Exclusive: Forgotten Wonderkid Saido Berahino Reveals His Biggest Career Regrets as He Plots a Comeback

When a budding Saido Berahino plundered 14 goals in the 2014-2025 English Premier League (EPL) season with West Bromwich Albion, pundits, and anyone, who cared were quick to label him as the next big thing.

Berahino had given all and sundry sufficient reasons to believe that the next football star and a potential FIFA Ballon d'Or winner was being crafted at West Brom, as his statistics at the junior level suggested so.

At the back of his mind, Berahino envisioned a trophy-laden career, scoring big goals on the pitch and achieving hugely off the pitch, just like any footballer would have.

Failure was never an option, neither did it occur to him that he would never fulfil at least half of his football abilities, as some argue.

However, a decade later, when his peers are either peaking or are counting their wins, Berahino now finds himself with a new club, Tabor Sežana, a second-tier side in Slovenia. 

The protracted and unsuccessful transfer from West Brom to Tottenham Hotspur in 2015 has long been cited as the major source of Berahino's downfall, as things have never been the same for him since then.

He has extensively spoken about the failed move and the effects it had on his career among other factors that, contributed to his unexpected fall from grace.

I SHOULD HAVE LISTENED MORE

SportsBoom.com tracked the former England U21 team striker, who in an exclusive interview opened on what he considers the greatest source of his fall-off.

Berahino conceded that his defiant nature, especially when a youngster partly laid a base for his downfall and by the time he was realizing it, it was too late to redeem himself.

When the supposed move to Spurs collapsed, Berahino's underbelly was exposed, as he reportedly swore to never play for West Brom, the club that thrust him to world, again.

The former Stoke City striker revealed that he struggled with taking advice from his handlers and seniors, contrary to what is expected of professional sportsmen.

Further, Berahino lamented over the lack of an adequate support system to guide his steps and tame his excesses, for his failed bid to become the next big thing.

"I one hundred percent have career regrets. If I could roll back the years, I would have listened more to the people around me, especially my handlers. Sometimes I would take their advice, sometimes I couldn't. Lack of a support system to guide me didn't help my case as well," Berahino told SportsBoom.com. 

LISTEN LADS, NEVER BE COMFORTABLE

Having tasted and seen it all in both sides of his football career, Berahino is better placed to offer counsel to upcoming footballers and sportsmen.

The Burundian international proposed hard work and discipline as the key ingredients for a successful sporting career, particularly football.

The former Sheffield Wednesday striker gave Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the men with 13 Ballon d'Or titles between them, as living examples of players, who have made the difference between them and rest by building their talents through sheer hard work.

"My advice to young players is to avoid getting into comfort zones. They should know that there will always be someone better than them and the best way to remain at the top is working hard throughout and listening. You can be talented, but you will never produce your best if you don't work hard. Messi and Ronaldo have managed to remain at the top and relevant for long through hard work and discipline," advised Berahino.

At the same time, Berahino cautioned players against shortcuts and dying for overnight success at the expense of professionalism and building careers the appropriate way.

"Footballers should shun the culture of cutting through the corners. Young players should be encouraged to trust the process and build their careers day by day."

WHY BERAHINO LEFT INDIA WITHOUT KICKING BALL

In August last year, Berahino swapped European football for Asia after agreeing to join Indian second-tier club Rajasthan United, a move that was thought would get him firing again.

However, the 31-year-old, who was being unveiled for the fifth time since leaving Stoke in 2019, left without making a single appearance for the club and would quietly return to Cyprus.

He attributed his brief stint in India to the comfort of his family, whom he says, struggled to adapt to the new environment.

"I would have loved to play football in India and serve Rajasthan well. However, my family was not comfortable at all. I say this with a lot of respect for India and their people. It is not a bad place, but my wife and kids could not stay."

BERAHINO PLOTTING COMEBACK WITH EYES ON AFCON

Despite being out of competitive football for a year, Berahino is not down and out, as he says, he is working his socks off in a bid for a potential international comeback in the summer. 

Now plying his trade in Slovenia, Berahino listed a second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), featuring in World Cup qualifiers and playing football in decent leagues as his major targets once he returns.

"Once you hit 30, it is difficult to return to the top level especially if you have been out of touch for some time. I am, however, training hard with a club that understands me well. The goal is to captain my national team again and help qualify for the AFCON. I would love to wear the Burundian kit again and take part in World Cup qualifiers," he said.

Berahino revealed that he was in constant communication with the Burundian national team technical bench, discussing his potential return and encouraging the team to fight for our people.

"I keep on telling my coach that I am available to play for the team so long as I am attached somewhere. At the moment, I may not be available as it will be unfair to get a slot ahead of a colleague, who is attached. However, I am looking forward to coming back and helping the team return to the AFCON," said Berahino, who captained the Intamba mu Rugamba in the 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt.

DOES DELE ALLI'S COMEBACK INSPIRE BERAHINO?

Berahino's story nearly mirrors that of former Everton and Spurs midfielder Dele Alli, although the latter lasted at the top level for a significant time.

Alli, returned to competitive football in January, signing for the Italian club, Como. Before the move, he had not played competitive football since February 2023.

The former MK Dons midfielder has been vocal about his off-the-pitch struggles and the goals he would like to score upon returning to the pitch.

Alli has been clear on his bid to play in the 2026 World Cup and a possible return to the English Premier League.

Berahino says Alli's story is a source of motivation to not only footballers, who are struggling to find their groove but also, people in other sectors.

"I understand the struggles he underwent. It is a shame that he hit his peak too early and couldn't manage his success well. He was thought to be the next Lampard, but things did not work out. I am, however, happy to see him talk about his predicaments and speak of his future. I know many players, who have successfully rebounded, and I am sure Alli will make it. His story will also inspire many to keep on fighting for their career objectives," Berahino concluded.