Samuel Chukwueze profile: Salary, net worth, house, cars

Nigeria Super Eagles winger Samuel Chukwueze — Credit: Icon Sport

Samuel Chukwueze is a Nigeria Super Eagles football sensation who currently plays for Serie A giants AC Milan, and the Nigeria national team.

Born on May 22, 1999, in Umuahia, Abia State, Chukwueze's journey from a Lagos academy player to a fearsome winger has captivated football fans worldwide, drawing comparisons to the legendary Arjen Robben.

Early Life and Rise through Academies

Chukwueze's career took off after signing with Villarreal CF, where he showcased his exceptional left foot and remarkable dribbling skills, terrorizing opposing defenses. His performances for the club earned him a call-up to the Nigerian national team, following his impressive displays at the U-18 and U-20 levels.

Samuel Chukwueze in action for the Nigeria Super Eagles — Credit: Icon Sport

From an early age, Chukwueze displayed a passion for football, inspired by Nigerian footballing icon Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha. Despite facing opposition from his family, who prioritized his education, Chukwueze's dedication to the sport prevailed. He overcame obstacles such as having his playing boots and training kit set on fire by his family, and relentlessly pursued his dream.

Chukwueze's football journey included stints at various academies, including Future Academy, New Generation Academy, and the Diamond Football League. It was at the Diamond Football League that he honed his skills as a winger and caught the attention of scouts during the Portuguese Iber Youth Cup in 2013.

Impressive Rise in International Football

The breakthrough moment for Chukwueze came during the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, where he played a pivotal role in Nigeria's triumph, alongside teammates Kelechi Nwakali and Victor Osimehin. Chukwueze's impressive performances and goal-scoring prowess garnered interest from top European clubs, with Villarreal CF ultimately securing his services.

Samuel Chukwueze Club Career

Villarreal

Chukwueze's journey at Villarreal CF was not without its challenges. He faced difficulties adapting to the Spanish language and culture, including the unfamiliarity of Spanish cuisine. Nevertheless, his determination to succeed, combined with his exceptional skills, earned him a place in Villarreal's youth team, Juvenil A, and eventually led to his debut for the first team.

AC Milan

After 207 appearances for Villarreal senior team across all competitions with 37 goals scored, Chukwueze left the Spanish club on 27 July 2023, to join Serie A club AC Milan on a contract worth €20m until 30 June 2028.

The Nigerian winger made his debut for AC Milan in their opening game of the 2023/24 Serie A season. He came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute for Christian Pulisic on 21 August 2023 in a game that ended 2-0 for Milan.

At the time of writing, Chukwueze is yet to make his first league start for AC Milan after three games, but has gotten minutes in all three matches.

Stats, Awards, and Recognitions

Since his debut, Chukwueze has continued to make a name for himself with his direct dribbling and accurate finishes. His playing style, reminiscent of Arjen Robben's, has garnered attention and admiration from fans and experts alike. He made his international debut for the Nigerian national team in 2018 and played a significant role in Nigeria's campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where he showcased his talents and became the tournament's youngest goalscorer.

Chukwueze's achievements and contributions to both club and country have been recognized with several accolades. He was named among UEFA's 2019/2020 Top 50 Players to Watch and was awarded the Nigeria Football Federation's Young Player of the Year for the 2017/18 season. In 2020–21, he lifted the UEFA Europa League with Villareal and won La Liga's Best African Player in the 2022–23 season.

Samuel Chukwueze wins LaLiga African Player of the Season

Villarreal winger, Samuel Chukwueze has clinched the award for the best African Player in La Liga in Spain, after his scintillating campaign in Spanish La Liga.

He beat other top African players such as Morocco national… pic.twitter.com/B3OlDE3Erg
— Updates Plug (@updatesplug247) June 6, 2023

Chukwueze made 227 appearances for both Villareal B and senior team and scored 41 goals, while he has made 27 appearances and scored 4 goals for the Super Eagles.

Chukwueze's Salary and Market Value

Chukwueze's current market value is €25.00m; he is ranked number 4 among all players from Nigeria, 4th in Villarreal, 41st in La Liga, and 283 worldwide. His highest market value reached €30.00m on June 11, 2019. His salary at Villarreal CF is reported to be £15,000 per week and £780,000 per annum. These figures reflect the reward for his hard work and dedication to the sport.

Chukwueze's Cars, Property, and Personal Life

Off the pitch, Chukwueze has managed to maintain a humble lifestyle despite his success. He has been spotted with a Mazda MX-5 Miata and was once mistakenly associated with a Ferrari. However, he clarified that the expensive car in question did not belong to him, indicating his focus on his career rather than indulging in lavish displays of wealth.