William Troost‑Ekong (born 1 September 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre‑back for English club Fulham and the Nigeria national team. Born in Amsterdam, Netherlands, he holds both Dutch and Nigerian citizenship.
Early life and education
Troost‑Ekong was raised in Amsterdam to a Nigerian father and a Dutch mother. He began his football education in the youth academy of Dutch club FC Amsterdam before joining the youth system of FC Utrecht.
Club career
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FC Utrecht (2013–2016)
Troost‑Ekong made his professional debut with FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie in 2013. Over three seasons he accumulated more than 30 league appearances. -
Loan to Celtic (2015–2016)
In September 2015, he joined Scottish Premiership side Celtic on a season‑long loan, featuring primarily in cup competitions. -
Bursaspor (2016–2017)
Troost‑Ekong transferred to Turkish Süper Lig club Bursaspor in August 2016, where he became a regular starter. -
Kasımpaşa (2017–2020)
He signed for Kasımpaşa in July 2017, making over 80 league appearances and contributing two goals. -
Udinese (2020–2022)
In August 2020, Troost‑Ekong moved to Serie A side Udinese. He featured intermittently, making 13 league appearances. -
Loan to Fenerbahçe (2020–2021)
During his contract with Udinese, he spent the 2020–21 season on loan at Turkish club Fenerbahçe, playing 25 league matches. -
Fulham (2022–present)
Troost‑Ekong signed for English Championship club Fulham in July 2022. He contributed to Fulham’s promotion to the Premier League in the 2022–23 season.
International career
Eligible for both the Netherlands and Nigeria, Troost‑Ekong opted to represent Nigeria. He made his senior debut on 13 October 2015 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Tanzania. He was selected for Nigeria’s squad at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and played in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria finished as runners‑up. As of mid‑2024, he has earned over 40 caps for Nigeria.
Playing style
Troost‑Ekong is noted for his physical stature (1.92 m), aerial ability, and defensive positioning. He is comfortable playing as a central defender in a back‑four or as part of a back‑three.
Personal life
Beyond football, Troost‑Ekong is involved in charitable initiatives in Nigeria and the Netherlands, focusing on youth development and education.
Career statistics
Club (selected league appearances)
- FC Utrecht: 31
- Celtic (loan): 0 (league)
- Bursaspor: 31
- Kasımpaşa: 84
- Udinese: 13
- Fenerbahçe (loan): 25
- Fulham: 34 (as of May 2024)
International
- Nigeria: 42 caps, 0 goals (as of June 2024)
Honours
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Fulham
- EFL Championship runner‑up: 2022–23 (promotion to Premier League)
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Nigeria
- Africa Cup of Nations runner‑up: 2019
References
Data compiled from publicly available club records, FIFA and CAF competition archives, and national team match reports.