Malo Gusto: A Rising Star in Football
Malo Gusto, born on May 19, 2003, in Décines-Charpieu, France, has been one of the most exciting young talents in European football in recent years.
From his early days at local clubs in France to his professional debut for Olympique Lyonnais and eventual move to Chelsea, Gusto’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.
With a relentless work ethic, natural talent, and a grounded personality, he has made a name for himself as a highly talented right-back. In this article, we dive deep into his life, career, and the factors that make him one of the most promising players in football today.
READ ALSO: Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal’s Youngest Star on the Rise
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Born into a family that wasn’t heavily involved in football, Malo Gusto’s journey to the sport began with rugby. However, it wasn’t long before Gusto discovered his true passion for football. His early childhood days were spent in the small town of Villefontaine in Isère, where he started his football journey.
It wasn’t long before Gusto’s raw talent caught the eye of local coaches, leading him to join AS Villefontaine and later, FC Bourgoin-Jallieu.
At the age of 13, Gusto took a significant step forward in his career when he joined the renowned Lyon academy in 2016. It was at Lyon that he began to truly shine, displaying immense promise and skill.
His performances on the youth team didn’t go unnoticed, and by 2020, Gusto was already on the radar of the senior coaching staff.
The Professional Breakthrough: Lyon
Gusto’s breakthrough into professional football came swiftly after he signed his first contract with Lyon in December 2020. His debut came just a month later, on January 24, 2021, in a dominating 5-0 win over rivals Saint-Étienne.
From that point on, Gusto became a crucial figure in Lyon’s first-team setup. His pace, technical ability, and composure on the ball quickly made him a regular starter, and he solidified his place as Lyon’s first-choice right-back during the 2021-2022 season.
His performances helped the team maintain defensive stability, while also contributing significantly to their attacking efforts.
It wasn’t long before Europe’s top clubs started to take notice of the young defender’s potential. Despite transfer rumors swirling around him, Gusto stayed focused on his development at Lyon, constantly striving to improve his game and contribute to the team’s success.
A Big Move to Chelsea
In January 2023, Gusto made a major move to Chelsea, one of the most prestigious clubs in the Premier League. The transfer, valued at £26.3 million, saw him join the Blues, although he was loaned back to Lyon for the remainder of the season to continue his development.
This move marked a new chapter in Gusto’s career, as he was now poised to play in one of the world’s most competitive leagues.
Joining Chelsea not only presented new opportunities but also placed him in a more challenging environment where he would compete for a starting spot against some of the best in the business.
Playing Style: What Makes Gusto Special?
Malo Gusto is a modern right-back known for his impressive athleticism, pace, and technical ability. Initially experimented in different positions, including right winger and attacking midfielder, Gusto eventually found his ideal role as a right-back.
This position allows him to use his pace to track back and defend, while also joining the attack and creating goal-scoring opportunities.
What sets Gusto apart from many of his peers is his ability to contribute to both ends of the field. In the 2021-2022 season, Gusto was among the top performers in terms of expected assists per 90 minutes, ranking in the top 6% for right-backs in Europe’s top five leagues.
His ability to deliver crosses into dangerous areas (1.43 per 90 minutes) further underscores his value in the attacking third.
Gusto’s versatility, stamina, and high football IQ make him one of the most exciting young right-backs in Europe today. Whether it’s tracking an opponent down the wing or making a dangerous overlapping run to support his team’s attack, he’s proven to be a player with immense potential.
International Recognition: A Call-Up to France
As his stock continued to rise at Lyon, it was only a matter of time before Gusto received international recognition. His consistent performances at the club level earned him a spot in France’s national setup, where he represented his country at various youth levels, including U16, U17, U19, and U21.
In October 2023, Gusto received his first senior call-up to the France national team for the European Championship qualifiers against the Netherlands and Scotland. He made his debut on October 13, 2023, coming on as a substitute in the 80th minute of a 2-1 win over the Netherlands. This call-up marked a huge milestone in his career, as he began to establish himself as one of the most promising young defenders in France.
READ ALSO: Xherdan Shaqiri: From Kosovo to Global Football Stardom
Life Beyond Football: A Grounded Personality
Despite the fame and attention that come with playing at the highest level of football, Malo Gusto remains remarkably grounded. Known for his humility, Gusto’s dedication to his craft is evident both on and off the pitch. He lives with his cousins in London and has emphasized how important hard work and focus have been in his rise to the top.
In interviews, Gusto has spoken about the influence of his father and his family’s support in his journey. He remains committed to self-improvement, often stating, “The plan is to progress. There is something I have, it’s the culture of work and effort. I am here by work.” These words reflect his disciplined approach and the values that have guided him throughout his career.
What the Future Holds for Gusto
As of 2025, Malo Gusto continues to make waves at Chelsea, where he has firmly established himself as one of the team’s most important players. His performances have contributed to Chelsea’s push for major titles in domestic and international competitions, and his role as a versatile and reliable right-back is crucial to the team’s success.
Given his age and the trajectory of his career, the future looks incredibly bright for Malo Gusto. With the backing of Chelsea and France, there’s no doubt that he will continue to develop into one of the best right-backs in world football.
Conclusion: An Inspiring Journey
Malo Gusto’s story is one of talent, hard work, and perseverance. From his humble beginnings in Villefontaine to making waves in the Premier League with Chelsea, his rise is a testament to the power of dedication and ambition.
As Gusto continues to shine on the world stage, his journey will undoubtedly inspire young footballers everywhere to pursue their dreams with unwavering focus and passion.
Whether it’s in the colors of Chelsea or France, Gusto’s future in football is certainly one to watch. The world is just beginning to see the full extent of his potential.