Samuel Chukwueze is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Serie A giants AC Milan and the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles.
In this article, we delve into the career and attributes of the dynamic winger, renowned for his blistering pace, dazzling footwork, and a lethal left foot reminiscent of Dutch legend Arjen Robben.
How old is Samuel Chukwueze?
Born on 22 May 1999, the Super Eagles' right-winger is 25 years old as of the time of writing.
What is Samuel Chukwueze's full name?
Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze hails from Abia State, Nigeria, where he was born.
Samuel Chukwueze's height
Although not among the tallest footballers, Chukwueze stands at a respectable 1.72m (5 ft 8 in) and holds his own on the pitch.
Samuel Chukwueze biography: Childhood & early life story
Samuel Chukwueze, born in Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Abia State, Nigeria, to Igbo parents, began his football journey with an innate passion that set him apart from an early age.
Growing up, his unwavering love for the game shaped his development into a dynamic and fearsome winger. His formative years in football saw him train with several academies, including Future Hope, New Generation Academy, and Diamond Football Academy.
It was at Diamond Football Academy that his exceptional talent truly flourished, earning him widespread recognition. His breakthrough came in 2013 when he delivered a standout performance at the Portuguese Iber Youth Cup, catching the attention of European scouts. This pivotal moment paved the way for his first professional contract with Spanish side Villarreal.
Chukwueze drew inspiration from football icons such as Nigerian legend Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha and Dutch winger Arjen Robben, whose playing styles influenced his approach to the game. He began playing football at just eight years old, skillfully balancing his education at Government College Umuahia and Evangel Secondary School with his dream of becoming a professional footballer.
However, Chukwueze’s path to success was not without obstacles. Like many young Nigerian footballers, he faced resistance from his family, who valued education over a career in sports.
In a bid to deter him, his family went as far as burning his football boots and training kit. Yet, his unwavering determination and passion for the game prevailed. Refusing to be discouraged, Chukwueze remained steadfast in his pursuit, demonstrating remarkable resilience and commitment to achieving his dream.
Samuel Chukwueze’s journey from modest beginnings to international acclaim stands as a testament to his passion, relentless work ethic, and unwavering dedication to his dreams.
His inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope for aspiring footballers worldwide, proving that perseverance and determination can pave the way to success.
Samuel Chukwueze's club career
Chukwueze has represented two clubs in his professional career, showcasing his talent at both domestic and international levels.
Villarreal
The Super Eagles winger joined Villarreal's youth setup (Juvenil A) in 2017 from Diamond Football Academy where he honed his skills for some time.
His journey in Villarreal was not without challenges, as he faced difficulties adapting to the Spanish language and culture.
Nonetheless, Chukwueze's sheer determination to succeed, combined with his exceptional skills, earned him a place in Villarreal's reserves, and eventually led to his debut for the first team.
He made his senior team debut on 20 September 2018 when he replaced Nicola Sansone in a 2-2 home draw against Glasgow Rangers in the Europa League. Moreover, his La Liga debut came against Levante on 5 November 2018, a clash which ended in a 1-1 stalemate.
After scoring his first senior goal for the club against Athletic Bilbao in a 3-2 away defeat on 20 May 2018, Chukwueze has gone on to score crucial goals for the club against Bayern Munich in the 2021/22 Champions League. His 88th minute equaliser helped Villarreal to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
On 8 April 2023, the Nigerian winger bagged a brace against Real Madrid in a 3-2 victory away from home in La Liga. Later that summer, he secured a move away from the club.
AC Milan
Chukwueze signed for AC Milan on 27 July 2023 after 207 appearances for Villarreal across all competitions with 37 goals scored.
The Super Eagles winger made his debut for the Rossoneri in their opening game of the 2023/24 Serie A season. He came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute for Christian Pulisic on 21 August 2023 in a game that ended 2-0 for Milan.
He scored his first AC Milan goal in a 3-1 home defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on 28 November 2023.
The Nigerian bagged his first Serie A goal in a 3-1 home win for AC Milan against Hellas Verona on 17 March 2024. So far, he has scored three goals in 28 appearances across all competitions for the Rossoneri.
At the time of publishing, Chukwueze has three goals and three assists for AC Milan across all competitions.
Samuel Chukwueze's international career
The international breakthrough moment for Chukwueze came during the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he played a starring role in Nigeria's success alongside Victor Osimhen and Kelechi Nwakali as teammates.
His impressive performances and goal-scoring prowess garnered interest from top European clubs, with Villarreal CF eventually securing his services.
And in October, 2018 Chukwueze received his first Super Eagles call-up. He made his senior international debut on 20 November 2018 in a friendly against Uganda, a game that ended goalless.
Chukwueze bagged his first Super Eagles goal against South Africa during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt where Nigeria defeated Bafana Bafana 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
At the time of writing, he has appeared in three different AFCON tournaments for his country and has so far scored five goals in 35 matches donning the famous green-white-green jersey.
Does Samuel Chukwueze have siblings?
Chukwueze has two siblings—a brother and a sister. While details about them remain largely private, it is known that his sister's name is Princess.
What is Samuel Chukwueze's tribe and state of origin
The 25-year-old footballer hails from the Igbo ethnic group, one of Nigeria's three major tribes. He is a native of Abia State.
What religion does Samuel Chukwueze practise?
The winger hails from eastern Nigeria and was raised in a devout Christian household, adhering to the Roman Catholic faith.
Samuel Chukwueze's family
Samuel Chukwueze was born to Mr. and Mrs. Chukwueze, natives of Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku in Abia State, Nigeria. The couple has three children—two sons and a daughter.
Samuel Chukwueze's net worth
Chukwueze's net worth is estimated at $6m. He received a huge raise when he made the switch from Villarreal to AC Milan in the summer of 2023.
Samuel Chukwueze's market value and salary
According to Transfermarkt, Chukwueze's current market value as of September 2024 is €20 million. He is among the top four ranked players from Nigeria. His highest market value was as high as €30m on 11 June 2019.
Also, Chukwueze's salary is reported to be €104,000 per week, which translates to about €5 million per year.
Does Samuel Chukwueze have a wife?
Although the Super Eagles winger prefers to keep his personal life private, it is widely believed that he is unmarried. Speculation surrounding his relationship status has persisted, with rumours linking him to individuals such as Klara Kalu and Amara Ikeme. However, none of these claims have been officially confirmed.
Samuel Chukwueze's awards and achievements
These are some of Samuel Chukwueze's career achievements
- 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner.
- 2015 Bronze Boot Winner, FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- Nigeria Football Federation's Young Player of the Year for the 2017/18 season.
- 2020/21 UEFA Europa League champion.
- 2022/23 La Liga Best African Player of the season.
Frequently asked questions about Samuel Chukwueze
How much is Samuel Chukwueze's salary per week? As it stands, Chukwueze makes a whopping €104,000 per week, which makes him one of the highest-paid Super Eagles players.
Where is Samuel Chukwueze from in Nigeria? Chukwueze is from Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku in Umuahia, Abia State.
Has Chukwueze scored for AC Milan? Yes, his first goal for Milan came in a friendly on 13 August 2023, while his first goal in a competitive fixture was in a UEFA Champions League match against Dortmund on 28 November 2023.
What league does Chukwueze play? Chukwueze plays in the Serie A, Italy's top-flight.
How many siblings does Chukwueze have? The Super Eagles winger has two siblings, a brother and a sister.
