Abdul Mumin credits Portugal and Rayo for shaping his career

Abdul Mumin, 28, has credited his time in Portugal and Spain with shaping his growth as a footballer and as a person. The Ghanaian centre-back says Vitória Guimarães and Rayo Vallecano were especially important stages in his development.

Mumin moved to Vitória Guimarães from Danish club Nordsjaelland in the 2020/21 season for €575,000. He spent two seasons in Portugal before joining Rayo Vallecano for €1.50 million in 2022/23, beginning a four-year spell in LaLiga.

The defender regards Portugal as the point at which he gained a clearer sense of professional football. His time at Vitória Guimarães exposed him to the demands of the professional environment and helped him understand what was expected of him beyond his work on the pitch.

Spain then provided another stage for his progress. Mumin believes his years with Rayo Vallecano helped him develop further as a player, while life away from football also contributed to his maturity. He highlighted the effect of the people and relationships around him in helping him grow personally and professionally.

His European journey began at HB Køge before the move to Nordsjaelland. Mumin has a Ghanaian and Nigerian national background, and his career has since taken him through Denmark, Portugal and Spain. He is currently without a club after his Rayo Vallecano spell ended in the 2026/27 season.

Mumin also identified Denmark’s weather as the main negative lesson from his first European stop. The cold conditions proved difficult for him, even though the experience marked the start of his development outside his home country. His listed market value is €3 million.