Yohanes Zewdu, also known as ‘Johnny Vegas,’ has a life story that exemplifies the significance of aiming high. Growing up in Addis Ababa in the 1980s, Zewdu’s journey took an extraordinary turn when he moved to Las Vegas with his mother at 10. From humble beginnings, he has elevated himself from the lowest echelons of the Vegas strip to becoming a lifestyle facilitator for sports superstars, a prominent figure in social media influencing, and currently, the international liaison and strategic advisor for the Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF).

In his role, which he has held for four months, Zewdu serves as a crucial link between the EFF and other football leagues, federations, and brands, all of which are covered for betting at https://ggbet.city/tl-ph. Referred to professionally as ‘Johnny Vegas,’ he articulates his mission as shedding light on Ethiopian football, emphasizing the country’s potential and resources. He aims to convey to the global community that investing in Ethiopian football promises something extraordinary.

Zewdu emphasizes the abundance of talent among young enthusiasts in Ethiopia, expressing the belief that they can achieve remarkable feats in the sport with a little encouragement and opportunity. Ultimately, Zewdu has high hopes: “I want Ethiopia to make it to the 2026 World Cup in the United States. Yes, it’s a long shot, but we do have a chance.”

Transitioning From Valet To Facilitator For Footballers

Yohanes Zewdu’s unexpected journey to success began in an unlikely place – as a valet at the very well-known hotel and casino, Bellagio. Reflecting on this period, the 36-year-old acknowledges it as the turning point in his life, affording him encounters with notable personalities such as Michael Jordan, Leo DiCaprio, and Floyd Mayweather.

During his valet days, a chance meeting with a French movie star led to a surprising connection. Zewdu shared his admiration for Franck Ribery, the star’s “brother,” and received a signed Jersey from Ribery the following year. This encounter opened doors when the star’s friend, Samir Nasri, contacted Zewdu for assistance in Las Vegas. Unaware of Nasri’s identity initially, Zewdu’s subsequent interactions with high-profile footballers like Theo Walcott, Bacary Sagna, and the entire Arsenal squad marked the beginning of his journey in facilitating for sports figures.

Zewdu, the person behind the successful company Kloudout, has a big network and is known on social media and TV shows in Ethiopia. Even though he’s achieved a lot, he still remembers where he started. When he returned to Ethiopia, he saw some problems that needed fixing. So, he came up with a plan. He told the EFF that he could use his connections to help people who want to make it big in football. The EFF liked the idea and made him their international liaison. Now, he’s working to make sure more people have chances to succeed.

Enhancing Ethiopia’s Fortunes

Ethiopia’s men’s football team, known as the Walias, has a varied history on the field. 

Even though they have a certain nickname, they’ve never made it to the FIFA World Cup. 1968  was the last time the team got past the group stage at the Africa Cup. It was also when they hosted the tournament and finished fourth. Compounding their challenges, the current team has not participated in any competitive match in their home ground in the last two years due to inadequate stadium facilities.

Recent Nations Cup qualifying matches have been relocated to Malawi, Mozambique, and Morocco to address these issues. Even the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone, scheduled as a ‘home’ game, will occur in El Jadida, Morocco. Yohanes Zewdu, also known as ‘Johnny Vegas,’ sees an opportunity to impact this situation significantly. Even though he is not a coach or technical director, Zewdu highlights his role in fostering ties among nations, leagues, sponsors, and the Ethiopian Football Federation.

Given the disadvantage of not playing at their home ground in front of local fans, Zewdu considers his support crucial. He aims to offer extra resources to the players, facilitating their access to suitable training facilities and enhancing overall preparation. His main objective is to deliver essential mental support to the squad. While the impact of his efforts on Ethiopia’s international standing remains uncertain, Zewdu is determined to make a difference, and with ‘Johnny Vegas’ in action, the possibilities are wide open.