Meet Jayden Addai, The Young Forward Ready to Make His Mark at Como 1907

At just 19 years old, Jayden Addai has already shown his promise, receiving the Man of The Tournament Award as Como beat Ajax in the final of the inaugural Como Cup. The Dutch talent, with a keen eye for goal and impressive technical skills rose through the Academy of AZ Alkmaar joined Como 1907 this Summer.

We caught up with Jayden to discuss how he’s settling into Como, his ambitions for the season, and what fans can expect from the young forward on and off the field.

Q: Please introduce yourself—your position, foot, and main skills.
Jaden: I’m Jaden Addai. I’m a forward, left-footed. My strengths are a good dribble, strong one-v-one ability, and a solid shot.

Q: What convinced you that Como was the right place for a young player like you?
Jaden: I looked at the squad and saw young players who were getting real chances—guys who, like me, were on the edge of the first team elsewhere but play a lot here. I spoke with the coach and the club about the project and felt this was the place where I could develop and perform.

Q: What are your expectations for this new chapter of your career, on and off the pitch?
Jaden: I want to finish as high as possible with Como this season. Moving here was a big step—since I was nine or ten I’d been at AZ, so leaving wasn’t easy. But now that I’m here I’m happy and ready to do my thing. I want to show Serie A who Jaden Addai is and show everyone what Como can do.

Q: What impression have the training facilities, the stadium, and the staff made on you?
Jaden: Everything is top-class. The pitches are great, the food is good—everything you need is there. As for the staff, the coach gives me a really good feeling. He talks to me a lot—about pressing, what to do on the pitch and off it. When someone with a career like his speaks, I listen.

Q: Had you ever visited Como before signing? What did you think of the place then, and what do you think now?
Jaden: I’d been once before. I was in Milan and my girlfriend said, “Let’s go to Lake Como.” We took a boat for about an hour and a half, just relaxed and enjoyed the view. It was beautiful then, and it still is now.

Q: Is there a teammate or staff member who has helped you feel at home straight away?
Jaden: Yes, I talk a lot with Ignace Van der Brempt—language helps, because he speaks Dutch. He’s been great. And really every coach has helped me a lot.

Q: Do you have any hobbies outside football?
Jaden: Honestly, football is everything for me. I also play Playstation. 

Q: What music do you listen to, especially before a match?
Jaden: Mostly Dutch music—artists like Frenna.

Q: Which Italian dish have you tried since arriving that you really like?
Jaden: Pasta carbonara. I ate it in a restaurant in Milan—not my first time, but it’s always good. I’m sure I’ll find even better here.

Q: And finally, if you could give advice to a young kid who dreams of becoming a footballer, what would it be?
Jaden: I’m not a big player yet—I’m still a kid chasing my own dream. But I’d say: work hard, do a bit extra for yourself, and give everything you can. If you reach the big stage you’ll be proud, and even if you don’t, you’ll still be proud knowing you tried your best.