He is 21, ambitious, disciplined – and on his way to fulfilling a dream that many harbour but few achieve: becoming a professional footballer.
Nahom Tesfom knows that there are no shortcuts to success. He has put all his eggs in one basket – and, with clear-sightedness, hard work and a touch of humility, has made impressive strides. Thanks in part to ISS.
A New Beginning Far from Home
Born in Eritrea, Nahom came to Switzerland in 2008 at the age of four with his mother and four older siblings. His father had died young - Nahom was just nine months old. And yet, gratitude prevails for him: “If my father had fallen ill 18 months earlier, I wouldn’t be here.” In Zurich-West, the family found a new home, and Nahom discovered his passion: soccer. He played with his brother on the Josefwiese, and the 2010 World Cup finally ignited his dream: “The atmosphere was electrifying; everyone was playing outside - it totally captivated me.”
From Street Soccer to a Promising Young Talent
In 2012, he joined a club - the Grasshoppers. The start wasn’t easy: “I didn’t make the cut at my first trial. After half a year at a partner club, I was allowed to come back.” Over the course of thirteen years, he worked his way through the entire youth division - a school for life. But he also realized early on that soccer alone wasn’t enough. “Sports are unpredictable. I wanted to get an education as well- but a traditional apprenticeship wasn’t feasible time-wise.” The solution: the United School of Sports. Two years of basic education at the school, followed by two years of on-the-job training at a company. He found his apprenticeship at ISS. “It was a perfect fit. ISS is a partner of both the United School of Sports and GC - it was tailor-made for me.”
Pursuing Two Paths – With ISS as a Partner
While working, Nahom signed his first professional contract, but he couldn’t yet make a living off his salary. So he worked at ISS: first 60%, later 40%, to balance training and his job. “Training in the morning, the office during the day, training again in the evening - that was tough. But I always want to go all in. That’s the only way I’m satisfied.” He played for the U21 team for three years - two of which were challenging, but he persevered. Last season, his dedication paid off. “I invested a lot to get the most out of myself and subordinated everything to that one goal.”
With ISS’s support
ISS played an important role in this: “I had great conditions: an understanding boss in Fabienne Schoch and a team that supported me. I’m very grateful for that.” Discipline, self-confidence, and a stable environment: this combination has helped him advance, both professionally and athletically.
A new chapter begins
In June 2025, Nahom left ISS to focus entirely on his professional career with Grasshopper Club Zurich after extending his new professional contract. His next goal: to establish himself in the starting lineup and eventually play in Spain. “I want to learn Spanish - and there, too, I’m going all in. I’m taking it step by step, but always with full energy.” He sums up what has particularly shaped him at ISS this way: “Being honest with yourself and others builds trust. Staying authentic - on and off the field - makes everything easier and better.”
Dear Nahom, we’re proud to have accompanied you part of the way on your journey. You’ve made a big impact at ISS, and we’re certain you’ll continue to achieve great things on the field as well. And don’t forget: in every game, you have an entire company cheering you on. ISS is behind you!
