Odion Jude Ighalo began his football journey in Nigeria, representing local clubs Prime FC and Julius Berger in the early 2000s. Born on June 16, 1989, in Ekpoma and raised in Lagos, Ighalo’s natural talent quickly became apparent. His move to Europe came in 2007 when he joined Norwegian side Lyn, making his debut in Norway’s top division at just 18 years old. He scored in his debut match against Viking, beginning what would become a global football career.
European Breakthrough and Udinese Contract
By 2008, Ighalo had secured a transfer to Italian Serie A club Udinese. Although his appearances in Italy were limited, he made his mark by scoring against Cagliari. Over five years, Udinese loaned him to other clubs, most notably Spanish side Granada, where he played a pivotal role in their successive promotions to La Liga. He also had a brief loan spell at Cesena.
Premier League Stint with Watford
In 2014, Watford brought Ighalo to England on loan, which turned into a permanent deal by October that year. He made an immediate impact, scoring four goals in a single game against Blackpool and playing a crucial role in Watford’s promotion to the Premier League. In the 2015–16 season, he made headlines by scoring consistently, including a double against Liverpool and becoming Premier League Player of the Month for December. He later signed a five-year extension but scored just once in the next season.
Move to the Chinese Super League
Ighalo transferred to Changchun Yatai in January 2017 for a reported £20 million. His first season was modest, but the next saw him score 21 goals, ranking him second in the league’s scoring chart. Unfortunately, the club was relegated that year. In 2019, he moved to Shanghai Shenhua, turning down a potential move to Barcelona. Shanghai Shenhua later offered him an extension worth over £400,000 per week.
Return to England with Manchester United
In a surprising move on the last day of January 2020, Ighalo joined Manchester United on loan. He accepted a pay cut to fulfill what he called a dream move. Ighalo wore jersey number 25 and scored multiple goals in both the FA Cup and Europa League. His spectacular half-volley against LASK was voted Goal of the Month for March. The loan was extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and concluded in January 2021.
Playing in the Saudi Pro League
In February 2021, Ighalo signed with Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia. A year later, he transferred to Al-Hilal, where he finished the season as the league’s top scorer with 24 goals. In early 2023, he netted four goals in a 7–0 Champions League semi-final match against Al-Duhail. By August 2023, Ighalo joined Al-Wehda, where he currently plays.
Ighalo’s Current Salary and Contract Details
As of 2025, Odion Ighalo plays for Al-Wehda in the Saudi Pro League. His weekly wage is £57,000, amounting to a yearly salary of £2,964,000. His contract is due to expire on June 30, 2024. When converted to Nigerian currency, his weekly income equals ₦68,288,136, while his monthly earnings stand at ₦273,152,544. Annually, that totals approximately ₦3,277,830,528.
Career Earnings Timeline
Here’s a breakdown of Ighalo’s documented football wages over the years:
- 2025: £57,000 per week | £2,964,000 annually | Al-Wehda
- 2024: £57,000 per week | £2,964,000 annually | Al-Wehda
- 2023: £148,000 per week | £7,696,000 annually | Al-Hilal
- 2022: £74,000 per week | £3,848,000 annually | Al-Hilal
- 2021: £49,000 per week | £2,548,000 annually | Al-Shabab
- 2020: £300,000 per week | £15,600,000 annually | Shanghai Shenhua
- 2019: £29,000 per week | £1,508,000 annually | Shanghai Shenhua
- 2018: £100,000 per week | £5,200,000 annually | Changchun Yatai
- 2017: £100,000 per week | £5,200,000 annually | Changchun Yatai
Total Net Worth of Odion Ighalo
By 2025, Odion Ighalo’s net worth is approximately £47,528,000 or ₦23,597,700,000. The majority of this wealth comes from his football contracts across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Other contributing factors include sponsorship deals and investments, although specifics about his endorsement partnerships have not been publicly confirmed.
Property and Asset Portfolio
Real Estate Holdings
Ighalo owns a luxury mansion located in Lagos, Nigeria. Built in 2018, the property features amenities such as a personal football pitch, a fitness center, a gaming room, and a home theater. It remains his main residence when in Nigeria.
Automotive Collection
Ighalo has several high-end vehicles, including a Range Rover Velar and a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. These cars often appear on his social media pages, although it’s believed his private garage houses more vehicles not publicly shown.
Philanthropic Investments
The Nigerian striker also dedicates part of his earnings to charitable causes. He owns and operates an orphanage where he supports children and less privileged individuals by providing food, clothing, and education. Additionally, reports suggest he has acquired land in both Nigeria and parts of Europe.
Family Life
Odion Ighalo married Adesuwa Sonia in 2009, and they have three children together. However, the couple separated in 2019. Since the separation, custody of the children has been with his former spouse.
International Football Career
Ighalo debuted for Nigeria in 2015 in a match against Uganda. He went on to represent the national team at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. In the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, he emerged as the top scorer, leading the Super Eagles to a third-place finish. He later announced his retirement from international football but was called up again in 2021. His club at the time, Al-Shabab, did not release him for the tournament.
Career Statistics Summary
Clubs Played For:
- Prime FC
- Julius Berger
- Lyn
- Udinese
- Granada (loan)
- Cesena (loan)
- Watford
- Changchun Yatai
- Shanghai Shenhua
- Manchester United (loan)
- Al-Shabab
- Al-Hilal
- Al-Wehda
International Career:
- Nigeria U20: 3 appearances
- Nigeria Senior Team: 37 caps, 16 goals
Recognition and Honors
Ighalo has received several accolades over his career. He was part of the Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament in 2019 and topped the scoring charts. In the Premier League, he earned the Player of the Month award in December 2015.
Ambassadorial Roles and Public Engagements
In 2021, he was named an ambassador for the National Principal’s Cup by the Nigerian Ministry of Youth and Sports Development. He frequently supports initiatives focused on youth and community development.
Religion and Beliefs
Ighalo identifies as a Christian and often credits his faith for his achievements. He is actively involved in Christian-based charitable organizations, contributing financially to schools and support systems for widows and children in poverty-stricken areas.
Article updated 23 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
