Semi Ajayi

Charlton Athletic

Born to Nigerian parents, Ajayi began his football career as a youth product of the Charlton Athletic academy. After progressing through the Charlton Athletic ranks, he was offered his first professional contract in January 2012. In November 2012, Ajayi joined Dartford on a short-term loan for twenty-eight days. Shortly after, he made his Dartford debut, in a 4–0 win over Kingstonian in the FA Trophy and then scored his first goal for the side, in a 3–2 loss against Tamworth. Ajayi played 3 games and scored 1 goal before returning to his parent club in late December. After returning to Charlton Athletic, Ajayi played for the reserve side for the rest of the season and helped them win the Professional Development League 2. Along the way, he was an unused substitute in the senior side for a game against Blackpool on 12 January 2013.

Arsenal

Shortly before he was due to make his debut for the Charlton first team, Ajayi caught the eye of Premier League team Arsenal. Ajayi joined the Arsenal Academy on a two-year deal after impressing as a trialist with the club in September 2013. Ajayi made his Arsenal U21 debut as a trialist against Blackburn Rovers on 30 August 2013, scoring with a header, in a 3–0 win. Ajayi, who first figured for Arsenal's senior team in a friendly against Boreham Wood, made the Arsenal bench four times during the 2014–15 season. He was an unused substitute in games against Hull City, Stoke City and Newcastle in the…

At the end of May 2013, Ajayi was called up to the Nigeria U20 squad for their 2013 Toulon Tournament matches. After being an unused substitute on Matchday 1 against Mexico U20, Ajayi made his Nigeria U20 debut on 4 June 2013, in a 1–1 draw against Belgium U21. Ajayi went on to make two further appearances in the tournament against Portugal and Brazil. After the tournament ended, Ajayi commented that he was proud to play for the national side. Ajayi received his first call up to the senior team in August 2018 for 2019 African Cup of Nations Qualifiers, he described it as a "dream" call up. He made his debut against Seychelles in the 2019 Nation cup qualifiers, coming on for the injured Chidozie Awaziem in the 73rd minute.

In December 2023, he was named in the 25-man squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations in Côte d'Ivoire. He was the only Nigerian player that played every single minute of Nigeria's seven matches as the team went on to emerge runners-up. On 11 December 2025, Ajayi was called up to the Nigeria squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Club

As of 22 August 2026

International

As of match played 10 June 2026

Scores and results list Nigeria's goal tally first.

Rotherham United

EFL League One play-offs: 2018 Hull City

EFL Championship play-offs: 2026 Nigeria

Africa Cup of Nations runner-up: 2023; third place: 2025 Individual

EFL Championship Player of the Month: March 2019 Orders

Member of the Order of the Niger