John Chukwudi Utaka, born January 8, 1982, in Enugu, Nigeria, is a former professional footballer whose career took him across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Known for his blistering pace and ability to operate both as a striker and a winger, Utaka’s journey has been nothing short of eventful, both on and off the pitch.
Early Career and Breakthrough in Africa
Utaka’s professional journey began in 1998 when he moved from Enugu Rangers to Egypt’s Arab Contractors (El Mokawloon). His time in Egypt was transformative—first with Arab Contractors, then Ismaily SC, where he became a fan favorite. Supporters created a chant in his honor, singing, “Oh Oh Oh Utaka” during matches.
While at Ismaily, he played alongside stars like Mohammed Barakat, Islam El-Shater, and captain Mohamed Salah Abo Greisha, all under coach Mohsen Saleh, who later led Egypt’s national team. Utaka helped Ismaily secure the 1999–2000 Egypt Cup before making a record-breaking move in 2001 to Al-Sadd in Qatar for $1 million—then the country’s highest transfer fee.
Club Career Across Three Continents
Utaka’s professional journey began in 1998 with Arab Contractors in Egypt before a move to Ismaily, where he became a fan favorite. Local supporters often sang “Oh Oh Oh Utaka” during matches, celebrating his speed and goal-scoring ability. While at Ismaily, he played alongside well-known Egyptian players such as Mohammed Barakat, Islam El-Shater, and Mohamed Salah Abo Greisha, under coach Mohsen Saleh.
In 2001, he made a high-profile switch to Al-Sadd in Qatar for a record transfer fee of $1 million at the time. After a year, he headed to France to join RC Lens in 2002, staying until 2005 before signing with Rennes. His start at Rennes was slow, but an injury to fellow striker Alexander Frei gave him the chance to step up. February 2006 became a career highlight—Utaka scored back-to-back hat-tricks against Lens and Lyon, earning L’Équipe’s Player of the Month award.
Premier League Years at Portsmouth
July 2007 brought a major career move—Utaka signed for Portsmouth in the English Premier League for around £7 million, a deal believed to be a club record at the time. He made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Derby County on 11 August 2007.
The highlight of his time in England came on 17 May 2008, when Portsmouth lifted the FA Cup. Utaka delivered the decisive cross that allowed Nwankwo Kanu to score the winning goal against Cardiff City. Despite a challenging 2008–09 season, he remained with the club until 2011.
Montpellier Glory and Ligue 1 Title
Utaka returned to France in January 2011, signing with Montpellier HSC. He made his debut a month later and became instrumental in the club’s historic 2011–12 Ligue 1 title win—the first in Montpellier’s history.
That season included key goals, such as a late winner against Bordeaux and a brace in the title-clinching 2–1 victory over Auxerre on 20 May 2012. His contributions alongside Olivier Giroud kept pressure on Paris Saint-Germain until the final day.
Later Playing Career and Retirement
In August 2013, Utaka moved to Turkey with Sivasspor on a two-year deal. He later had spells in Egypt with Aswan SC, Nogoom FC, and El Mostakbal, before joining CS Sedan in France in 2017, where he ended his professional playing career.
Over his career, Utaka played for clubs in Nigeria, Egypt, Qatar, France, England, and Turkey, amassing transfer fees totaling €16.5 million.
International Career with Nigeria
Utaka debuted for the Super Eagles in 2002 and went on to earn 48 caps, scoring six goals. His tournament history includes the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and three Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. He was part of the squads that finished third in 2004 and 2006.
Personal Life and Coaching Career
In June 2013, Utaka married his longtime partner in a private ceremony in the south of France, described by guests as a five-star celebration. His brother, Peter Utaka, is also a professional footballer who has played in Japan for Shimizu S-Pulse.
After retiring, John founded the John Utaka Football Academy in Minna, Niger State, as well as the John Utaka Foundation, which focuses on education and youth empowerment.
In 2020, Montpellier appointed him as a youth coach, and by 2025, he had taken over as head coach of the club’s women’s team (Montpellier Féminines) in France’s D1 Arkema league. His coaching staff includes Baptiste Marie and Jean-Louis Saez.
Transfer History & Market Value
Throughout his career, Utaka’s transfers totaled approximately €16.5 million. His journey saw him move across Egypt, Qatar, France, England, Turkey, and back to Africa, before retiring from professional play.
Key Transfers:
- 1998: Enugu Rangers → Arab Contractors (Egypt) – Free
- 1999: Arab Contractors → Ismaily (Egypt) – Free
- 2001: Ismaily → Al-Sadd (Qatar) – $1 million
- 2002: Al-Sadd → RC Lens (France) – Free
- 2005: RC Lens → Rennes (France) – €6 million
- 2007: Rennes → Portsmouth (England) – ~£7 million
- 2011: Portsmouth → Montpellier (France) – €500k
- 2013: Montpellier → Sivasspor (Turkey) – Free
Achievements and Honours
Clubs
- Ismaily SC (Egypt) – Egyptian Cup: 1999–2000
- Al-Sadd SC (Qatar) – Arab Club Champions Cup: 2001
- Portsmouth (England) – FA Cup: 2007–08
- Montpellier (France) – Ligue 1: 2011–12
Nigeria
- Africa Cup of Nations third place: 2004, 2006
Individual
- Egyptian Premier League top scorer: 1999–2000
International Goals (Nigeria)
- vs. Uganda – 2008 AFCON Qualifiers (2007)
- vs. Malawi – 2004 AFCON Qualifiers (2003)
- vs. Benin – 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (2004)
- vs. Cameroon – 2004 Africa Cup of Nations (2004)
- vs. Jamaica – Friendly (2004)
- vs. Algeria – 2006 World Cup Qualifiers (2005)
John Utaka’s Age
As of 2025, John Utaka is 43 years old.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
