Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi, born on August 12, 1997, is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Nottingham Forest and the Nigeria national team.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi |
| Date of Birth | 12 August 1997 |
| Place of Birth | Ilorin, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Kwara State, Nigeria |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Occupation | Professional Footballer |
| Club | Nottingham Forest |
| Position | Striker |
| Jersey Number | 9 |
| Height | 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) |
| Net Worth | Approx. £12.6 million ($16 million) |
Early Life and Education
Awoniyi was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria, into a family of six children, including his twin sister. His father worked as a policeman, providing a modest upbringing.
He nurtured his football talent at the Kwara Football Academy before advancing his training at the Imperial Soccer Academy in Lagos, where he was guided by former Nigerian international Seyi Olofinjana.
Career
Awoniyi began his football journey in Nigeria before signing with Liverpool in 2015. Due to work permit restrictions, he spent several years on loan at clubs across Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands, including FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Royal Excel Mouscron, Gent, Mainz 05, and Union Berlin.
After signing with Liverpool in 2015, Awoniyi spent several years on loan across Europe due to work permit challenges. His loan spells included stints at FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, Royal Excel Mouscron, Gent, Mainz 05, and Union Berlin.
His performances at Union Berlin in the Bundesliga marked a turning point, leading to a permanent move.
In 2022, he joined Nottingham Forest on a five-year contract for a club-record fee of £17.5 million. Awoniyi quickly became a key player for Forest, setting a club record by scoring in six consecutive Premier League games in early 2023.
In May 2025, Awoniyi sustained a significant abdominal injury during a match against Leicester City, which required immediate surgery. Nottingham Forest confirmed that he is recovering well but will be out of action for several months.
Prior to the injury, Awoniyi was an important contributor to Forest’s 2024-25 Premier League campaign, scoring vital goals and helping the club maintain a competitive position in the league.
Personal Life
Taiwo Awoniyi is married and affectionately known by nicknames such as “Big Awo” and “The New Rashidi Yekini.” He shares a close bond with his family, including his twin sister Kehinde.
Net Worth and Salary
Awoniyi earns approximately £50,000 per week at Nottingham Forest, with an estimated net worth of around £12.6 million (about $16 million), reflecting his successful rise to prominence in European football.
Honors
Taiwo Awoniyi’s honors include:
- Nottingham Forest Player of the Month (August 2023)
- Nottingham Forest Goal of the Month (August 2023) for his strike against Manchester United
- Premier League Player of the Month nominee (August 2023)
- He became the first Nottingham Forest player to score in seven consecutive Premier League matches
- Set a club record by scoring in six consecutive Premier League games in early 2023
These achievements highlight his impact at Nottingham Forest since joining in 2025.
