Thierno Barry's Remarkable Everton Revival: From Lost Love to Premier League Success
Thierno Barry has ignited his Everton career with an impressive scoring streak, netting four goals in his past five Premier League appearances. The French striker's resurgence comes after a challenging period that saw him question his future in the sport, highlighting a dramatic turnaround in form and confidence at Goodison Park.
Rediscovering Passion on a Zanzibar Beach
Barry's journey to Premier League prominence was nearly derailed during a difficult stint with Swiss club Basel. After moving from Beveren in Belgium, where he scored 20 goals, he struggled to adapt, receiving two red cards in his first two appearances and failing to score in 16 league games. "I lost my confidence, I lost the love to play football – I lost everything," Barry recalls from Everton's Finch Farm training ground.
The turning point came during a trip to Zanzibar, where a spontaneous kickabout with local children on a beach helped him reconnect with the game. "My girlfriend said: 'Go and play with these kids.' I went and played and had a game. I was dribbling and just loved to touch the ball and when I came back to Basel I was like a different person," he explains. This rediscovery of joy translated into nine goals in the second half of the season, catching Villarreal's attention and eventually leading to his £27 million move to Everton.
Overcoming Early Struggles in England
Barry's transition to English football was not immediate. He endured a 16-game goal drought, failing to register a shot on target until December. However, manager David Moyes maintained faith in the striker, and Barry's perseverance is now paying dividends. His recent goals have contributed to Everton's climb to 10th place in the Premier League, just four points off fifth position.
The striker's work ethic never wavered during this challenging period, earning appreciation from Everton fans. He received a standing ovation when substituted during the 13th game of his drought against Fulham. "My parents were watching the game and they heard the standing ovation. After the game my mum called me and said: 'You see, the people love you. You need to give the love back.' Good things come to those who wait," Barry reflects.
A Late Bloomer with Big Dreams
Barry's path to professional football was unconventional. Unlike many Premier League stars, he was not part of an academy system, joining Sochaux at 18 after failed trials with Clermont and Hamilton Academical. He has only settled into the striker role in the past two years, having previously played in various defensive and midfield positions.
"When I was younger I never played as a striker, I always played centre-back, right-back, left-back, all the positions but not striker," Barry reveals. "Because I wasn't in an academy I arrived very late in football. I always do the next step because I dream big."
This ambitious mindset is reflected in his personal philosophy. Barry points to a recent example where he told teammate Jimmy Garner he hoped to win man of the match, and achieved it the following week. "When I talk and when I want something I do everything I can to get it," he states.
Building a Foundation for Long-Term Success
Now in his fifth club in as many seasons across different countries, Barry is determined to establish roots at Everton. "All the [previous] clubs, before we talk I said: 'My dream is to play in the Premier League,' so if I come here, it's because I want to go to the Premier League, I want to prove here that I can play there. I think I want to do many years here, because it's the best competition in the world," he explains.
The striker has built a comprehensive support system to maintain his performance, employing a personal trainer, nutritionist, two physios, and a chef. He often practices in-game scenarios in his garden, ensuring every detail is covered. A tattoo on his left wrist reading "Me v Me" serves as a constant reminder of his personal accountability. "When I did the first six months it was like my fault if I didn't score, if I didn't play good. The second part of the tattoo was when I played good I saw it as me against me. One day if I forget about things, I can remember by looking at this," Barry says.
Finding Balance and Happiness
Barry acknowledges that football's challenges will inevitably return, but he has developed better coping mechanisms. His English is improving through watching Power on Netflix, and he finds joy in family life with his girlfriend and nine-month-old daughter. When asked if he would return to beach kickabouts during future difficult periods, he responds with a beaming smile: "I play with my little baby, so it's OK."
The striker's journey from losing his love for football to becoming a key player for Everton demonstrates remarkable resilience. With his scoring touch rediscovered and a supportive environment at Goodison Park, Thierno Barry appears poised to fulfill his Premier League ambitions while maintaining the passion that nearly slipped away on a Swiss football pitch.
