Tariq Lamptey could not have asked for a better stage to mark his 100th Premier League appearance. The Brighton full-back delivered a commanding performance against the club that had once given him his first taste of English top-flight football—Chelsea.

Frank Lampard, a Chelsea legend, who had handed Lamptey his Premier League debut in December 2019 against Arsenal.
But in a squad stacked with options at right-back, opportunities were scarce.

With just one Premier League appearance to his name and a handful of FA Cup outings, Lamptey made a bold decision in 2020. He swapped the blue of Chelsea for the blue and white of Brighton, seeking regular game time and a chance to develop his potential. It was a move that proved inspired.

Fast forward, and Lamptey’s name was etched in Brighton’s history as he stepped onto the pitch for his 100th Premier League game. Against his former club, he was electric—bursting down the right flank with the same fearless energy that had caught the eye years ago. Defensively solid and ever-willing to drive his team forward, he played a crucial role as Brighton secured a well-earned victory.

It was a moment of quiet vindication. Lamptey’s journey from Chelsea’s academy to a century of appearances in the top flight had not been without its challenges, including injuries that tested his resilience. But on this milestone day, he stood tall—a key figure in Brighton’s rise, a player who had carved his own path, and a talent who had come full circle against the club where it all began.