Jeff Ekhator

Genoa

Ekhator was born in Genoa, Italy to Nigerian parents. Ekhator started playing football at Don Bosco, a grassroots club based in the Sampierdarena area of Genoa; after being noticed by the scouts of Sampdoria, Virtus Entella and Genoa, he joined the latter club's youth academy at the age of eight. He then came through the Rossoblu's youth ranks, as he eventually featured both for the under-18 and under-19 teams during the 2023–24 season, helping the former side win the national title. In July 2024, Ekhator started training with Genoa's first team during their pre-season camp, under manager Alberto Gilardino. On 9 August 2024, he made his professional debut for the club, coming on as a substitute in the 84th minute of a 1–0 win over Reggiana in the first round of the Coppa Italia. On 17 August, he made his Serie A debut, coming on for Milan Badelj in the 86th minute of a 2–2 league draw with Inter Milan.

Ekhator has made six appearances and scored one goal for the Italy U19 side. In May 2026, he was one of the players who were called up with the Italy national senior squad by interim head coach Silvio Baldini, for the friendly matches against Luxembourg and Greece on 3 and 7 June 2026, respectively.

Club

As of match played 17 May 2026

International

As of match played 7 June 2026