Aston Villa star Leon Bailey | How I became Documentary

Leon Bailey made his international debut for Jamaica at the 2019 Gold Cup. The Bayer Leverkusen player learned his trade in Kingston, but it was his personality and support from his adoptive father Craig Butler that helped him stand out.
Report by Kamilla Jarzina
Camera and Interviews by Rob Langhammer
Edited by Gregor Grunenberg and Viola Grünler
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[@mickisei3547]

I'm really happy for him. As a Caribbean Islander myself, I'm always happy to see someone from the region make it big!!!

[@LoftusBlake]

If your from Trinidad keep your happiness to yourselves.

[@mickisei3547]

@@LoftusBlake well, I'm not from Trinidad... Why do you hate Tinis??

[@inquisitive871]

Despite his teen years in Europe, you can still spot Jamaican mannerisms in him. Lol

[@RandalfElVikingo]

It's not that hard lol.

[@zion9146]

Thats good in balance

[@reamerb]

@@RandalfElVikingo Yes, my thoughts exactly. lol

[@Tinbeef22]

Manners to foreigners

[@gsaarchitecturalmechanical5872]

inquisitive871 . True, he’s very humble and polite

[@IsiahJahGlenson]

Leon The 🦁 Bailey 🇯🇲🏆 Umbro 🇯🇲🏆 To see him in the national team amplifies my emotions.

[@galinatanasov8670]

It makes me a bit sad how many other families from poorer regions of the world do such sacrifices in the name of their son's dream, but then he just doesn't make it. So I'm glad Leon is one of the few who did make it. Sky is the limit for him, I'm Bulgarian, so I would like to see him have a star-studded career just like another ex-Bayer Leverkusen wonderkid Dimitar Berbatov.

[@jamaicanice1522]

Man shut the fuck up,,u first world mutt..Life in it self is struggle and is not reserved for first or second world

[@basedsaz7049]

JAMAICA NICE calm down

[@jamaicanice1522]

@@basedsaz7049 Am allways...

[@commonsensedatcom]

@@jamaicanice1522 facts

[@AJK17.5]

@@jamaicanice1522 calm its not that deep he is right it's sad that people from poor regions don't have the opportunity

[@victorygeorge6458]

Their were so many Jamaican who chose to play for England, but he chose to play for his father's land. He will forever be a hero to all Jamaicans. 💪👑⚽

[@GowdieDon]

Lol fam if he qualified for England best believe he would have chose them too. Thank God him finally a represent we still

[@kbang7990]

Charles Gowdie He did qualify for England through his grandparents so don’t knock the loyalty !!!

[@GowdieDon]

K Baang no fam, his grandparents are citizens there now yes but they have to have been born in England for him to qualify and they were not, they were born in Jamaica. He doesnt qualify for england. Thats how the ancestry rule works g

[@seankhieotue-in7193]

Take sterling for example was born in Jamaica but play for England

[@DJmonAtomic]

Name them - John Barnes , that is it

[@goated6146]

Props to his dad man without his guidance this yout could have been on very different path. Bless.

[@carolbutler4512]

Truth truly blessed

[@carolbutler4512]

A prophet is never known in his own land is truth

[@jakes4495]

Leon humble youth and a role maodel to many. I'm a Bayern fam but I celebrated your freekick goal 💥 #yaadman🇯🇲 like I am

[@lesliewilliams8215]

Leon Bailey. Big up yourself. Am so happy for you. You made all young talents feel as if thay have a chance in life. Not only in Jamaica, but all around the World. Enjoy your life my youth, and always remember where you coming from.Stay bless like always.

[@mariomanboarde3661]

Amazing story! The man had to be a janitor, a lot of Jamaicans don't realize how difficult it is for Jamaicans who immigrate abroad, they seem to believe that we all just join a line and receive handouts. Very uplifting story, keep up the good work brothers

[@markpryce3425]

For real 👍

[@leeperryjr.v_v5299]

Chippy big up yuhself...yuh destined for greatness bredda🔥🔥🔥

[@damion4mcgregor888]

Jamaica respect youth...👊👊👊

[@TGFLdn24]

The reporter on here forgot that Jamaica has been to a world cup before?...

[@klwin360]

Don't worry, many others forgot too. It's been that long ain't it?

[@reamerb]

@@klwin360 Yep France 98.

[@jermainemyles1825]

And that we produce many good foot ballers way b4 Leon

[@bifftannense1584]

@@jermainemyles1825 Yes very true Sir. Also, remember there are many black Jamaican footballers who have opted to play for England instead. John Barnes, Ian Wright, Mark Bright, Andy Gray, Raheem Sterling, David Rocastle, Les Ferdinand, Trevor Sinclair, Rio Ferdinand and many many more who were either born in England to Jamaica parents or were actually born in Jamaica!! If most of them played for Jamaica....the national team would have been in more world cups!!

[@weebay6166]

BiffTannen SE15 yeah but if ur born in england and identify as english it doesnt really matter that ur parents are jamaicam

[@lenardbarzey2788]

He's from the same place as Singjay "Movado" big up Jamaica, from a fellow Islander from da British Colony of Montserrat☘️B.W.I... 🇲🇸🇯🇲🇲🇸🇯🇲🇲🇸🇯🇲🇲🇸🇬🇧

[@julescoppens2169]

From a Genk fan, Craig Butler is the reason behind his rise but can just as well be the reason of his downfall. A man that negotiates without reasoning and mostly out of personal gain.

[@rqubed2603]

Agreed. People in Jamaica love Leon but Craig is disliked. He tried to force the federation and national coach to pick Kyle Butler though he is a crap player. He basically said Leon would never play for Jamaica without Kyle. A very manipulative man.

[@julescoppens2169]

Whahahaha Kyle Butler was also forced onto Genk but once Leon was gone, Kyle was gone. Craig Butler is the reason why a lot Genk fans still hold a grudge towards Leon Bailey

[@rqubed2603]

@@julescoppens2169 I believe you. Craig tries to live his life through both boys. Kyle is not a good enough player but he is always being forced upon us. It is very frustrating. Craig lies so much as well. He also wanted to force Jamaica tree o make him the Head of our Federation. The national team would be filled with only Phoenix players if that had happened. SMH. On behalf of Jamaica we apologize for him. Leon is great kid. Craig is just trouble.

[@klwin360]

Yes, yes, yes! Couldn't agree with you more. The Butler's are strongly disliked by the JFF. Kyle Butler is a nobody. If you look at his instagram page, you would think he's made it or something. He just got cut from his Austrian team and cut from the Jamaica U-23's because he's actually shit. Craig Butler knows Leon is his cash cow and he's going to milk the shit out of him. All the funding for his "Phoenix Academy" comes straight out of Leon's pocket with a few sponsors here and there. If Leon moves to a big club in England, you best believe Craig Butler going to ask for that club to take Kyle too. Can't wait for that to happen when the club tells Craig that Kyle's shit. LOL.

[@leobennett9931]

@@klwin360 the formula worked for dem. You sound bad mind

[@pjfromthepjs7360]

9:55 Him: The funny thing is He can hear me from up in the stands ☝🏼 Me: He think I’m hearing him. 🤣😂🤣😂😂🤣🤣

[@zidanexi5414]

I LOL’ed

[@romariohenry412]

Lol that was so funny

[@carolbutler4512]

The power of the mind no word needed

[@carolbutler4512]

It's a mental thing best believe

[@calvoh9715]

i hear to sign Leon Bailey is very tough to other clubs like in premier league because of his father who has got lots of demand.clubs just stopped interest in leon bailey.

[@JnelComedy]

*Shit this is great content* 🔥🔥🔥

[@yayatoure3461]

Man say "wake up to nice sunset"! Bailey a wah u a deal wid? Yahhh vampir rasta???

[@nickl3355]

YaYa Toure 😂😂yow a di same ting me deh ya a seh

[@quengbossvevo328]

I was wondering the same to😆

[@fastahenttv6770]

Bredda am Like tf

[@facetihfashion8196]

Yow me pull up di video and a say wah? U did high before the interview lol?

[@kadygray1054]

@@quengbossvevo328 I think he meant wake up to nice sunshine

[@bigfishke7100]

I watched him play live in Nashville against USA 🇺🇸 in the Goldcup semifinals. He was outstanding. I wish scouts were watching he has both speed, intelligence and skill . Go bailey go

[@hermanbaines4734]

Good for cassava piece youths put the gun play soccer golf cricket r track and field make life worth while living love it i am from cassava piece my self make me happy and want to live longer big up all cassava piece people love you all

[@clevelandbrown5002]

*football

[@clh1386]

I just came across this video today. It's the 1st time hearing about Leon Bailey. All the best young man.

[@adamsky77]

His dribble the other night at old trafford was sublime.

[@dappaboytroy]

Was this Title modified? I remember watching this back in 2019 but how does it now say "New Aston Villa Signing" and he just signed for Villa in 2021?

[@thekingsdaughter6525]

The reporters pronunciation of "Cassava Piece" makes me smile. I just LOVE the diversity of the English language.😊😊😊🤗🤗🤗🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@rayonwilliamssportsandfun2106]

He thinks I'm hearing but I can't hear him.from so far.. it's just the teaching

[@boysiehall1165]

This is so powerful In every way possible. This is how you define family. I can feel the love that is being transformed, and transcend through the family.. For someone to open his home,and to have given up his high profile job and travel to Europe in order for someone's dream to be realized is definitely selfless. I will be following this success story To God be the Glory!!

[@Igniting-Moments]

A very good, very inspiring interview. Nice to see people rise who didn't have the opportunities others were afforded in life.

[@ImReadyD151]

Awesome vid. Reminds me of the old kicktv

[@JJ_196]

I have to say, this was a great video as a neutral watching. More of this please and you have earned a sub!

[@hanklesacks]

Big up yuhself chipboss, ur destined for greatness.

[@aniiimmense]

If you ever saw him play, you know he will become one of the greats. So inspirational

[@zacharybergeron917]

The best on yet kick off!

[@velmajohns2121]

I am proud of you all.Mr Butler ur a great father. Keep up the good work

[@juniorshields3029]

This is really inspiring 🇯🇲👏💯

[@marleygordon621]

Coming from haiti I rlly want sm1 to represent us like this

[@onedon4324]

Jamaica too the world 🇯🇲 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SHINES0072]

I love the sacrifices made and vision. Great story

[@SavedByGrace_CitizenEmperorユウ]

Great video, thank you for making it! 💪 I find it super interesting finding out about a person you only know as a very talented football player. It's great that Leon has made it so far despite his diffcult childhood. Stories like these can give anyone inspiration to keep on going against all odds and diffirent challenges.

[@maggieedwards3951]

Football choose you and you will bring football from Jamaica all the way to the top Mr Butler you are an amazing inspiration.

[@mega5075]

Hopefully this man will be as good as Jamaican legends such as raheem sterling and John Barnes

[@seankhieotue-in7193]

If sterling chose to play for Jamaica then yeah u can call him a "Jamaican legend"

[@Lifewithgoldbridge121]

They're not Jamaica legends!! They're England's legends. They've never put on a Jamaican shirt to be called legends of Jamaica.

[@mega5075]

@@Lifewithgoldbridge121 there Jamaican knob

[@lobsterstrange]

@@mega5075 they're * please learn proper grammar before you insult people and besides sterling will never be considered a legend in our country because he never played in a Jamaica shirt. They are NOT Jamaicans!

[@mega5075]

@@lobsterstrange it's done like * they're not they're * know-it-all that knows fuckall

[@dangerzone8061]

Love the bond still , family is every thing fam

[@yovannyagdomar9982]

Remarkable but I hope y'all notice he had someone there for him , Some of us never had that and never will

[@ebukaokoye8901]

Stop giving excuses . If you look inward you will see one or two things going for you build from there.

[@yovannyagdomar9982]

Ebuka Okoye Pssshh you don't even know where I'm from but you quick to speak , we don't get these kinda opportunities, I don't have someone to take me foreign to play , anyways you won't get it cuz you don't know, it's like speaking to a wall

[@mayowaogunnaike9118]

@Ebuka quit criticising people especially when you don't know what they are going through..... @Yovanny; God got you, you can still push harder and further against all odds... Just read about a story of a bus conductor in Nigeria who eventually became a DR and now working as an associate prof. In Australia..... Push harder fam

[@yovannyagdomar9982]

Mayowa Ogunnaike Give Thanks Bro 💪 Bare Positivity !

[@oluwaseyifasoye8168]

😭😭😭😭😭 my parent was never their and always and never wanted me to play

[@gsaarchitecturalmechanical5872]

Thank you very much for sharing this video. God bless, what a talent....

[@darrenwoolley8433]

What a brilliant video I'm so glad Leon as signed for us. UTV

[@zynon10]

Bro it's 2 years ago

[@ExtremeKautionVEVO]

I wanted to like this video twice, that was so good wish you all the best leon bailey

[@burtonreuben]

It is kinda sad that they only show the dilapidated structures of Jamaica in the side shots as though Jamaica is still primarily board and zinc houses.

[@rajahkhonai]

Is where the man come from dem a focus on. Yuh think this is an advertisement? By the way, you did not see the beaches and some of the better places in the video? People like you issy, galang.. Always haffi pin point negativity.

[@matthewhernandez8342]

@@rajahkhonai He's a damn bumbaclaat!

[@rajahkhonai]

@@matthewhernandez8342 A dutty bomboclaat haaaa haaa haaa

[@pietrojenkins6901]

Jamaica is still 3rd world though.

[@nerozonez9423]

Makes it authentic and raw. Hes not from the suburbs hes from the hood. So they will show the hood. This aint a holiday brochure its his life. Its real not a fairytale if u wanna see the nice parts of Jamaica go watch a holiday destination video lol

[@deletaannmariebrewster4413]

Go leon go ,not a football diehearted fan but I have to big him up ,I know him and every member of his family, as a family friend I can say am so overjoyed proud n feel good for him, proud of the product if the ghetto, he wears the same haircut as his real dad, kudos to u boy 🥰

[@brianowuoche2337]

An inspiring story! Keep up Leon!

[@gavinennis9092]

Ive been to the phoenix academy im 13 bro i swear its like everyone gets to play but they always put the goddamn rich folks in the starting lineup its so messed up

[@anselbarrington3976]

What the big talkdown.at one stage i had to work as a janitor,. It's a job,. I used to think like him. But in all foreign land it's okay( not so Caribbean's countries) as long as you're getting paid and your bills are paid.

[@redlust1402]

The dad reminds me of Lavar Ball and Leon as Lonzo

[@thekingsdaughter6525]

He surely does. Unfortunately for Leon, he will always do what the "dad" says out of a sense of obligation, gratefulness and loyalty. Such a shame!

[@Sheluvzino]

Lavar is nowhere near as bad as Leon’s dad

[@coryupgradecutz]

We all have to give butler is ratings

[@SultanuDeen]

cory Gaza gunz He’s something else, great leader.

[@Breaking_barriers100]

All the best LEON..Stay motivated!!

[@sandysshimmerznelegancebri4304]

This is awesome. When you say you have a heart of love you do good by showing it.....

[@dafootball1695]

Bailey name will be among the greatest in Jamaica 🇯🇲 football. #"Chippi"

[@tooblessedtobestressed.ble9397]

Superstar big up we Jamaican love u

[@sherrilhenry9121]

Come on son make me proud. You let me proud to be Jamaican. Bravo to you man make a difference to the younger generation bravo 👏 . God cover you under is blood. Don’t care where you from you can be somebody if you decided to be somebody .blessed love 💕

[@HAMID___]

Dad: he would hear from the stand. Bailey: nah I really don’t

[@familylg9389]

God bless this man people like this rearly exist any more u are one in a million sir.

[@chrizdidit]

0:36 Rapid Wien stays in heart

[@knlb]

me too!!! Love Waking up to those nice sunsets man ....lolll 1:15

[@moreloveWhyte]

A very special man. one love.

[@mrhumble4209]

Most of this interview is missing some stuff who introduces Leon to Craig,how does he meet Leon who is Mr. McCalla and who is Mr. Bravo who let Leon play football with older guys from the community of Cassava, Who take Leon to Shortwood football field where. Mr. Mc Calla the coach of the younger with Mr. Bravo the assistant who bring Leon to the program then after the rest was history

[@shellinzzboss7835]

I respect this gentleman Mr Craig Butler I salute to you sir blessings abundantly 💪🏿✊💯

[@jamram5884]

DW Kick off hate to say but leon bailey wasn't "fighting" his whole life to play for Jamica exactly the opposite tbh.. he finally chose Jamaica because he realized he couldn't play for any other countries

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

LB is out there and doing stuff his stuff. Where are you?? Who are you??? You're a nobody.

[@jamram5884]

@@Abraham_Tsfaye Thanks for telling me who you are

[@Abraham_Tsfaye]

@@jamram5884 Those words really going to haunt you! .......'a nobody'.

[@jamram5884]

@@Abraham_Tsfaye I am a jamaican btw

[@badbob4904]

Leon bailey big up yuh self general. big balla🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@dm4254]

God bless you Leon and the Jamaican football team

[@nickgrant5142]

Give Mr Butler his props🔥🔥🔥

[@w_hughw_hugh]

Much love bro

[@louiethegreat3709]

Let’s go JAMAICA in the gold cup !!!!

[@stmatthewreadyback]

Regardless of how persons may feel about his adoptive father and manager... if it weren't for him we would know who Leon Bailey is today.... yes he may want to involve the other kids as well and you can't wrong him for trying his best to bring along even his own.... how many of us have fathers like that even though we may not be the best at what we do but they can say... hey I tried for him as well ...that should be applauded. He has made sacrifice for Leon Bailey.. left his job became a janitor just so this young man could break the back of poverty..... everyone of us are investments... some people don't invest enough in their kids and Leon Bailey was invested in by his adoptive father so yes he deserves to reap the benefits as well. The only part of this video that I feel is missing is his background about his real father and mother apart from that I wish him all the best because there are many people who have adopted kids that turn out to become gunman order of taking the wrong road somebody happy for them is my take.

[@shennelmalcolm6039]

Proud of Leon 🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@tajahwagreen1222]

baily remmber me brown's town use to bag your side up glad fi u G

[@xtwintv]

Tajahwa Green lol

[@tdon2702]

Tajahwa Green lol now he’s bagging your gf

[@uchihasendo1041]

From🇨🇩 but I'm a big fan of Bailey from even when he was playing in Belgium.....would love to see Him in The Premier League especially for Man Utd if we don't get Sancho

[@dwkickoff]

Hasn't his career stalled a bit though Uchiha?

[@cammy944]

Big up Leon Bailey.

[@carlmar5488]

Great STORY.GREAT NEWS IS WILL BE GREAT, HE IS GREAT.

[@keashakasmith4294]

They have a saying behind every successful man their is a successful woman, but honestly we need to give credit to his dad Bailey. We still have good fathers out there who need to be recognized. Look at the sacrifice’s he made for his kids. And the boys always wanted the best that life have to offer as well.

[@VALERIOSTALLIONBOOTS]

Inspirational story 🥲

[@garvingaynair7897]

Imagine Bailey and Sterling. Big ups Bailey! Represent your ppl

[@badabada8530]

A great team 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏family .

[@carlbudhoo6001]

A movie should be made !!!! Something Similar to the movie "Sprinter"

[@DEEDUBZ]

'Blood doesn't make you family' . Real talk mi bredda

[@rayanhilal7041]

Nice video !

[@ambigjo3900]

I wish I had a man like Craig Butler by my side. 😭😭

[@chanthesmoothest]

🤴🏾🤴🏾🤴🏾⭐⭐⭐🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲WE THE BEST💯💯💯

[@MrLRankin2]

I have recently found out about you and it was with much pleasure. I believe that you are the closest thing to a Daniel Sturridge right now. I guess that I am going to be an Aston Villa fan for the foreseeable future as I believe that I will enjoy watching you play as much as I enjoy watching Sturridge play. I could just imagine what a forward 3 of you Sturridge and Sterling would look like for the Jamaican National Team. But I guess that is just a dream.

[@travis9226]

Already A Legend 🇯🇲

[@raisingkings8767]

Leon Bailey is a remarkable talent and will help Jamaica qualify for the World Cup in Qatar.

[@SLASHER3527]

🙌🏽 man live like baller leon Bailey 🎶🎶🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@ianstephenson9721]

Craig Butler is a genuine crazy person, he's the reason Leon didn't play for Jamaica until now

[@royalefazeentertainment]

#LB31 #LB9 guh thru yute... been telling dem bout yu from u a 12... over a decade now...proud of you yute... Continue to go for it, time n practice will you to the world greatest history you trying to write for yourself...

[@JustinBlake2010]

Great ⭐

[@nikoliwreh]

As a person you can be influenced in thinking other than you know. I can only learn to respect you along with Mr Butler and Kyle for however you all choose to do things

[@Andrefresh986]

Proud of u blood

[@vendettasmiley8959]

You a God bless youth🙏

[@neweraent6469]

Indeed he is

[@elcochiloco1456]

As a Mexico fan I hope Jamaica is able to to get all the talent that’s eligible to come play for them. Mexico and USA need a little pressure. As much as countries like panama Costa Rica and Honduras have grown they just aren’t able to compete consistently. I’d say Jamaica even has better raw talent if you consider the players they have playing in systems across Europe. Just look at the players that turned down Jamaica waiting on a call from England that never came or to only get a hand full of caps. If they manage to recruit players for their pool they’re gonna be unstoppable. Wouldn’t mind seeing one of the top Jamaican players or a prospect playing in liga Mx

[@dwkickoff]

Great point! It's a bit of a chicken or the egg scenario, in order to get the best players to commit to playing for Jamaica they'll have to improve, and they'll struggle to reach their potential without their best eligible players. Hopefully Bailey can help with that.

[@diegogeneral1217]

I love that Jamaican top 🥰😃 hand it over man

[@davelove6235]

Keep on striving respect

[@teresamclawrence835]

Big up urself my youth gratitude is a must got to give thanks to the most high blessings and respect 🙏

[@clivemorgan7632]

Great story

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks, Clive. Spread the word!