He could have played for England. Tariq Lamptey represented England’s under-18 and under-21 teams and was one of the most exciting young full-backs in the Premier League. In 2022 he chose Ghana, the country of his parents, and within months he was playing at the World Cup in Qatar.
London and Chelsea
Lamptey was born in London to Ghanaian parents and joined Chelsea’s academy as a boy. He was small but extremely quick, with the dribbling skills of a winger and the work rate of a defender. He made his first-team debut for Chelsea in December 2019.
Brighton
In January 2020, Lamptey moved to Brighton and Hove Albion, where he quickly became a fan favourite. His surging runs down the right flank and his willingness to take on defenders made him one of the most watched young players in the league. Over five seasons he made more than 120 appearances for the club.
Injuries
Lamptey’s career has been interrupted by injuries, including serious hamstring problems early at Brighton. Each time, he fought his way back, but the setbacks cost him long periods of play.
Choosing Ghana
In 2022 Lamptey decided to represent Ghana. He met Black Stars officials and completed the switch that year. He made his debut in a friendly against Brazil in Le Havre in September 2022.
Qatar
Lamptey was part of Ghana’s squad at the 2022 World Cup, where the Black Stars were drawn with Portugal, South Korea and Uruguay. His pace was valuable against strong opponents, and Ghanaian fans embraced him as one of a wave of diaspora-born players who chose the Black Stars.
A diaspora trend
Lamptey was not alone. Around the same time, players including Iñaki Williams, Mohammed Salisu and Antoine Semenyo committed to Ghana. The federation actively recruited players born or raised abroad, a strategy that strengthened the squad but also sparked debate about local talent.
Fiorentina
In September 2025, Lamptey left Brighton for Fiorentina in Italy’s Serie A. It went badly. In his first start, against Como, he tore his anterior cruciate ligament after about twenty minutes and needed surgery. Fiorentina later ended his contract by mutual agreement after he had played only about 25 minutes in total.
QPR
Lamptey then joined Queens Park Rangers in London on a free transfer, returning to familiar surroundings to rebuild his fitness and career.
Talent has never been Lamptey’s problem. His body has. If he can stay fit, Ghana still has one of the fastest right-backs any African team could ask for.
