale (loan) 2025–26[48] League One 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 1 1
Career total 80 24 4 1 4 2 12 4 100 31
  1. ^ Appearance in FA Trophy
  2. ^ a b Appearances in EFL Trophy

Honours

[edit]

Individual

West Bromwich Albion U23

AFC Fylde

Wrexham

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "CLUB LIST OF REGISTERED PLAYERS" (PDF). English Football League. p. 25. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b c "Modou Faal". West Bromwich Albion FC. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  3. ^ a b c "Wrexham sign striker Faal from West Brom". BBC Sport. 30 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  4. ^ "Mo Faal". whoscored.com. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  5. ^ Jones, Steve (9 November 2023). "Doncaster Rovers: West Brom loanee Mo Faal makes international stance clear". Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  6. ^ Wright, Danny (20 November 2019). "Confirmed: West Brom sign new striker for U17s". West Brom News. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Modou Faal Loaned In". AFC Fylde. 2 December 2022. Retrieved 31 December 2022.
  8. ^ Chapman, Joseph (6 July 2021). "West Brom agree new contracts with host of exciting talents - but suffer one blow". Birmingham Live. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  9. ^ "West Brom 0-6 Arsenal: Aubameyang stars as Gunners secure first win of season". BBC Sport. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  10. ^ "Faal makes Hereford loan move". West Bromwich Albion FC. 5 March 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  11. ^ Cox, Lewis (12 November 2022). "Richard Beale excited by next crop of West Brom youngsters". Shropshire Star. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  12. ^ "Mo Faal returns to Albion from AFC Fylde loan". West Bromwich Albion FC. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  13. ^ Youll, Russell (28 October 2022). "Telford sign Shrewsbury's Kade Craig and West Brom's Mo Faal on loan deals". Shropshire Star. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  14. ^ "AFC Telford United boss Kevin Wilkin praise for new boys". Shropshire Star. 1 November 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  15. ^ Cox, Lewis (2 December 2022). "West Brom's Mo Faal ends AFC Telford loan". Shropshire Star. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  16. ^ Foster, Callum (4 December 2022). "New signing Faal earns AFC Fylde all thee points at Gloucester". Blackpool Gazette. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  17. ^ "Mo Faal Extends Coasters Loan". AFC Fylde. 5 January 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  18. ^ "Mo Faal Recalled From Coasters Loan Spell". AFC Fylde. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  19. ^ a b Elliott, Sam (13 March 2023). "Faal Play Sparks Award As Craig Collects Best Boss Gong". National League. Retrieved 13 March 2023.
  20. ^ a b Coates, Tom (11 August 2023). "Doncaster Rovers sign forward Mo Faal on season-long loan from West Bromwich Albion". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  21. ^ Maher, Matt (21 July 2023). "Young striker Mo Faal pens new two-year West Brom deal". Express & Star. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  22. ^ "Rovers sign Modou Faal on loan from West Bromwich Albion". Doncaster Rovers FC. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  23. ^ Cox, Lewis (13 January 2024). "Doncaster's Grant McCann disappointed with "really poor" call as Mo Faal loan from West Brom ends". Express & Star. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  24. ^ "McCann's praise for on-form Faal". Doncaster Rovers FC. 15 October 2023. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  25. ^ Wobschall, Leon (1 March 2024). "Doncaster Rovers boss Grant McCann on renewing acquaintances with former West Brom loanee following controversial exit". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  26. ^ "Mo Faal: Walsall sign West Bromwich Albion striker on loan". BBC Sport. 15 January 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  27. ^ Wobschall, Leon (16 January 2024). "Doncaster Rovers transfer latest: Loan striker links up with League Two rivals after controversial return to Championship club". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  28. ^ Charlesworth, Ricky (1 March 2024). "'Had to settle for cameos' - Expert insight into Mo Faal ahead of Doncaster Rovers reunion". Doncaster Free Press. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  29. ^ Bennett, George (20 April 2024). "Mat Sadler: Mo Faal reminds me of Premier League star". Express & Star. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  30. ^ Burton, Harri (1 August 2024). "Mo Faal must take final chance at The Hawthorns after West Brom transfer news". West Brom News. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  31. ^ "Fleetwood 2-1 Albion". West Bromwich Albion FC. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  32. ^ Coates, Tom (30 August 2024). "Barnsley FC beaten in race for ex-Doncaster Rovers star as West Bromwich Albion confirm permanent move". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  33. ^ Henrys, Colin (30 August 2024). "Signed | Wrexham AFC sign Mo Faal from West Brom". Wrexham AFC. Retrieved 5 August 2025.
  34. ^ "Mo Faal: How did Wrexham's record signing do on his debut?". The Athletic. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  35. ^ "Wrexham 2–1 Salford City". ESPN. 10 September 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  36. ^ "Wrexham 3–0 Wolverhampton Wanderers U21". ESPN. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  37. ^ a b c d e Mo Faal at Soccerway. Retrieved 25 August 2021.
  38. ^ Williams, Richard (10 August 2025). "Wrexham boss on injured Kieffer Moore and Mo Faal loan move". Wrexham Leader. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  39. ^ "Mo Faal is a Valiant!". Port Vale FC. 7 August 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  40. ^ "Mo Faal joins Port Vale on a season-long loan". Wrexham AFC. 8 August 2025. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  41. ^ "Match Report | Blackpool 0-1 Port Vale [Carabao Cup] | Port Vale FC". Port Vale FC. 12 August 2025. Retrieved 13 August 2025.
  42. ^ "Get to know our FA Youth Cup semi-finalists". West Bromwich Albion FC. 13 May 2021. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  43. ^ Griffiths, Mark (8 June 2025). "Will Wrexham AFC striker Faal be a big hit next season?". Wrexham Leader. Retrieved 10 August 2025.
  44. ^ "Games played by Mo Faal in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  45. ^ "Games played by Mo Faal in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  46. ^ a b c "Games played by Mo Faal in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  47. ^ a b "Games played by Mo Faal in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 20 February 2025.
  48. ^ "Games played by Mo Faal in 2025/2026". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  49. ^ Masi, Joseph (13 May 2022). "West Brom win Black Country derby PL Cup final in dramatic penalty shoot-out". Shropshire Star. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
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