As Brentford marks Black History Month, Under-18s striker Michel Boni shares how his African heritage continues to shape his journey on and off the pitch. Born in Milton Keynes to parents from Benin and Ivory Coast, he speaks with pride about identity, opportunity and inspiring others through football.

Since joining the club in the summer of 2024, Boni has impressed, especially this season which has seen him feature regularly under Sam Saunders with the B team. He has continued to show maturity and presence on the pitch but it is away from the pitch that he wants to make his voice known.

Boni’s journey through football is defined by identity, gratitude, and a deep sense of purpose. Born in Milton Keynes to a mother from Benin and a father from Ivory Coast, the young striker's upbringing has shaped his outlook both on and off the pitch.

“My mum comes from Benin and dad comes from Ivory Coast and I try to embrace both sides," said Boni.

"My Ivorian side means so much to me and I’m so proud of the country and I want to show that flavour in my football with all the players that have come from that nation.”

Training with the B team since the beginning of preseason, Boni has gone from strength to strength and has now become a regular in Saunders' side, featuring prominently in a team that continues to impress.

His physicality, composure and growing maturity have stood out, most recently in the young Bees’ 4-0 victory over QPR Under-21s at Gtech Community Stadium.

He credits much of his approach to football to the values instilled by his family.

“My mum and dad brought me up well but my mum spent a lot of time instilling values in me that I take into my football. Hard work and pride in where I come from,” he said.

“I am grateful for where I have got to so far and thank God for being able to be in this position and I do not take that for granted.”

Those lessons in discipline and perseverance have been central to his development. Growing up in a multicultural household taught Boni the importance of hard work and appreciation.

“Growing up with two cultures has made me value hard work for me and my siblings. That is what has been instilled in us. I thank them for the sacrifices they have made for me. My dad always says never to give up,” he said.

Role models have also played a major part in his footballing identity, with Didier Drogba providing both inspiration and example.

“Drogba is a massive inspiration to me and my playing style,” explained Boni. “When he first joined a lot of people looked down on him but he continued to prove himself. I am that in mindset and I want to get there in quality.”

Boni’s admiration for Drogba extends beyond football. The former Ivory Coast striker famously used his platform to call for peace during his country’s civil conflict, something Boni highlights as an example of leadership and influence.

"I’ve always admired players who lead by example, both on and off the field,” said Boni.

“Drogba showed me that football can have an impact far beyond the pitch with what he achieved for Ivory Coast.

"He brought people together and promoted peace, which is something I want to learn from and reflect on in my own way. He proved that leadership comes through actions, not just words, and that inspires the way I approach football.

"Watching him, I understood that being a great player isn’t just about scoring goals but it’s about using your platform to make a difference, and that mindset is something I try to carry with me every day.”

His perspective is shaped not only by ambition, but by gratitude for the opportunities he has received.

“I would say that I have always valued being here in the UK and I understand that I have been given a platform and opportunity to succeed," he said.

"Linking this to my race, I just believe that I want to make an impact back home. If I can get to a place where I can give back to where I am from and not take for granted the position I am in."

As Brentford recognises Black History Month, Boni has taken time to reflect on its meaning and the importance of celebrating progress while recognising the work still to be done.

“Black history is a time to reflect and celebrate the achievements of black people who have opened doors for others,” he said.

“The people before me who have laid the foundations for where a lot of Black people are today is something that should be celebrated continuously and not in just one month. If I am honest a month is not enough to focus on Black history.”

For Boni, the significance of the month goes beyond awareness. It represents a continued responsibility to honour those who came before and to inspire those who will follow.

He draws influence from cultural and historical figures such as Bob Marley, Muhammad Ali and Martin Luther King Jnr, individuals whose voices and actions shaped generations.

Their legacy, he believes, should encourage celebration and progress rather than only reflection.

“The people before us made sacrifices that created opportunities,” he added. “It has improved, that is racism but it is nowhere near eradicated. That is the sad thing though.”

Within the environment at Brentford, Boni feels supported to express his identity and values openly.

“I feel supported here at Brentford; it’s a family environment where everyone respects each other,” he said.

“Even this platform to speak about identity and heritage means a lot. Everyone cares, from players to staff.”

Boni’s focus remains firmly on his football, his faith, and his desire to represent his heritage with pride.

“I want to be the best player I can be,” he said. “Never give up. In sadness, in doubt, in hesitancy, use the inspiration from the people that have come before us.”

He also takes time to encourage younger players of African heritage to remain resilient and driven in their ambitions. “Use the disappointments as fuel and stay focused, respect the people around you and keep pushing as working hard takes you a long way.”

Boni’s journey reflects not only the determination of a young footballer eager to succeed, but also the pride of an individual deeply connected to his roots. Grounded in family, inspired by heritage, and strengthened by faith, he continues to grow as a player who represents both his culture and his club with pride.