Growing up in Ghana, the Toulouse midfielder found inspiration in players who defined the art of midfield play.
"Michael Essien and, of course, I’m a Barcelona fan, I also watched Iniesta and Xavi," Abu told Flashscore in this exclusive interview facilitated by Ligue 1.
"I really like their style of play. For me, I feel like they are the best midfielders we have ever seen.
"Offensively, I want to control the ball like Xavi and Iniesta, but defensively, Essien. He was also box-to-box, so I want to combine all those profiles in my game.”
Abu’s path from the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana to Toulouse in Ligue 1 has been marked by deliberate, well-timed steps. After excelling in Denmark with FC Nordsjaelland, where he honed his talent, he moved to Cercle Brugge in Belgium, where he was tested.
His latest move to France represents not just another chapter, but a leap forward in his development.
"I thought it was the right step for me," he explained. "If I look at my stages from Denmark to Belgium, then Belgium to France, each move has been a progression to a better league.
"France (Ligue 1) is a top-five league. And with the coach here, who has a background from Barcelona, I think he can help me develop my game to another level; more with the ball, because defensively, I’ve already shown my quality in Belgium."
Abu’s move to Toulouse nearly fell through at the final hurdle after the club’s medical team detected a minor issue during his scans.
"It almost ruined the transfer, which is normal. The team wanted players who were quick and ready to play. I didn’t even know I had an injury, but the scan showed something.
"Physically, I was fine. I could do everything during the tests, so they trusted that and the deal went through. It was an obstacle, but it worked out in the end."
While other clubs had shown interest in his signature, it was Toulouse who made their intent clear.
"There were some interests from Italy and other places. But it wasn’t concrete. My agent and I felt we shouldn’t risk it. Toulouse made me their number one target, and that mattered. You want to go where you are valued."
Adapting to a new country and culture can be a challenge, but for Abu, his early education at Right to Dream made the transition to France even smoother.
"We learnt French back in the academy and I have a lot of friends from the Ivory Coast and Mali with whom I grew up since I was 11," he said.
"My French isn’t perfect, but I know the basics. I even take lessons now. After this interview, I have another session in 30 minutes!" he added with a laugh.
Toulouse have had a decent start to the season, picking up 15 points from their first 11 games. However, Abu refuses to put limits on what they can achieve this season.
"Obviously, we want to achieve big. But I don’t believe in setting targets too early. I believe in putting in the work daily. We take it game by game, win by win and then we can talk about what’s next."
Asked about his preferred position, Abu was quick to describe the role that brings out his best qualities.
"I excel more in interceptions and winning duels. At Nordsjaelland, they really teach football, which includes how to read the game.
"I see myself as someone who wins tackles and breaks lines with progressive passes. I like the double six role when it’s me and another midfielder; there’s that connection. But I can adapt to any system."
Abu has quickly discovered that Ligue 1 demands a balance of physical and technical prowess.
"A lot of people underestimate how physical this league is," he observed.
"It’s very physical, even more than Belgium, but also very technical. Players here really think on the ball, and they don’t lose it easily, even under pressure. They’re very good in tight spaces, and that makes the competition tougher."
With 11 Ghanaian players currently playing their trade in Ligue 1, the Right to Dream graduate feels a sense of pride and belonging.
"It’s nice seeing a lot of Ghanaians in Ligue 1. It shows that French clubs value Ghanaian players. For me, it’s special because I’m the first Ghanaian to play for Toulouse. I hope it opens doors for more Ghanaians to come here."
Abu was part of Ghana’s squad during the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup and featured against Chad and Madagascar, but missed the final call-up that sealed qualification due to injury.
"Of course I watched it. It was amazing because I was part of the process. Even though I didn’t make it this time, I was happy for the team and for the nation."
Now, his focus is firmly on reclaiming his spot as competition intensifies ahead of the World Cup itself.
"It should be competitive," he admitted. "Right now, I’m not thinking about anyone else; I’m focused on myself, staying fit, playing regularly. The rest will take care of itself. The competition in midfield is good for Ghana; it brings the best out of everyone."
At just 24, Francis Abu’s story feels like it’s only beginning. Intelligent, disciplined, and eager to improve, he embodies a modern midfielder ready to study the game as much as he plays it.
From Right to Dream to Toulouse, and perhaps soon back into the Black Stars fold, Abu is quietly building towards the level of the idols he once watched on television.
