Known simply as “Fik” across dressing rooms and training grounds, Fikayo Tomori’s full name carries a deeper story — Oluwafikayomi Oluwadamilola Tomori. It is a name rooted in his Nigerian heritage, one that reflects belief, purpose and faith.
“My parents are Nigerian so the names come from their tribes,” Tomori explains.
“Each tribe has a sentence which is shortened to a name, so Oluwafikayomi means ‘God has filled me with joy’ and Oluwadamilola means ‘God has filled me with wealth’.”
Joy returns for Milan under Allegri
That sense of joy has mirrored life on the pitch this season. Under Massimiliano Allegri, AC Milan sit second in Serie A, just one point behind Inter, firmly back in the title race. The Rossoneri have suffered only one league defeat, a sharp contrast to last season’s struggles, when 11 losses led to an eighth-place finish, their worst in a decade.
“We all came back in the summer with a point to prove, individually and collectively,” says Tomori, who turned 28 last week.
“We have to attack the season and get back in the Champions League.”
Thriving in a back three
Allegri’s decision to deploy a three-man defence has brought out the best in Tomori, both physically and tactically.
“Physically it’s the best I’ve felt,” he says.
“Part of that is knowing where I have to be on the pitch. It’s helped me a lot when it comes to reading the game.
“It’s a simple thing, but there’s no need to over-extend yourself as a defender. It’s about running smarter, not harder.”
A defining move away from England
Nearly six years ago, Tomori made the bold decision to leave Chelsea, the club he came through as a youth player, in search of stability.
“I wanted to stabilise my career,” he says.
Since then, he has made 194 appearances for AC Milan, become fluent in Italian, and immersed himself fully in the culture — accent included.
“If I don’t speak in the accent or switch it on, they won’t understand,” he laughs.
“It’s a different way of life, but the biggest difference is how we train.
“In Italy it’s a lot more focus-based in terms of how we’ll play, whereas in England training can be more physical and intense.”
Tomori believes perceptions around English players moving abroad are changing.
“When I was growing up there was a stereotype that English players didn’t go abroad, but there’s quite a few now. It shows we can adapt to different football and a different way of living.”
Living among Milan royalty
At Milanello, history is everywhere. Walls are lined with images of legends — Paolo Maldini, Franco Baresi, Kaka, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alessandro Nesta.
“It’s mad,” Tomori says.
“You walk in every day and you see pictures of players like Maldini, Baresi, Kaka, Zlatan and Nesta.
“So you definitely feel the expectation knowing those players were in the same building.”
Maldini himself played a key role in bringing Tomori to Milan, personally speaking to him before the move.
“It comes from the fans too. You realise how much weight the shirt holds,” Tomori adds.
“I love that they’re so proud of the club and there’s an expectation to deliver.”
Scudetto success could unlock England return
Tomori has fond memories of Milan’s 2022 Serie A title, and another Scudetto could boost his hopes of a World Cup call-up.
“Of course, I want that for myself and I know that winning the league will help,” he says.
Born in Canada, Tomori played for their Under-19 side before committing to England. Despite his Nigerian roots, he revealed he was never approached by Nigeria.
He made his England debut in 2019 and earned five caps under Gareth Southgate, but has not featured internationally for over two and a half years.
Tuchel keeps the door open
Current England manager Thomas Tuchel remains in contact, despite Tomori missing recent squads.
“I spoke to him after the last international break in November,” Tomori says.
“We’ve spoken a few times and the message is to keep doing what I’m doing.
“The World Cup is six months away and there’s a lot of football to be played.”
Tomori draws encouragement from Tuchel’s continued monitoring of Milan players.
“I know he’s watching because he called up Ruben Loftus-Cheek. That gives me confidence I can make it.
“He came to Milan last season and I know he gets our data and sees our clips regularly too.”
Competition fierce but belief intact
Tomori is realistic about the challenge ahead.
“There’s so many players in that position — John Stones, Marc Guehi, Dan Burn and Ezri Konsa,” he admits.
“But the World Cup is still a dream and I’m working towards that.”
Learning from Modric next door
If that dream becomes reality, Tomori may line up against a familiar face. Luka Modric, who joined Milan in the summer, lives in the same apartment complex.
“I guess it’s not too shabby of a building then,” Tomori jokes.
Does he seek advice from the former Ballon d’Or winner?
“Yes, but it’s more about listening,” he says.
“You see the way he carries himself and trains. You just know the levels — and because it’s Modric, whenever he speaks, you listen.”
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