Alexander Chuka Iwobi, nicknamed big 17, is a Nigerian-born winger and playmaker; whose parents are both Nigerians, though based in the UK. He is also the cousin of the legendary Jay Jay Okocha.
His father Chuba Iwobi is a legal practitioner, though he used to play at the amateur level while still in Nigeria before relocating with his family to Turkey where Okocha was based as at that time.
Information about the playmaker’s mother is not known, but we can be sure that she was a great deal of support to Alex in the course of pursuing his dream as a footballer. Alex Iwobi has played both at the national and international level.
Currently, he plays for Everton Fc.
Alex Iwobi Profile
| Net Worth | $7M |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alexander Chuka Iwobi |
| Date of Birth (Age) | May 3, 1996 |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Professional Footballer |
| Gender | Male |
| Education | University of New York, USC(University of southern California), London Drama Studio |
| Years Active | 2004 – Present |
Early Life
Alexander Chuba Iwobi was born to Mr and Mrs Chuba Iwobi on the 3rd of May 1996. Alex Iwobi’s father, Chuba was formerly a Footballer at the amateur level before abandoning his football career to take up a course in law where he graduated to become a lawyer, so as to be able to cater for his family.
Alex Iwobi ‘s mentor at that time was the legendary Jay Jay Okocha, who was playing in the Turkish league at that time.
Alex Iwobi, at age two, relocated with his family to Turkey where his mother’s cousin Jay Jay Okacha was playing in.
When Okocha signed up for Bolton Wanderers in London, by that time Iwobi was four years old, his family finally relocated to London to settle there, where he grew up to be an exciting young talent in football.
Through the recognition of his uncle Jay Jay Okocha, Iwobi signed for Arsenal football club, while still at school; at age eight.
Alex Iwobi had to balance studies and football at the same time. Though life as a youth player for Arsenal wasn’t easy for the exciting winger, as he was beset with the threat of being released by the club.
Through undeterred determination and help from his uncle and mother, Iwobi grew to become brave, strong mentally and composed with the ball, which won him the admiration of his coaches a d team mates. Indeed, hard work and determination really pays.
Alex Iwobi Career
Club Career
Iwobi’s career started off in September 2013, where his team clashed with West Bromich Albion, though he didn’t feature in the match. He later went on to make his first team appearance in his side’s defeat to Sheffield Wednesday in the 16th round of FA cup. By then he had already signed a long-term contract with his club.
Alex Iwobi later made his premier league appearance when his side faced Swansea, in which he came in as a substitute; with almost nothing left on the clock, also scoring against Everton and Watford. He furthered made his champion league appearance, with 15minutes left on the clock.
Alex Iwobi played in all the FA cup matches; he was also in play against Chelsea in the Final of the FA cup; in which Arsenal emerged victorious. He also featured in the community shield against Chelsea again, where they won in penalties shoot out.
Though Alex Iwobi did not get enough playing time in the premier league under the club’s long-standing coach Arsene Wenger, but he later became an important part of Unai Emery who took over from Arsene Wenger after his retirement.
Alex Iwobi made 100 appearances for Arsenal, scoring 11 times for the club, before he was sold out to Everton in 2019, for a fee of £28 million; having penned a five-year contract with his new club. He made his first appearance for Everton as a substitute in the clash with Aston Villa, where the match ended in a 2-nil win over Everton. His first goal for Everton came in the side’s thrashing of Lincoln city in the EFL cup.
In September, Alex Iwobi opened his goal record in the premier league, when Everton faced Wolves. He got an accolade from his coach Marco Silva in his post-match conference.
Alex Iwobi made a total of 25 appearances for Everton in the 2019-2020 campaign. He has featured only three times in the 2020-2021 campaign. In total, Iwobi has made a total of 128 appearances in his club career, scoring 12 times for the two clubs he has played for.
International Career
Alex Iwobi started off as a youth player for England youth team, where he helped his country to win the victory shield in 2011. He played for England under 21 before being call up to Nigerian national team, making his senior appearance for in 2015 against Dr Congo.
In 2016, October 9, Iwobi scored his first international goal for Nigeria in world cup qualifier against Zambia. He also featured in the match against Zambia, this time in 2017 at the Godswill Akpabio international stadium, where he wowed the crowd with his rainbow flick. He scored the only goal in that match, helping Nigeria to qualify for the 2018 world cup that was hosted by Russia.
In the 2018 world cup, Alex Iwobi played in all the three group stage matches, though Nigeria did not make it through to the round of 16 as they crashed out in the group stage. Iwobi has been capped 40 times for the super eagles since 2015, scoring seven times for his country.
Alex Iwobi’s Achievements
Iwobi recorded a great deal of success while he was with the Gunners. He won the 2016-2017 FA cup title with the club, 2015 and 2017 community shield; they finished as runner up in 2017-2018 EFL Cup, as well in the 2018-2019 Europa league.
He also won the young CAF player of the year, in 2016.
Alex Iwobi’s Relationship
Presently, the 24-year-old forward is single, though he had previously dated Clarisse Juliette, who is a model. The relationship lasted for fours before they had to say their goodbyes to each other.
Alex Iwobi’s Net Worth
Alex Iwobi, who currently earns £50,000 at Everton, has an estimated net worth of about $7 million.
