Emmanuel Ekong

Emmanuel Ekong (born 25 June 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Croatian club Istra 1961 on loan from the Italian club club Empoli. Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, he is a Sweden youth international.[1][2]

Emmanuel Ekong
Personal information
Date of birth (2002-06-25) 25 June 2002
Place of birth Reggio Emilia, Italy
Height 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s) Forward
Team information
Current team
 Istra 1961
Number 14
Youth career
0000–2015 Bollstanäs SK
2015–2018 IF Brommapojkarna
2018–2022 Empoli
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021– Empoli 3 (0)
2023 → Perugia (loan) 9 (0)
2023– → Istra 1961 (loan) 0 (0)
International career
2021 Sweden U19 5 (1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 3 September 2023

Club career

As a youth player, Ekong joined the youth academy of Swedish seventh tier side Bollstanäs SK.[3] in 2015, he joined the youth academy of IF Brommapojkarna in the Swedish second tier.[4]

In 2018, he joined the youth academy of Italian Serie A club Empoli.[5] On 5 September 2022, Ekong debuted for Empoli during a 2–2 draw with Salernitana.[6]

In January 2023, Ekong signed for Serie B club Perugia on loan until the end of the season.[7]

On 8 September 2023, Ekong joined Istra 1961 in Croatia on loan with an option to buy.[8]

International career

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in Sweden, Ekong is eligible to represent Nigeria, Italy and Sweden.[9] He has represented the Sweden U19 team five times, scoring one goal.[10]

Personal life

Ekong is the son of Nigeria international Prince Ikpe Ekong.[6]

References
  1. "Emmanuel Ekong, figlio d'arte che ha già conquistato Empoli". seriebnews.com.
  2. "EKONG, IL GIOIELLO DELL'EMPOLI". alfredopedulla.com.
  3. "Emmanuel efter succédebuten". svenskfotboll.se (Archived).
  4. "Emmanuel Ekong: "Att ha en pappa som tidigare varit proffs är jätteskönt"". fotbolltransfers.com.
  5. "The Deadly Goalscorer Golden Eaglets Are Searching For Is In Italy". allnigeriasoccer.com.
  6. "Sigtunabon Emmanuel på landslagsläger". marsta.nu.
  7. "EKONG È DEL PERUGIA!". www.acperugiacalcio.com (in Italian). 31 January 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  8. "DOBRO NAM DOŠAO EMMANUEL EKONG" [WELCOME EMMANUEL EKONG] (in Croatian). Istra 1961. 8 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  9. "Nigeria, Sweden & Italy Set To Battle Over International Future Of Juventus Slayer". allnigeriasoccer.com.
  10. "Emmanuel Ekong - Spelarstatistik - Svensk fotboll". www.svenskfotboll.se. (in Swedish). Retrieved 21 September 2022.


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