From Barbershop to Serie A: Keinan Davis’s Unlikely Rise and Potential World Cup Stunner
Keinan Davis, an Englishman with a past spent honing his skills in a barbershop, might just be the player who could send England packing from the World Cup. It sounds like a plot twist, but this Stevenage-born striker is currently enjoying a career-defining season in Italy’s Serie A with Udinese, even finding himself in contention for the coveted Golden Boot. While a call-up from a certain English manager might be on the cards, Davis isn’t waiting around for it.
“I’m in the process of trying to get my Jamaican passport,” Davis revealed in an interview. “My mum’s side of the family are all Jamaican. I’ve been before. It was very influential growing up.” He explained that international football hasn’t been a primary focus until now, largely due to a history of injuries and competition for places at club level. “This is the first season where I’ve been playing with minimal disruption,” he added, highlighting the stability that has allowed him to flourish.
Jamaica still has a qualification match against DR Congo to navigate, but there’s a tantalising, albeit distant, possibility that they could meet England in the knockout stages. Could Davis be the one to eliminate his home nation? It’s a prospect football fans will be watching closely.
Should the Jamaican national team’s aspirations not pan out, the question of an England call-up inevitably arises. Davis admits that playing for the Three Lions would be “unreal, out of this world.” Given his journey, marked by resilience and a “mentality monster” attitude forged through adversity, any further improvement in his game will undoubtedly amplify calls for his inclusion.
A Journey Through Adversity
Davis’s path to Serie A stardom is a testament to his perseverance. Cast aside by Stevenage as a teenager for being deemed too small, he now stands at an imposing 6ft 3in, a formidable presence for any defender. Despite his current success, Davis remains remarkably humble.
“I’d be over the moon [to win the golden boot],” he stated, but quickly refocused on his personal goals. “At the beginning of the season, I had my target to score double figures.” He has not only met but exceeded this target, with eight games still to play. Currently, his ten goals trail only Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez (14) and Como’s Anastasios Douvikas (11) in the Serie A scoring charts. Udinese, under the guidance of experienced manager Kosta Runjaic, has provided the perfect stage for his resurgence.
The journey back from being released by Stevenage in his mid-teens was a significant blow, leading to an identity crisis for a young player who idolised stars like Thierry Henry and Daniel Sturridge. “I was very upset, crying, I remember that day,” Davis recalled. “You’re at school and people know you as the footballer, so I was kind of embarrassed. I thought I was done with football.”
His lifeline came in the form of local coach Dave Northfield. Northfield took a group of discarded Stevenage youngsters under his wing at Biggleswade Town’s Under-18s, working to get them noticed by academy scouts. He recognised Davis’s potential, shifting him from the left wing to the centre-forward position and instilling the confidence and discipline he desperately needed.
“When you get rejected, it can go one of two ways: it can destroy you or it can make you,” Davis reflected. “It can’t get any worse than somebody saying you’re not good enough. You become free and have a better mentality.” He attributes much of his turnaround to Northfield, stating, “I owe a lot to Dave. He’s been amazing. I speak with him a lot, very frequently. He changed everything for me.”
From Haircuts to Headers
During this challenging period, Davis also worked shifts at his cousin’s barbershop in Stevenage. While not a passion, it was a necessary means of support. “I didn’t really want to be a barber but it was the only thing I could do,” he admitted. He looked up to his cousin, who was a significant role model and provided a sense of connection and humour.
Eventually, Aston Villa offered Davis a chance, pulling him away from the barber’s chair and putting him in direct competition with seasoned professionals like John Terry in training. This experience of training alongside a legend was instrumental in raising his game and embedding the professional habits that now serve him so well.
His career in England saw him achieve notable success, including two Championship promotions with Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest (on loan). He earned praise from Jack Grealish, who labelled him “unplayable,” and made 34 Premier League appearances. He also represented England at Under-20 level, scoring twice in three games. However, consistent goal-scoring at club level remained an elusive target.
A New Beginning in Italy
Things have dramatically shifted since his move to Italy. His former coach, Dave Northfield, is even flying out to witness Udinese’s clash against Torino in May, anticipating an emotional reunion with the player who has evolved significantly since leaving England.
While injuries disrupted his initial two seasons in Udine, Davis’s patience and dedication are now paying dividends. “I think it’s an accumulation of a lot of stuff: hard work, learning from my injuries how I should take care of my body, and certain things I should do,” Davis explained regarding his remarkable ascent.
“I spent a lot of time on the sidelines watching people have their moment and then learned from them. Right now it’s my time.” He has made specific adjustments to his training regimen, focusing more on leg and core strength rather than excessive upper body work, and has embraced a healthier diet. “Also the way I eat – the food here is healthier than anywhere else I’ve been.”
The trend of English players seeking opportunities in Serie A is growing. While the 2000s saw only a handful like David Beckham and Jay Bothroyd, there are now 11 English players plying their trade in Italy, including notable names like Jamie Vardy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Fikayo Tomori, alongside Davis.
Initially hesitant about the move, Davis found settling in challenging. However, after seeking advice, he realised the potential benefits. “It’s 100 per cent the best decision I made. I’m so happy that I came out here,” he asserted.
“In the beginning, it was very difficult. When I first came, I was in the physio room, and everyone was talking Italian and I was just looking like, ‘I haven’t got a clue, how am I going to know this?’” He persevered, taking lessons and now possesses basic conversational skills, enabling him to engage in banter and navigate everyday situations like ordering food.
A pivotal moment in his Udinese career arrived on the final day of the 2023-24 season. Coming off the bench against Frosinone, Davis scored the crucial goal that secured Udinese’s survival in Serie A, simultaneously condemning their opponents to relegation. This goal was not just a sporting achievement; it was a profound moment of validation, earning him the respect of his teammates and the club.
“Thanks to God that it happened,” Davis said, acknowledging the growing influence of his faith in his life. He explained that his faith, nurtured by his grandmother’s regular church visits, has become more profound since his move to Italy. “Every day [it plays a role]. I grew up close to my nan and she would take me to church all the time. Throughout the years you’ll pray but not understand. Since I’ve been here I’ve taken it way more seriously and understand what I believe in. It’s been very insightful and a good journey. I hope it continues. It has a big impact.”
With Udinese comfortably positioned in 11th place, another season in Serie A appears likely unless a compelling offer emerges from other clubs. For now, Davis is relishing his life in Italy, supported by his girlfriend and daughter, and maintaining a grounded perspective amidst his rising profile.
