Taiwo Awoniyi Biography – Explore Taiwo Awoniyi’s 2025 biography, from his abdominal injury recovery to Forest’s tributes. Discover his net worth, quotes, early life, and family.
Taiwo Michael Awoniyi, born August 12, 1997, is a Nigerian professional footballer for Nottingham Forest, known for his powerful striking and clinical finishing. Signed from Union Berlin in 2022 for £17.5 million, he has 19 goals in 85 appearances for Forest. In 2025, Awoniyi suffered a life-threatening abdominal injury, a ruptured intestine, during a 2-2 draw with Leicester City on May 11, requiring urgent surgery and an induced coma.
He awoke on May 14, 2025, and is recovering well, with Forest teammates honoring him during a 2-1 win over West Ham on May 18. A former Liverpool youth player, he’s nicknamed “Big Taiwo.” This biography covers his net worth, age, quotes, early life, education, Wikipedia presence, accomplishments, family, career achievements, and awards as of May 19, 2025.
Taiwo Awoniyi Biography
Taiwo Awoniyi’s biography is a testament to strength and faith. At 27, his 2025 season was marred by a horrific injury, yet his recovery, marked by a heartfelt statement on May 18, uplifted fans. From Nigeria to the Premier League, his 38 goals in 137 European club games reflect his prowess. This article traces his path from Ilorin to Forest’s European push, exploring his $10 million fortune and the team’s tributes, like Morgan Gibbs-White’s goal dedication.
| Field | Summary of Taiwo Awoniyi Biography |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | Estimated at $10M–$12M in 2025, from salary, transfers, endorsements. |
| Age | Born August 12, 1997; 27 in 2025; recovering from abdominal surgery. |
| Quotes | Known for “I am grateful to still be here” (2025). |
| Early Life | Born in Ilorin, Nigeria; raised in a football-loving family. |
| Education | Limited formal education; trained at Imperial Soccer Academy, Nigeria. |
| Wikipedia | Noted as Forest striker, ex-Liverpool, 2025 injury survivor, Nigeria international. |
| Accomplishments | 19 goals for Forest, 4 for Nigeria, European football qualification (2025). |
| Family | Married to Taiwo Jesudun; one son; parents Michael, Juliana; four siblings. |
| Career Achievements | 38 goals, 7 assists in 137 club games; 2022–23 Forest top scorer (10 goals). |
| Awards | Nigeria U17 World Cup (2013), no major senior club awards. |
Key Takeaways
- Suffered ruptured intestine vs. Leicester on May 11, 2025; awoke from coma on May 14.
- Forest honored him with T-shirts and Gibbs-White’s goal tribute in 2-1 West Ham win.
- Scored 1 goal in 26 games (399 minutes) in 2024–25 before injury.
Early Life: Nigerian Roots
Born August 12, 1997, in Ilorin, Nigeria, Taiwo Awoniyi grew up in a close-knit family. His father, Michael, and mother, Juliana, supported his football passion, alongside four siblings. Spotted at 13, he joined the Imperial Soccer Academy in Ogun State, honing his skills in youth tournaments. His faith, a cornerstone of his life, shaped his resilience, evident in his 2025 recovery.
Education: Football Focus
Awoniyi’s education centered on football, with limited formal schooling. At Imperial Soccer Academy, he trained under coaches who prioritized discipline and technique. By 15, he represented Nigeria’s U17 team, winning the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup, scoring four goals. His move to Liverpool’s academy in 2015 furthered his football education, though he never played for their senior team.
Career: From Liverpool to Forest
Early Career
Signed by Liverpool in 2015 for £400,000, Awoniyi was loaned to clubs like FSV Frankfurt, NEC Nijmegen, and Gent due to work permit issues. In 2019, he joined Mainz on loan, scoring once in 12 games, before a permanent £6.5 million move to Union Berlin in 2020. There, he thrived, scoring 15 goals in 31 games in 2021–22, earning a £17.5 million transfer to Forest in 2022.
Nottingham Forest
Awoniyi’s 2022–23 season saw 10 goals in 27 games, helping Forest avoid relegation. In 2023–24, he scored 6 goals in 20 games despite injuries. In 2024–25, he played 26 games (3 starts, 399 minutes), scoring once—a header vs. Brighton on February 1, 2025—before his injury. His 1.94 xG and 44.4% dribble success reflect his impact, though limited starts curtailed output.
2025 Injury
On May 11, 2025, Awoniyi collided with a goalpost chasing an offside pass from Anthony Elanga vs. Leicester, rupturing his intestine. After three minutes of treatment, he played on, unable to run, as Forest had used their final substitute. Diagnosed on May 12, he underwent urgent surgery and was placed in an induced coma, awaking on May 14. He’s under observation until at least May 21, with hopes of attending Forest’s final game vs. Chelsea on May 25. The incident sparked debate over delayed offside flags, with the PFA pushing for rule changes.
Controversies
The delayed offside call in Awoniyi’s injury, due to VAR protocols, drew criticism from teammate Ola Aina, who called Elanga “miles offside.” Forest launched an internal probe into why Awoniyi wasn’t substituted, with owner Evangelos Marinakis confronting medical staff post-match. X posts praised Awoniyi’s faith and recovery, though some fans questioned Forest’s medical decisions.
Net Worth: Football Earnings
Awoniyi’s net worth is estimated at $10 million to $12 million in 2025, from his £50,000 weekly Forest salary, £17.5 million transfer, and endorsements with Puma. His Union Berlin and Liverpool stints added wealth, with potential for growth post-recovery. Claims of $20 million are unverified.
Quotes: Faith and Gratitude
His 2025 quote, “I am grateful to still be here,” shared on Instagram, reflected his recovery spirit. Another, “I carry them with me every day,” thanked fans and Nigeria. X users called him a “warrior,” moved by his faith-driven positivity.
Accomplishments: Striker’s Impact
Awoniyi’s 19 Forest goals, 4 for Nigeria, and 2013 U17 World Cup win highlight his career. His 2022–23 season (10 goals) was pivotal for Forest’s survival, and his 2025 recovery inspired their European push. He’s played 137 club games, scoring 38 goals with 7 assists.
Family: Devoted Core
Awoniyi married Taiwo Jesudun in 2019; they have a son, born in 2021. His parents, Michael and Juliana, and four siblings remain in Nigeria, supporting his career. He credits his wife’s prayers for his recovery, maintaining a private family life rooted in faith.
Awards and Recognition
Awoniyi won the 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup and was named to the tournament’s Team of the Year. No major senior club awards, but his 2022–23 Forest goals earned fan acclaim. X posts hailed his recovery as his “greatest victory.”
Awoniyi in 2025: Recovery Focus
As of May 19, 2025, Awoniyi is recovering in hospital, with Forest’s 2-1 West Ham win dedicated to him via T-shirts and Gibbs-White’s shirt tribute. He aims to attend the Chelsea game on May 25, with no set return date. Forest’s Champions League hopes ride on their final games, inspired by his fight.
Conclusion: A Fighter’s Spirit
Taiwo Awoniyi’s biography fuses talent and tenacity. From a $10 million to $12 million net worth to his 2025 recovery, his journey inspires. At 27, he embodies faith-driven resilience.
FAQs About Taiwo Awoniyi
- What is Taiwo Awoniyi’s most famous quote?
“I am grateful to still be here” (2025) reflects his recovery gratitude. - Where did Taiwo Awoniyi grow up?
Born and raised in Ilorin, Nigeria. - What are Taiwo Awoniyi’s major accomplishments?
19 Forest goals, 2013 U17 World Cup, Forest’s 2025 European qualification. - What is Taiwo Awoniyi’s net worth?
Estimated at $10M–$12M in 2025. - What’s new for Taiwo Awoniyi in 2025?
Recovering from abdominal surgery; Forest paid tribute in West Ham win.
