From refugee to Upstate United senior: Jibril Hassen pursues his soccer dream

Jibril Hassen will always remember his first arrival in the United States. When he landed at Dulles International Airport in Washington, DC, after customs, he was filled with excitement despite not being fluent in English. He was heading to a place that offered a soccer opportunity and a chance to pursue his dream.

“It was a day I will never forget. I landed in Washington, D.C. at 9:30 AM on Thursday, October 3, 2024,” Hassen recounted. “I told myself that day, ‘Your dream is finally coming true.'”

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Last Saturday, he moved a step closer to achieving his dreams when Upstate United promoted him to the senior team. As he had in the Academy games, he displayed fearlessness under senior pressure, performing seamlessly in his debut.

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“I’m proud of myself, and I’m even more motivated now to keep pushing forward,” he said.

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Hassen was born in Somalia in 2006, but his earliest memories are rooted in the Shed Dheer refugee camp in Ethiopia. Soccer became more than just a hobby there, especially when international aid groups organized tournaments like the “Cup E.D.” Young Hassen competed in the trophy event twice. 

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“Soccer is something I truly love. I would even say it’s my identity,” he said. 

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Throughout this journey, Hassen’s mother and siblings supported him unwaveringly as the family faced various challenges. Before joining Upstate, he honed his skills by playing for local clubs in Tunisia, dedicating every moment to improving his technique and fueling his ambition.  

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His connection to Upstate came when a former Upstate United player recognized his talent and invited him and two friends to train with the club. Although the transition was tough due to language barriers and cultural differences, he confronted both challenges with determination. 

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“Things have been difficult for me, but I’m working hard to improve and overcome that challenge,” Hassen commented.

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Welcomed by his coaches and teammates, he arrived at the training grounds in Syracuse, feeling both the weight of his journey and the warmth of a new family. Playing his natural position as a central midfielder, he quickly showcased his composure in possession and an instinct for controlling the game’s tempo. 

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As news of his work ethic and technical skills spread, Hassen earned the ultimate reward this summer: a promotion to Upstate United’s senior squad.  

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“I was extremely happy,” he reminisced. “That opportunity didn’t come by luck; it came through my hard work and dedication.”

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Now at 18, Hassen carries his American dream and looks to shine on the pitch. His immediate goal is clear: to help Upstate compete for every cup this season and to stand out on the roster. Looking to the future, he envisions progressing even further in American soccer, confident that no obstacle can deter him.

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