As a professional footballer, Sadiq Umar has carved a path of excellence both on the club and international stages.
Currently donning the jersey of La Liga club Real Sociedad and proudly representing the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, Sadiq's journey in the beautiful game has been nothing short of remarkable.
However, it was his early days with the Nigeria national under-23 team, where he played a pivotal role in securing a bronze medal at the prestigious 2016 Summer Olympics, that first catapulted him into the limelight.
In this biography, we delve into the career and achievements of Umar Sadiq Mesbah, a rising star in the world of football.
Sadiq Umar: Early life and beginnings
Born on February 2, 1997, in the bustling city of Kaduna, Nigeria, Umar Sadiq Mesbah developed a passion for football at a young age.
He honed his skills on the dusty streets of his hometown and began his football journey with the local team, Kusa Boys.
Sadiq's talent quickly caught the eye of scouts, leading him to join the Future of Africa Football Academy and later the Football College Abuja.
Sadiq's rise to prominence began when he traveled to Croatia with the Football College Abuja team in June 2013.
During the Kvarnerska Rivijera youth tournament, he emerged as the competition's top scorer and played a pivotal role in his team's championship victory.
Sadiq Umar club career
The Spezia Connection
Following his standout performances in Croatia, Umar Sadiq Mesbah was signed by the Italian club Spezia.
Although he did not make any first-team appearances for Spezia, he made waves in the youth setup.
In the 2014-15 season, Sadiq became the top scorer in the Campionato Primavera, an impressive feat that saw him score 26 goals in just 24 games.
Loan spells and Roma
Sadiq's promising potential led to a series of loan moves. He made his senior debut on loan with Serie D side Lavagnese during the 2013-14 season.
However, it was his loan move to AS Roma in July 2015 that truly catapulted his career.
During his time at Roma, Sadiq made a significant impact, making his Serie A debut and scoring his first goal for the club.
He demonstrated his prowess as a forward and continued to evolve as a footballer.
Roma and beyond
In June 2016, AS Roma exercised their option to sign Sadiq permanently, solidifying his place in the squad.
He went on to make appearances for Roma in prestigious competitions like the International Champions Cup.
Sadiq's journey took him on several loan spells to clubs like Bologna, Torino, NAC Breda, Rangers, Perugia, and Partizan.
During these loan spells, he gained valuable experience and showcased his scoring abilities on various stages.
The Spanish Sojourn
On October 5, 2020, Sadiq embarked on a new chapter by joining Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería.
His move to Almería marked a significant step in his career, and he continued to impress on the field.
Real Sociedad: A New Challenge
In a move that excited fans and pundits alike, Umar Sadiq Mesbah signed with La Liga club Real Sociedad on September 1, 2022.
His debut for the club was nothing short of remarkable, scoring on his first appearance against Atlético Madrid.
Unfortunately, he faced a setback with an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury but made a triumphant return at the start of the 2023-24 La Liga campaign.
Sadiq Umar international career
In July 2016, Umar Sadiq Mesbah's exceptional talent earned him a spot in Nigeria's final 18-man squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Throughout the tournament, Sadiq showcased his prowess on the field, appearing in all six of his team's games and making a significant impact by scoring four goals, including a memorable brace in the third-place victory over Honduras.
Following two successful seasons at Partizan and a promising move to the rising Spanish club Almería, Sadiq continued to impress.
His performances caught the attention of the Nigerian national team selectors, and he received a call-up for the 2021 African Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Benin and Lesotho in March 2021.
In October 2023, Umar Sadiq Mesbah once again received a call-up to the national team, this time as a replacement for the injured Taiwo Awoniyi.
His consistent presence in the squad highlights his importance to the Nigerian national team and his continued commitment to representing his country on the international stage.
Sadiq Umar stats
Here is the table representing Umar Sadiq Mesbah's club career statistics:
| Years | Team | Apps | Gls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2016 | Spezia | 0 | – |
| 2014 | → Lavagnese (loan) | 1 | – |
| 2015–2016 | → Roma (loan) | 6 | 2 |
| 2016–2020 | Roma | 0 | – |
| 2016–2017 | → Bologna (loan) | 7 | – |
| 2017 | → Torino (loan) | 3 | – |
| 2018 | → NAC Breda (loan) | 12 | 5 |
| 2018 | → Rangers (loan) | 1 | – |
| 2019 | → Perugia (loan) | 17 | 3 |
| 2019–2020 | → Partizan (loan) | 24 | 12 |
| 2020 | Partizan | 10 | 6 |
| 2020–2022 | Almería | 79 | 40 |
| 2022–Present | Real Sociedad | 9 | 1* |
Sadiq Umar market value
Sadiq current market value is €18.00 million. He ranks 9th among all Nigerian players and also holds the 9th position among Real Sociedad's squad members.
Sadiq Umar salary
Sadiq inked a five-year contract with Real Sociedad in 2022 and is currently earning a weekly salary of £50,000.
Sadiq Umar net worth
the 26 years old boasts a commendable net worth of approximately $1.5 million.
Sadiq Umar car
On occasions, the Nigerian has been spotted with his favorite luxury car, the Mercedes-Benz G-Class.
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Sadiq Umar house
Umar has invested in a million-dollar condo in Nigeria, which serves as a cherished holiday destination for him and his family.
This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago
