How Djed Spence’s Kenyan mum Aisha helped revitalise his career in Italy

If Tottenham defender, it will have been a well deserved reward not only for his hard work, but also his mother Aisha’s support.

A year ago, Spence was struggling to find a club in England. His transformation, however, was not just about football—isupport system, and belief. 

And at the heart of his revival was whose influence played a crucial role in turning his career around, particularly during his time at Genoa.

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In January 2023, Spence returned to Tottenham after a failed loan spell at Leeds United. A combination of injuries, disciplinary concerns, and being kept out of the team by  Archie Gray -now his teammate at Spurs

His attitude had also come under scrutiny, with reports of him skipping club events and showing up late to team meetings—including the one where Leeds informed him of his departure.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou was initially unconvinced. Concerns over Spence’s focus, decision-making, and defensive awareness made it clear that he was not part of Tottenham’s immediate plans. 

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The club tried selling him for £10 million but found no takers. Even loan offers from Championship clubs were nonexistent.

“We needed a club who would take him,” a source at Spurs bluntly admitted to

That lifeline came from an unexpected place—Genoa. The Italian club agreed to take Spence on loan as part of negotiations for the sale of Radu Dragusin to Tottenham. It was a move that changed everything.

Spence thrived in Genoa’s 3-5-2 system, playing as a right wingback. He excelled in high-stakes games against AC Milan and Juventus, showcasing the lung-busting runs and defensive solidity that had once made him one of England’s brightest young full-backs. 

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It was in Italy that Spence matured, both as a footballer and as a person.

Off the pitch, Genoa made sure Spence felt at home.

She moved with him to Italy, providing the stability and support that allowed him to reset mentally and emotionally. The club went to great lengths to accommodate him, even helping with the paperwork to bring his beloved dog to Italy—a small but significant gesture that made a difference.

“Understanding Djed is key,” said a source close to him to “He responds to encouragement rather than strict discipline. Having Aisha there helped him settle, and that was crucial.”

After five months in Italy, Spence returned to Tottenham a different player. Postecoglou took notice during pre-season, including him in the squad for the club’s summer tour of Japan and South Korea.

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 By December, he had earned his first start for Spurs against Southampton—2.5 years after joining the club for £20 million from Middlesbrough.

Since then, Spence has been a revelation. With Destiny Udogie out injured, he has seamlessly slotted in at left back despite playing on his weaker foot. 

His defensive solidity was on full display when he nullified Mohamed Salah in the Carabao Cup semi-final, restricting the Liverpool star to an expected goals (xG) figure of just 0.11—the lowest in any of Salah’s 32 domestic starts this season.

He was also impressive during their turnaround against AZ Alkmaar playing at left back as Spurs sealed a quarter final date against Eintranct Frankfurt.

Even Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola took notice, jokingly telling Spence to run less after he exhausted City’s players in a recent clash.

With his resurgence at Spurs, Spence is now in contention for an England call-up under new manager Thomas Tuchel. His versatility—capable of playing on either flank or even centrally in emergencies—makes him an appealing option. His athleticism is undeniable, inherited from his mother, who was a sprinter.

For all his past struggles, Spence’s story is one of resilience, growth, and finding the right environment. And through it all, his mother, Aisha, has been there—guiding him, grounding him, and ultimately playing a key role in his remarkable comeback.

 If he steps onto the pitch for England soon, it will be a moment not just for Spence, but for the mother who helped him believe in himself again.