Ifeanyi-Arthur Ndukwe, born March 3, 2008, and widely known as Ifeanyi Ndukwe, is a highly promising 17-year-old Austrian footballer. He shines as a commanding centre-back for Austria Wien in the Bundesliga, thanks to his impressive physicality, youth leadership, and strong international showings. This has made him a prime transfer target, especially with Liverpool securing an exclusive option for a summer 2026 move.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Ifeanyi-Arthur Ndukwe |
| Date of birth | March 3, 2008 |
| Place of birth | Vienna, Austria |
| Nationality | Austrian |
| Country of Origin | Nigeria/Russia |
| Partner | Not publicly known |
| Children | None (age 17) |
| Occupations | Professional footballer |
| Height | 1.98 m (6’6″) |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Jersey number | 66 (club); 5 (UEFA) |
| Club | Austria Wien |
| Net Worth | ~€1 million (market value) |
Early Life and Education
Born in Vienna to a Nigerian father and Russian mother, Ndukwe shares a competitive sibling bond with elder brother Obinna, a professional basketball player. His childhood immersed him in local football, prioritizing academy development over detailed public records of schooling. This foundation shaped his disciplined rise through Vienna’s youth systems.
Career
Ndukwe started playing football as a kid at WAF Brigittenau. He joined Austria Wien’s youth academy in 2016 at age eight. He was a strong leader, captaining the under-16 team. Later, he played for the under-19s, called Young Violets, and became a regular player by summer 2025. He even trained with first-team stars like Aleksandar Dragović.
In the 2024–25 season, he played 13 games for the reserve team in Regionalliga Ost. He helped them win promotion to 2. Liga. He made his pro debut in March 2025. This season, he has played seven games in 2. Liga, showing skills well beyond his age. He has also been on the bench for Bundesliga matches and named in UEFA Conference League squads, wearing number 5.
He signed a pro contract until June 2028. But Liverpool got an option to buy him by June 2026. The fee could reach £2.5 million with bonuses. His value rose fast after his great play in the World Cup.
Personal Life
Ndukwe keeps his personal life mostly private as a young rising star, embracing his Nigerian-Russian roots alongside his Austrian identity while staying active on Instagram. He shares a close bond with his elder brother, Obinna Ndukwe, a professional basketball player. No public details exist about relationships, partners, or children.
Net Worth/Salary
Market value sits around €1 million, buoyed by transfer buzz. Exact salary remains undisclosed for this academy graduate, though pro terms and Liverpool interest suggest substantial earnings ahead.
Honours
Key contributions include Austria Wien II’s 2024–25 promotion to 2. Liga. Internationally, as Austria U17 linchpin, he reached the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup final in Qatar, cementing his status among Europe’s top young defenders.
