On 6 April 2024, Alex Iwobi surpassed Mikel John Obi to become the Nigerian footballer with the most minutes played in Premier League history. Born in Lagos in 1996, Iwobi moved to England at age four and developed his professional skills within the Arsenal academy system before emerging as a versatile midfielder for several top-flight clubs.
Early Development and Arsenal Tenure
Iwobi joined Arsenal as a primary school student in 2004, facing the risk of release at ages 14 and 16. His first-team transition began in 2015, marked by a League Cup debut against Sheffield Wednesday and a Premier League introduction against Swansea City. During his time at the London club, he contributed to the 2016-2017 FA Cup victory and the 2017 Community Shield title. In 2019, he scored the club's lone goal in the UEFA Europa League Final defeat to Chelsea.
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In August 2019, Iwobi transferred to Everton for an initial fee of £28 million. He earned the club's Players' Player of the Season award for 2022-2023, largely due to his record of eight assists. By September 2023, he moved to Fulham for an undisclosed fee. His contributions at Craven Cottage included a league brace against Nottingham Forest and reaching his 100th league appearance for the club in September 2026.
International Representation
Though he represented England at the youth level and won the 2011 Victory Shield, Iwobi declared for Nigeria in 2015. He made his senior debut against DR Congo in Belgium. Since then, he has participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He was part of the 2023 runner-up squad and the 2025 bronze-medal-winning team. By June 2026, he reached 100 international appearances for Nigeria.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 May 1996, Lagos, Nigeria
- Education: Campion School, Hornchurch
- Professional Debut: 27 October 2015
- Previous Clubs: Arsenal, Everton
- Current Club: Fulham
- International Debut: 8 October 2015
- Languages: English, Igbo, Nigerian Pidgin
- Notable Recognition: Everton Players' Player of the Season 2022-23
Questions readers ask
Which international teams has Alex Iwobi represented?
He played for England at the youth level before choosing to represent the Nigeria senior national team starting in 2015.
When did Alex Iwobi join Fulham?
He signed with Fulham on 2 September 2023.
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