Samuel Chukwueze is a Nigerian professional footballer celebrated for his speed, dribbling skills, and left-footed precision on the right wing. He plays for Fulham on loan from AC Milan and has shone with Nigeria’s national teams and clubs including Villarreal.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze |
| Date of birth | May 22, 1999 |
| Place of birth | Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Abia |
| Partner | Amara Ikeme (rumoured girlfriend) |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Professional footballer |
| Club | Fulham (loan from AC Milan) |
| Height | 1.72 m |
| Position | Right winger |
| Jersey number | 21 |
| Net worth | $6 million |
Early Life and Education
Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze entered the world on May 22, 1999, in Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria.
Raised in Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Umuahia, by Igbo parents, Chukwueze began playing football at age eight during his time at Government College Umuahia and Evangel Secondary School. He sharpened his talents through local programs like Future Hope, New Generation, and Diamond Academy prior to heading to Spain.
Career
From Nigerian academies such as Future Hope, New Generation, and Diamond Academy, Chukwueze entered Villarreal’s youth ranks in 2017. He first appeared for Villarreal B that year, then the first team in September 2018 during a Europa League match against Rangers, followed by his initial La Liga goal against Eibar.
Across five years, he logged 207 games with 37 goals and 29 assists, key to the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League victory and a 2021/22 Champions League semi-final run.
Chukwueze signed with AC Milan in July 2023 for €28 million on a five-year contract through June 2028. His Serie A debut occurred in August, with his inaugural Milan goal against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League (November 2023) and a decisive strike versus Newcastle United in December 2023 for Europa League progression.
He scored his first Serie A goal at Hellas Verona in March 2024, ending with 8 goals in 69 matches overall (4 in Serie A), alongside Coppa Italia efforts, as Milan claimed the 2024/25 Supercoppa Italiana.
Following two Milan campaigns, he moved to Fulham on loan in 2025, teaming up with Nigerians Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey in the Premier League. On the international stage, his Super Eagles debut came in 2018, including AFCON 2019 (bronze) and 2023 (finalists), accumulating over 40 caps by 2026.
Personal Life
Chukwueze was born to Igbo parents from Umuahia, Abia State. His mother, a nurse and evangelist, supported his football dreams before passing away in late January 2026; he remains close to his father and two younger siblings. Rumors link him to influencer Amara Ikeme as a platonic “bestie,” with no confirmed girlfriend.
Net Worth and Salary
His net worth sits around $6 million, fueled by his Milan transfer and a weekly salary of €104,000, placing him among Nigeria’s top-earning athletes.
Honours
- FIFA U-17 World Cup: 2015 (winner, Bronze Boot)
- UEFA Europa League: 2020/21 (Villarreal)
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2024/25 (AC Milan)
- Africa Cup of Nations: 2019 (3rd), 2023 (runner-up)
- Individual: Nigeria Young Player of the Year 2017/18; La Liga African MVP 2022/23; UEFA Europa League Top Assist Provider 2020/21
