Women's football and female footballers are finally receiving the recognition they deserve, with many now featured on magazine covers and celebrated as global icons.
Rasheedat Ajibade stands out as a prime example, admired for her exceptional skill and rising influence in women’s football.
Currently starring for Atlético Madrid in Spain’s top division, Liga F, Ajibade is instantly recognizable by her signature blue hair.
Affectionately known as “Rash,” she captivates fans with her dynamic performances and charismatic presence, inspiring a new generation of footballers.
This article delves into the journey of the Atlético standout, who led the Super Falcons to the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
Rasheedat Ajibade’s biography
Born on December 8, 1999, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Rasheedat Ajibade grew up in a family of seven—four sisters, one brother, and their supportive parents—all of whom encouraged the children to pursue their dreams.
Rasheedat Ajibade began her professional career in 2013 with FC Robo in the Nigeria Women’s Premier League.
She quickly established herself as a standout talent and captained the team in the 2017 season, reinforcing her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most promising young footballers.
Beyond traditional football, Ajibade’s exceptional dribbling and flair saw her crowned the Nigerian National Freestyle Champion in 2017, showcasing her creativity and skill to a wider audience.
On the international stage, she represented Nigeria at the U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2014, scoring the team’s opening goal, and returned in 2016 as captain.
She later led the U-20 side, playing a key role in securing Nigeria’s place at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in France.
Beyond football, Rasheedat Ajibade demonstrated academic discipline by earning a bachelor's degree in accounting from Lagos State Polytechnic before pursuing an international football career.
At just 19, she signed with Avaldsnes in Norway’s top-flight league, where her performances quickly attracted attention.
In 2021, Atlético Madrid secured her services on a two-year deal.
Since joining Atlético Madrid, Ajibade has become a vital part of the team’s attack. Her consistency and ability to change games have made her a fan favourite, while her influence extends to the international stage.
A key player for the Nigerian national team, she played a crucial role in the Super Falcons' triumph at the 2018 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Having represented Nigeria in two FIFA Women’s World Cups (2019 and 2023), Ajibade now captains the Super Falcons.
With her leadership, the team is determined to make history at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
What state is Rasheedat Ajibade from?
Rasheedat Ajibade hails from Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government, Osun state.
What is Rasheedat Ajibade's net worth?
Ajibade's career has undoubtedly seen her accumulate significant wealth. While her exact net worth remains private, top athletes often command lucrative salaries, endorsements, and sponsorships. Unconfirmed reports suggest her talent has fetched her $4 million dollars.
Rasheedat Ajibade's house and cars
Rasheedat Ajibade owns a home, although details about her current residence remain unknown. She also owns a car, which she frequently showcases on her social media pages. Ajibade has shared videos and photos inside her vehicle on numerous occasions.
Is Rasheedat Ajibade married?
The football player is secretive about her personal life; as such, it is hard to know about her relationship status.
What is Rasheedat Ajibade's net worth?
On a yearly basis, Rasheedat Ajibade reportedly takes home a salary somewhere between $130,000 and $300,000 dollars. Her actual net worth is the subject of much conjecture, but is most frequently pegged at $4 million.
Raheedat Ajibade’s charity work
Rasheedat Ajibade is not just making waves on the field, she is also using her platform to empower young Nigerians. Here's a look at her initiatives:
StandOutWithRASH Campaign: Since 2020, this social media campaign teamed up with EaglesTracker to find and support talented Nigerian footballers.
Rasheedat Ajibade uses her social media to shine a light on young players with potential. She gives out football boots, jerseys, and sometimes cash prizes to those who really deserve it.
Rasheedat Ajibade Foundation: The foundation recently partnered with The Balm InfusClinic to launch a medical outreach program in Lagos. This initiative focused on footballers, educating players at FC Robo Queens and Ighalo Football Academy on essential life-saving skills like CPR and first aid.
Back to school project: The Super Falcons captain in late 2024 also launched a project to help cater for 50 students who and in dire need of funds to pay for their school/examination fees.
The plan is to have 20 primary school students, 10 students sitting for UTME/JAMB exams, 10 WAEC/GSE and 10 students in Universities who need funds who the above purposes.
RASH Brand: Ajibade offers a distinctive collection for fans to buy merchandise online, with a portion of the proceeds likely supporting her other initiatives.
What religion does Rasheedat Ajibade practice?
Off the pitch, Ajibade challenges misconceptions. Her name, Rasheedat, often leads to assumptions about her religion, but the 24-year-old is a Christian who openly shares her faith on social media.
Rasheedat Ajibade's social media handles
The Nigerian player has an Instagram, Tiktok, Youtube and Twitter account. At the time of writing, she has 239,000 followers on Instagram, while on Twitter, she has over 119, 576 followers. You can follow her through the following social media handles.
Instagram: @rasheedatt10
Twitter: @Rasheedat08
Tiktok: @rasheedatajibade
YouTube: @rasheedatt10
Ajibade also, just recently, started a podcast named ‘Rash4Christ' where she interviews different personalities.
Former Super Eagles forward Odion Ighalo was the first guest on her podcast.
She also has her own personal website – www.rasheedatajibade.com
Rasheedat Ajibade's team achievements
2022: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Third Place
2021: Supercopa de Espana – Champions
2018: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations – Champions
2018: WAFU Women’s Cup – Third place
2014: FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup – Quarterfinals
She has also won a few Player of the Month awards at her club.
Rasheedat Ajibade individual awards
2023/2024: Atletico Madrid’s POTS
2022: Women's Africa Cup of Nations Top scorer
2022: Women's Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament
2020: Toppserien Team of the Season
2018: WAFU Women’s Cup Second Top Scorer
2018: Nigeria Football Federation Young Player Of The Year
2017: Nigeria Women Premier League Top scorer (jointly held with Reuben Charity)
2017: Nigeria Pitch Awards – Nigeria Women Premier League Player of the Season
2017: League Bloggers Award Nigeria – Women Premier League Player of the Season
What is Rasheedat Ajibade’s current club?
The Super Falcons star is currently contracted to the la Liga de Femenino side Atletico Madrid Femenino, who play their home games at the Centro Deportivo Wanda Alcalá de Henares.
She wears the jersey number 16 for the club.
