Emmanuel Latte Lath: From street football to Bundesliga
Union Berlin striker Emmanuel Latte Lath reflects on his journey from the streets of Ivory Coast to his career in Italy, England, the US, and Germany.
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Emmanuel Latte Lath's career has taken him from the street football pitches of his native Ivory Coast to the professional environments of European and American leagues. The striker recalls the move to Italy at age eight to reunite with his father as the beginning of a "new life" that shaped his professional identity.
During his childhood in Africa, playing without rules or pressure fostered his competitive nature. Upon arriving in Italy, he had to adapt to the highly tactical nature of the European game. In 2015, he joined Atalanta's academy and famously scored against Juventus in the Coppa Italia, a highlight he still remembers vividly today.
Following several loan spells across Italy, he moved to the Swiss club St. Gallen before securing a transfer to Middlesbrough. It was under head coach Michael Carrick that Latte Lath found the consistency and confidence required to excel, becoming a standout player in the Championship.
His form in England earned him a record-breaking move to Atlanta United in Major League Soccer. However, after a challenging stint in the US, the forward returned to Europe in the summer on loan to Union Berlin. He is now embracing the unique culture and passionate fan base at the German club as he looks to continue his development.