William Troost-Ekong is a talented Nigerian-Dutch footballer, known for his strong defending, leadership, and record-breaking performances as captain of Nigeria and player for top international clubs.
| Name | William Paul Troost-Ekong |
| Age | 32 years old (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | September 1, 1993 |
| Gender | Male |
| Occupation | Footballer |
| Marital Status | Single |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Ethnicity | Ibibio/Efik |
| State of Origin | Akwa Ibom State |
| Nationality | Nigerian-Dutch |
| Net Worth | $7 million |
Table of Contents
William Troost-Ekong Biography
William Paul Troost-Ekong MON, born on September 1, 1993, is a Nigerian-Dutch professional footballer known for his commanding presence as a centre-back. He currently plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Kholood and is celebrated for his leadership as the former captain of the Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles. Born in the Netherlands to a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, he has dual heritage and chose to represent Nigeria internationally.
Educational Background
Troost-Ekong attended Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop’s Stortford, England, where he combined academics with his early football development. At youth level, he played for Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur before beginning his senior football career.
Career
Troost-Ekong’s professional journey began in the Netherlands with FC Groningen and FC Dordrecht. In 2015, he moved to Belgium’s KAA Gent, immediately going on loan to FK Haugesund in Norway. He later played for Bursaspor in Turkey and Udinese in Italy, where he had memorable wins over AC Milan and Juventus.
In 2020, he joined Watford in England on a five-year deal, scoring his first goal in a 3–2 win over Coventry City. Troost-Ekong later had a loan stint with Salernitana in Serie A, signed permanently with PAOK in Greece in 2023, and moved to Al-Kholood in Saudi Arabia in 2024.
Internationally, he represented the Netherlands at youth levels but chose Nigeria for his senior career, making his debut in June 2015. He earned 83 caps, scored 8 goals, and captained Nigeria in multiple tournaments including AFCON and the FIFA World Cup.
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Retirement
On 4 December 2025, Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football, ending a decade-long career with the Super Eagles. The Nigeria Football Federation praised him as a dedicated and humble leader, highlighting his role in major tournaments like the 2019, 2021, and 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where he won silver and bronze medals.
Salary
Troost-Ekong’s contracts with clubs like Watford, Udinese, PAOK, and Al-Kholood suggest a substantial professional salary typical of top international defenders.
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Awards
William Troost-Ekong has earned several important awards throughout his football career, showing his talent, leadership, and impact for both club and country. His notable awards include:
- Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament: 2023
- Africa Cup of Nations Team of the Tournament: 2023
- Olympic Bronze Medal (Nigeria U23): 2016
- Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)
- Multiple club-level honours, including the Super League Greece title with PAOK (2023–24).
Age
William Troost-Ekong born on September 1, 1993; he is 32 years old as of 2025.
Tribe
William Troost-Ekong has a mixed background. His father is from the Ibibio/Efik tribe in Akwa Ibom State, while his mother is Dutch. Despite his multicultural roots, he proudly identifies with his Nigerian Ibibio heritage.
Personal Life
William values family and football equally. Off the pitch, he is committed to giving back through the Troost-Ekong Foundation, which empowers Nigerian and African youth through football and education.
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Wife
William Troost-Ekong is married to Melissa Owusu, who is known for founding the makeup brand Aquia. He keeps his family life private, but it is clear they share a strong and supportive relationship.
Children
Troost-Ekong is a father of three children, two sons and one daughter. Because of their mixed Nigerian and European background, they have fair skin. He rarely shows them publicly but occasionally shares family moments during charity events, reflecting his loving relationship with them.
Parents
William Troost-Ekong was born to a Nigerian father and a Dutch mother, Eleanore Troost. He has two siblings, Emily and Everest, completing his close-knit family.
Net Worth
William Troost-Ekong has an estimated net worth of $7 million. He accumulated this wealth through his successful football career, playing for top clubs in Europe and Saudi Arabia, his international appearances for Nigeria, and his involvement in business and charitable ventures like the Troost-Ekong Foundation. His earnings reflect both his skill on the pitch and his leadership off it.
Social Media Handles
William Troost-Ekong is active on social media, where he connects with fans and shares glimpses of his football career and personal life. He can be found on:
- Instagram: @wtroostekong
- X (Twitter): @WTroostEkong
- YouTube: TROOST-EKONG (M.O.N).
Career Statistics
William Troost-Ekong has had a remarkable football career, showcasing his skills and consistency both at club and international levels. His career statistics reflect his dedication, leadership, and impact on the field.
Club
- Total Appearances: 328
- Total Goals: 13
- Notable Clubs: FC Groningen, Dordrecht, Haugesund, Gent, Bursaspor, Udinese, Watford, Salernitana, PAOK, Al-Kholood
International
- Nigeria Caps: 83
- Goals: 8
- AFCON Goals: 5 (record for a defender)
- Notable Tournaments: 2018 FIFA World Cup, 2019, 2021, 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
