Here’s a comprehensive and updated biography of Samuel Chukwueze, the Nigerian football sensation:
Basic Info
- Full Name: Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze
- Date of Birth: 22 May 1999 (age 26)
- Place of Birth: Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Abia State, Nigeria
- Height: 1.72 m (5’8″)
- Position: Right winger
- Nationality: Nigerian (Igbo descent)
Club Career
Youth Development:
- Started at age eight with local academies: Future Hope, New Generation Academy, then Diamond Football Academy, where his standout performance at the 2015 Iber Youth Cup got him scouted
Villarreal CF (2017–2023):
- Joined the club’s youth ranks in 2017, quickly progressing to Villarreal B and senior squad
- Senior debut in April 2018; scored first senior goal in May of the same year
- Made first-team debut in Europa League (Sept 2018) and La Liga (Nov 2018)
- Key achievements: Won 2018 Nigeria Young Player award; scored crucial Champions League quarter-final equalizer against Bayern Munich (April 2022); scored twice and assisted in a 3–2 win over Real Madrid (April 2023)
- Made over 150 appearances, scored 21 La Liga goals
AC Milan (2023–)
- Signed July 2023 on a deal until 2028. Debuted vs Bologna (Aug 2023); first goal Oct 2023 vs Genoa; notable Champions League contributions in late 2023 .
- Season marked by limited starts, 26 appearances, 3 goals, 2 assists. AC Milan may consider his sale in summer 2025; Real Betis shows interest
International Career
- Nigeria U17: Part of the winning squad at 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup (3 goals, Bronze Boot)
- Senior Debut: November 2018 vs Uganda; first goal in AFCON 2019 quarter-final vs South Africa
- Continued representation in 2021 & 2023 AFCON—including runner-up finish in 2023 .
Style of Play & Strengths
- Explosive pace, technical dribbling, excellent at cutting inside for shots—often likened to Arjen Robben and Sadio Mané
- Known for his left-footed finesse, though his weaker right foot and defensive contributions are noted limitations .
Honors & Achievements
- Club Level: UEFA Europa League winner (2020–21 with Villarreal)
- International: 2015 U-17 World Cup; AFCON 2019 third place; runner-up in AFCON 2023 .
- Individual: 2015 U-17 Bronze Boot; NFF Young Player (2018); multiple youth MVP awards
Net Worth & Personal Life
- Estimated net worth: ~$5–6 million, with €5 million annual salary at AC Milan and endorsement deals
- Raised in a Christian Igbo family; has a younger brother and sister
Summary
Samuel Chukwueze is a dynamic winger defined by blistering pace, impressive dribbling, and clutch performances in Europe and for Nigeria. He’s a youth World Cup and Europa League champion, now navigating a pivotal career move while playing for AC Milan. At 26, he remains one of Africa’s brightest football talents.