In the world of professional football, few journeys are as emotionally charged and scrutinized as that of a young striker trying to make his mark at the highest level. For Adam Idah, the Republic of Ireland forward and former Celtic loanee, the path has been one marked by both promise and pain. Recently, Idah opened up candidly about the “hate” and “torture” he endured while attempting to win over critics who doubted his abilities. His reflections shed light not only on the pressures of elite football but also on the human resilience required to endure them.
Early Days From Cork to the Big Stage
Born in Cork in 2001 to an Irish mother and Nigerian father, Adam Idah’s footballing journey began in local academies where his natural athleticism and eye for goal quickly set him apart. He represented College Corinthians before joining Norwich City’s academy at the age of 16. For many, such a move to an English club symbolized the first big step toward a promising career.
Idah thrived in Norwich’s youth system, showing the raw pace and power that would later define his playing style. By 2019, he was knocking on the first-team door, and in January 2020 he announced himself on the senior stage with a memorable FA Cup hat-trick against Preston North End. At just 18, it seemed like Idah was destined for stardom.
But football’s trajectory is rarely linear. Injuries, competition for places, and the brutal expectations of fans would soon turn what looked like a fairytale rise into a prolonged struggle.
The Move to Celtic
In 2024, Idah’s career took a pivotal turn when he joined Celtic on loan. The move was designed to give him regular playing time, a chance to reignite his confidence, and an opportunity to prove himself in front of one of the most passionate fanbases in world football.
Yet Celtic’s intensity proved a double-edged sword. While the club’s history and success provide unmatched exposure, the expectations are relentless. Every missed chance, every misstep, becomes magnified under the spotlight.
Idah admits that during this period, he felt as though he was fighting a losing battle to win over critics. The scrutiny was unrelenting, and the reaction from a section of fans and media bordered on hostility.
“Hate” and “Torture”
In his own words, Idah described this chapter of his career as being filled with “hate” from outside voices and a sense of “torture” as he battled to prove himself worthy of the Celtic shirt.
“It wasn’t just criticism—it felt personal at times. When you’re working hard every day, giving everything, and still people say you’re not good enough, it hurts. It’s torture because you start to doubt yourself.”
Such honesty is rare in professional sport, where players often shield their emotions behind clichés. Idah’s willingness to be vulnerable reveals the psychological toll football can take, especially on younger players navigating the pressures of expectation.
The Striker’s Burden
Being a striker brings unique challenges. Forwards are judged almost exclusively on goals, and droughts often lead to outsized criticism. While midfielders or defenders can contribute in less visible ways, a striker’s reputation rises and falls with every missed opportunity.
For Idah, inconsistency in front of goal became a stick to beat him with. While he possessed pace and strength, his finishing sometimes lacked composure. Each miss became ammunition for detractors, further fueling the cycle of self-doubt.
Yet, as many strikers before him have discovered, growth often comes through adversity. Didier Drogba, for example, struggled in his first season at Chelsea before becoming a legend. Robbie Keane endured barren spells before cementing himself as one of Ireland’s all-time greats. Idah’s story fits within this broader narrative of forwards finding resilience through criticism.
Support and Resilience
Despite the negativity, Idah found support from within. Teammates, coaches, and his family offered words of encouragement, reminding him of the talent that had carried him this far. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers publicly backed him, emphasizing his potential and highlighting the need for patience with young players.
“Adam has all the tools to be a top striker—pace, strength, and intelligence. What he needs is belief and time. Strikers develop differently, and his best years are still ahead of him.”
This backing gave Idah the courage to keep pushing, even when it felt like the weight of expectation was crushing.
Silence the Critics
The idea of “silencing critics” is often discussed in football, but as Idah acknowledges, it’s rarely that simple. No matter how well a player performs, detractors often remain. The real battle is internal—finding peace with one’s own efforts and growth.
Idah admitted that early in his Celtic spell, he became too focused on trying to prove others wrong. Over time, he realized that his energy was better spent focusing on personal improvement rather than external noise.
“At some point, you understand you’ll never win everyone over. That’s football. What matters is your own belief and the people who support you.”
Lessons from Adversity
Idah’s reflections offer valuable lessons not only for aspiring footballers but also for anyone navigating criticism in their own lives:
- Criticism is inevitable: In high-performance environments, scrutiny comes with the territory.
- Resilience matters: Success is often defined not by the absence of failure but by the ability to keep going despite it.
- Self-belief is non-negotiable: External voices cannot replace internal conviction.
- Growth is nonlinear: Development comes in peaks and troughs, especially in sport.
Comparisons with Other Players
Idah’s struggles are not unique. Countless players have spoken of similar battles. Marcus Rashford has endured cycles of praise and criticism at Manchester United. Olivier Giroud was long derided for perceived shortcomings before proving his worth as France’s all-time leading scorer.
Closer to home, Irish strikers like Shane Long and Jonathan Walters also faced skepticism at times but went on to carve respected international careers. Idah’s journey can follow a similar arc if he continues to channel adversity into growth.
The Mental Health Conversation
Perhaps the most significant aspect of Idah’s openness is its contribution to the ongoing conversation about mental health in sport. The days of dismissing players as “robots” immune to criticism are gone. Today, there is greater awareness of the psychological challenges athletes face.
Sports psychologists now play a central role in supporting players, helping them build resilience and manage pressure. Idah’s willingness to speak about “torture” highlights the need for ongoing support systems in football, especially for young players navigating hostile environments.
Future Prospects
At just 23 years old, Idah still has time on his side. His loan spell at Celtic may have been turbulent, but it also provided invaluable experience. Returning to Norwich City—or potentially exploring other opportunities—he carries lessons learned under extreme pressure.
If he can refine his finishing and maintain confidence, Idah has the raw attributes to thrive in top leagues. His pace makes him a threat on the counter, while his physicality allows him to hold up play. With Ireland, he remains a key figure for the national team’s future.
Fan Perspectives Divided Opinions
Fan reactions to Idah remain mixed. At Celtic, some supporters recognized his effort and potential, praising his hold-up play and work rate. Others, however, remained fixated on his missed chances.
Among Irish fans, there is more patience. Many view Idah as part of a new generation of talent, alongside players like Gavin Bazunu and Andrew Omobamidele, who can lead Ireland back to major tournaments.
Beyond Football
Idah’s story resonates beyond the pitch. His reflections on hate and torture speak to the broader human experience of dealing with criticism, rejection, and the pursuit of validation. In sharing his struggles, he offers encouragement to anyone facing similar challenges in their own lives.
Whether in football, work, or personal relationships, the message is universal: resilience and self-belief are the antidotes to external negativity.
Also Read:
- SBOTOP Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland: Price’s Equaliser Fails to Halt Wirtz and Company in Group A Qualifier
- SBOTOP Republic of Ireland 2-2 Hungary: Adam Idah Strikes Late to Snatch Point Against 10-Man Visitors in Qualifier
- SBOTOP England 2-0 Andorra: Roy Keane Slams Three Lions for Excessive Backward Passing Despite Qualifying Victory
