The former Newcastle United and Tottenham defender is not surprised by Baleba’s rise at Brighton & Hove Albion, nor by the growing belief that the midfielder could soon become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Because long before the rest of the football world began noticing Baleba in the Premier League, Bassong already knew exactly what kind of player — and person — Brighton had signed.
“No, no, no, I’m not surprised,” Bassong told Football Presse when asked whether Baleba’s development in England had exceeded expectations.
“I know him from back home in Cameroon.”
Baleba’s emergence has been one of the defining stories of Brighton’s season. Following a difficult adaptation period after arriving from LOSC Lille, the 22-year-old has evolved into one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders under Fabian Hürzeler, combining physical dominance with composure in possession and explosive ball-carrying ability.
Ahead of Sunday’s season finale against Manchester United, Brighton are still pushing to secure European football, with Baleba central to almost everything positive about their midfield play in recent months.
But according to Bassong, the foundations for this rise were built years ago in Cameroon.
“The way he’s been programmed to work. He’s a hard worker. He’s got a brother who plays football, and his dad was really onto him.
"They were very dedicated to his growth and progression.”
That upbringing, Bassong believes, explains why Baleba has handled the pressures of elite football so impressively at such a young age.
While many talented players struggle once transfer speculation and expectation arrive, Baleba has continued developing despite an emotionally difficult season that included serious interest from bigger clubs.
Bassong revealed the midfielder had to cope with disappointment after a proposed move failed to materialise.
“He had a difficult season because of the non-transfer,” Bassong told Football Presse on behalf of Betgoodwin.
“He thought he was going to go. He didn’t go.
“But this is part of the process.”
For Bassong, elite football is not only about technical ability or tactical intelligence. It is about resilience.
“Talent is one thing,” he explained.
“But his work ethic, his ability to assess situations and do the right thing to get to the next level — that’s what matters.”
That mentality is why Bassong believes Baleba is capable of thriving at the very biggest clubs in world football.
Asked whether the midfielder would be ready for a move to a club like Manchester United and the demands of Champions League football, Bassong dismissed the idea of waiting for the “perfect” moment.
“If you don’t do it, how are you going to know?” he told Football Presse.
“You’ve got to test yourself.”
And crucially, Bassong believes handling pressure away from the pitch is just as important as performing on it.
“If you can’t handle the expectation of a big club, then maybe you’re not made for it,” he said.
“So far, Carlos has shown he can deal with those situations.”
Which is why, as Brighton prepare to face Manchester United this weekend, Baleba will again carry the feeling that his current stage may only be the beginning.