Toluwalase “Tolu” Emmanuel Arokodare is a Nigerian professional footballer born on November 23, 2000, in Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria. Standing at 1.97 meters (6 ft 6 in), he plays as a center-forward for Belgian Pro League club KRC Genk. Known for his aerial dominance and goal-scoring prowess, Arokodare has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising young strikers and is currently leading the Belgian Pro League scoring charts.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Toluwalase Emmanuel Arokodare |
| Date of Birth | November 23, 2000 |
| Place of Birth | Festac Town, Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Height | 1.97 meters (6 ft 6 inches) |
| Position | Center-forward |
| Current Club | KRC Genk |
| Net Worth | €2 million |
| Salary | €2.5 million annually |
| Matches | 194 (march 12, 2025) |
| Goals | 75 (March 12, 2025) |
| Honors | Top Scorer (Pro League), Golden Shoe Nominee |
Early Life and Education
Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Tolu Arokodare developed a passion for football from a young age.
He began his football journey with Kash Academy and Flying Sports Academy in Festac before moving to Segun Odegbami International College and Sports Academy. He later joined Box2Box FC in Surulere, Lagos.
His talent earned him trials with European clubs such as SC Freiburg (Germany) and Toulouse (France), which paved the way for his professional career.
Career
Valmiera (2019–2020)
Arokodare’s professional career began with Latvian club Valmiera in 2019. Over two seasons, he scored an impressive 22 goals in 32 league appearances, establishing himself as a prolific striker.
FC Köln (2020–2021)
In September 2020, Arokodare was loaned to German Bundesliga side 1. FC Köln for the 2020–21 season. He made his Bundesliga debut on September 26, 2020, against Arminia Bielefeld but did not score during his time in Germany.
Amiens SC (2021–2023)
Arokodare joined French Ligue 2 club Amiens SC in June 2021 on a two-year loan deal with an option to buy. During his tenure at Amiens, he scored 14 goals in 55 league appearances and became a key player for the team.
KRC Genk (2023–Present)
In January 2023, Arokodare signed a four-and-a-half-year deal with Belgian Pro League side KRC Genk following the departure of Paul Onuachu to Southampton.
He scored on his debut against Gent in a thrilling 3–2 victory. As of March 2025, he has scored 29 league goals in 77 appearances for Genk and is leading the Belgian Pro League scoring charts with 16 goals this season.
Personal Life
Tolu Arokodare grew up in Lagos with his family, who supported his football aspirations from an early age. While details about his parents are limited, it is known that they played an important role in nurturing his career.
There is no public information about him having a wife, or children. However, he has been linked to Pamela Mlunjwana, a Zimbabwean entrepreneur, in an exclusive relationship.
Pamela has shared photos of them together, including one where she wears his Genk jersey after attending a match.
Net Worth and Salary
As of March 2025, Tolu Arokodare’s net worth is estimated to be around €2 million. His annual salary at KRC Genk is reported to be €2.5 million following contract negotiations and interest from other clubs.
Honors
- Top Scorer: Belgian Pro League (2024/25 season so far with 16 goals)
- Golden Shoe Nominee: Finished fourth in Belgium’s prestigious “Golden Shoe” award for best player (2024)
Career Statistics
Club Appearances and Goals
- Valmiera (Latvia): 32 appearances, 22 goals
- 1. FC Köln (Germany): 10 appearances, 0 goals
- Amiens SC (France): 55 appearances, 14 goals
- KRC Genk (Belgium): 77 appearances, 29 goals
Total Career Stats:
- Matches: 194
- Goals: 73
