Mikel Obi is one of the most famous football players from Nigeria. He played for many top clubs and was a key player for the Nigerian national team. Many people know him for his time at Chelsea, where he won many trophies. Mikel Obi was a strong and hardworking midfielder who helped his team in many ways.
In this blog post, we will talk about Mikel Obi’s life, his early years, education, football career, family, net worth, houses, and cars.
Profile Summary
Full Name: John Michael Nchekwube Obinna
Date of Birth: April 22, 1987
Age: 37 years old
Place of Birth: Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Profession: Former Professional Footballer
Position: Midfielder
Height: 1.88 meters (6 feet 2 inches)
Parents: Michael Obi (father), Irosu Obi (mother)
Wife: Olga Diyachenko
Children: Twin daughters
Net Worth: Estimated at $45 million
Clubs Played For: Plateau United, Lyn Oslo, Chelsea, Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, Trabzonspor, Stoke City, Kuwait SC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikel_john_obi/
About Mikel Obi
Mikel Obi was born on April 22, 1987, in Jos, Nigeria. His full name is John Michael Nchekwube Obinna. He grew up in a middle-class family and started playing football at a young age. His father, Michael Obi, was a businessman, while his mother, Irosu Obi, took care of the home.
Mikel Obi loved football from childhood. His talent was discovered when he was just 12 years old. That was when he started his journey to becoming a great footballer.
Mikel Obi Education
Mikel Obi started his education in Jos, Plateau State. He attended primary school like every other child. After primary school, he went to a secondary school in Jos.
While in secondary school, Mikel continued to play football. He was very good, and many people started noticing his skills. He balanced his studies with football, but his love for football was stronger.
When Mikel was selected to play for the Pepsi Football Academy, it changed his life forever. The academy was known for training young footballers and giving them a chance to become professionals.
Mikel Obi Career
Mikel Obi’s football career started when he joined the Pepsi Football Academy in Nigeria. From there, he played for Plateau United, a football club in Nigeria.
His big break came in 2003 when he was selected to play for the Nigerian U-17 team in the FIFA U-17 World Cup. His performance in the tournament caught the attention of many football clubs.
After the tournament, Mikel Obi moved to Norway to play for Lyn Oslo, a football club in the country. He continued to improve and attract interest from big European clubs.
In 2005, there was a big transfer battle between Chelsea and Manchester United over Mikel Obi. He was first announced as a Manchester United player, but later, he said he wanted to play for Chelsea.
After a long dispute, Chelsea paid Manchester United and Lyn Oslo to settle the matter, and Mikel officially joined Chelsea in 2006.
Mikel Obi played for Chelsea from 2006 to 2017. During his time at the club, he won many trophies, including:
• 2 English Premier League titles
• 4 FA Cups
• 2 League Cups
• 1 UEFA Champions League
• 1 UEFA Europa League
Mikel was known for his defensive skills. He was not a goal-scoring midfielder, but he was very important in helping the team defend and control the midfield.
One of his best moments came in 2012 when Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League. He played a key role in the final against Bayern Munich.
Playing in China and Other Clubs
After leaving Chelsea in 2017, Mikel Obi moved to China to play for Tianjin TEDA. He spent two years there before returning to Europe.
He later played for Middlesbrough in England, Trabzonspor in Turkey, Stoke City in England, and Kuwait SC. In 2022, he announced his retirement from football.
Nigeria National Team
Mikel Obi played for the Nigerian national team for many years. He represented Nigeria in several tournaments, including:
• FIFA U-20 World Cup (2005) – Nigeria finished as runners-up
• FIFA World Cup (2010, 2014, 2018)
• African Cup of Nations (AFCON) – Won in 2013
• Olympics (2016) – Won Bronze Medal
Mikel Obi was a leader in the Nigerian team and served as captain for many years.
Mikel Obi Family
Mikel Obi comes from a loving family. His father, Michael Obi, was a businessman, and his mother, Irosu Obi, took care of the home. Mikel always speaks about how his parents supported him in his football journey.
In 2011, Mikel’s father was kidnapped in Nigeria. The kidnappers demanded ransom, but he was later rescued by the police. It was a tough time for Mikel and his family.
Mikel Obi is married to Olga Diyachenko, a Russian businesswoman. The couple has twin daughters, and Mikel is a proud father. He often shares pictures of his family on social media.
Mikel Obi Net Worth
Mikel Obi made a lot of money from football. He played for top clubs and also had sponsorship deals. His estimated net worth is $45 million.
Even after retiring, Mikel still earns money from different business ventures.
Mikel Obi Houses and Cars
Mikel Obi is known for his love of luxury. He has several expensive houses and cars.
Houses
Mikel owns houses in Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Dubai. His mansion in Lagos is one of the most beautiful houses owned by a Nigerian footballer. It has modern designs, a swimming pool, and many luxury features.
Cars
Mikel Obi also has a collection of expensive cars. Some of his cars include:
• Bentley Continental GT
• Range Rover Sport
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class
• Rolls-Royce Phantom
• BMW X6
He enjoys driving luxury cars and has been seen with different high-end vehicles over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mikel Obi
How old is Mikel Obi?
Mikel Obi was born on April 22, 1987. As of 2024, he is 37 years old.
Which clubs did Mikel Obi play for?
Mikel Obi played for several clubs, including Plateau United (Nigeria), Lyn Oslo (Norway), Chelsea (England), Tianjin TEDA (China), Middlesbrough (England), Trabzonspor (Turkey), Stoke City (England), and Kuwait SC.
Did Mikel Obi win the Champions League?
Yes, Mikel Obi won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012. He played an important role in the final against Bayern Munich.
Is Mikel Obi married?
Yes, Mikel Obi is married to Olga Diyachenko, a Russian businesswoman. The couple has twin daughters.
What is Mikel Obi’s net worth?
Mikel Obi’s estimated net worth is $45 million. He made his money from football salaries, endorsement deals, and business investments.
How many trophies did Mikel Obi win with Chelsea?
Mikel Obi won several trophies with Chelsea, including 2 Premier League titles, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 1 UEFA Champions League, and 1 UEFA Europa League.
Did Mikel Obi win the African Cup of Nations (AFCON)?
Yes, Mikel Obi won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Nigeria in 2013.
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Conclusion
Mikel Obi is one of the greatest footballers Nigeria has ever produced. From playing in the streets of Jos to winning trophies with Chelsea and Nigeria, his journey is inspiring.
He worked hard, stayed focused, and achieved success in football. Even after retiring, he remains a respected figure in Nigerian football.