Celestine Babayaro

Футболист

▸ Источник: Wikidata

ИИ

Celestine Babayaro is a former Nigerian professional footballer known for his role as a left-back and midfielder.

He played for LA Galaxy in 2008, marking the end of his professional club career.

Babayaro made a significant impact at Chelsea F.C. from 1997 to 2005, winning multiple trophies including the FA Cup.

На основе: Wikidata

Биография

Early Life

Celestine Hycieth Babayaro was born in 1978 in Kaduna, Nigeria. He began his football journey at Plateau United F.C. in 1994 before making a significant move to Belgium, where he joined R.S.C. Anderlecht. At Anderlecht, he quickly established himself as a first-choice player, making history as the youngest player to appear in the UEFA Champions League and to receive a red card in the tournament at just 16 years and 86 days old.

Career

Babayaro's talent caught the attention of Chelsea F.C., and in April 1997, he was signed for a then-club record fee of £2.25 million for a teenager. His debut came in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, but an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. Despite this setback, he contributed to Chelsea's success, winning the UEFA Super Cup, FA Cup, and Charity Shield during his tenure. After seven years at Chelsea, he moved to Newcastle United F.C. in 2005, where he continued to showcase his skills until 2008, when he briefly played for LA Galaxy.

International Career

Babayaro's international career began with Nigeria's U17 team, where he was part of the victorious squad at the 1993 World Championships. He made his senior debut in 1995 and was a key player in Nigeria's gold medal-winning team at the 1996 Summer Olympics, scoring in the final against Argentina. He also represented Nigeria in the 2002 FIFA World Cup and was part of the squad for the 2004 African Nations Cup, although he faced controversy that led to his early exit from the tournament.

Personal Life

Off the pitch, Babayaro's life has seen its share of challenges, including a legal battle against a newspaper for defamation. He is also known for his family ties in football, with his brother Emmanuel being a goalkeeper for Nigeria's Olympic team. Babayaro's legacy in football is marked by his contributions to both club and country, as well as his resilience in overcoming personal and professional hurdles.

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Wikidata

Галерея

Карьера и клубы

Club career

Early career

Born in Kaduna, Babayaro began his playing career at Nigerian side Plateau United, before moving to Belgian club Anderlecht in 1994, and eventually would make a name for himself, quickly gaining first-choice status although still a teenager. Babayaro set records as the youngest player to make an appearance and to receive a red card in the UEFA Champions League. He was sent off in a match against Steaua București in a 1–1 draw, aged 16 years and 86 days.

Chelsea

Babayaro was signed by Chelsea after being spotted by scout Lewis Durkin in April 1997. He moved for a transfer fee of £2.25 million, a club record paid for a teenager at the time. He made his debut in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup against Slovan Bratislava, but an injury sustained in the 6–1 win over rivals Tottenham Hotspur in December 1997 ruled him out for the rest of the season. This meant he missed their victories in the 1998 Football League Cup final and the 1998 UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final. However, with Chelsea he went on to win the 1998 UEFA Super Cup, the FA Cup and Charity Shield in 2000, and reached the 2002 FA Cup final. He was also instrumental in Chelsea's run in the 1999–2000 UEFA Champions League. Babayaro was sent off in extra time against Barcelona, as they bowed out of the competition at the quarter final stage. He faced competition from Graeme Le Saux during his seven-year spell, but managed to play over 200 games for the club. His acrobatic celebrations with backflips…

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

Career statistics

Club

International

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

International career

After being part of the victorious Nigerian team at the Under-17 World Championships in 1993, Babayaro made his international senior debut in the Afro-Asian Cup of Nations in 1995, against Uzbekistan. The following year, he was part of the Nigeria Olympic gold medal winning team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, making the tournament's all-star team. He scored in the gold medal game itself against Argentina. After getting a knee injury in December 1997 in the Premier League, Babayaro recovered just in time to make the France 98 squad. He was also Nigeria's captain at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, and took part in the Korea/Japan 2002 FIFA World Cup. Babayaro was part of Nigeria's squad for the 2004 African Nations Cup in Tunisia, but was controversially sent home, alongside Yakubu and Victor Agali for indiscipline. Although never officially announcing his retirement from international football, his final appearance from the national team was against Morocco in a group stage match.

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

Club: LA Galaxy (2008–2008)
Club: Chelsea F.C. (1997–2005)
Club: Newcastle United F.C. (2005–2008)
League: Belgian Pro League
Club: R.S.C. Anderlecht (1994–1997)
Club: Plateau United F.C. (1994–1994)
National team: Nigeria
League: Premier League
Club: Nigeria men's national football team (1995–2004)

Личное

Personal life

Celestine Babayaro's brother, Emmanuel, a goalkeeper, was also part of Nigeria's 1996 Olympics gold medal-winning team. Babayaro was acquitted of indecent assault in 1999. He later sued the Daily Star for a headline suggesting he had been charged with rape and won an apology and damages.

▸ Источник: Wikipedia

Клубы