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Retired Super Eagles left-back Taye Taiwo’s net worth, profile, age, career, achievements, and records.
Known for his fearsome left-footed shots, Taiwo was revered by a lot of Nigerian football faithfuls and by fans of the clubs he represented throughout his career.
Taye Taiwo background (Who is Taye Taiwo?)
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Taye Taiwo was born to his father, Salisu Taiwo, and his mother, Mrs. Taiwo, in Lagos, Nigeria. Born as a twin and named 'Taye', which is synonymous with the first child born in a twin-birth in the Yoruba culture, the footballer never got to meet his twin.
While there were several rumours about Taye being ten years younger than his twin, suggesting he got involved in age-cheating, the former left-back revealed several years later that it was false, as he never got to meet his twin sister, who died as a child according to what his father told him.
“People don’t even know the background of someone, but they just write what they don’t know about. When I was younger, my father told me that I was a twin, but the second was a girl, and we lost her,” the former Super Eagles left back said in an interview with former Super Eagles media officer Colin Udoh.
Taye lost his mother many years ago before eventually losing his father in 2020, leaving the family legacy in his hands, alongside his two sisters and three brothers.
Taiwo began his professional career in the Nigerian Professional League before moving to France in Europe in 2005.
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He initially struggled with basics like positioning, but Taye eventually settled into the European way of playing, becoming one of the most revered left backs in the French League.
He also represented Nigeria at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, where he gained valuable experience and recognition, being part of a team that created one of the most unforgettable moments in Nigerian football.
There were rumours of him representing Nigeria at the Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics, but he was not eventually included.
Taye’s career was not without its challenges, as he faced disciplinary issues at times and struggled to maintain a consistent level of performance.
How old is Taye Taiwo? (Taye Taiwo age)
Taye Taiwo was born on April 16, 1985, making him 39 years old as of September 2024.
Taye Taiwo club career
Taiwo's footballing journey started in Nigeria, where he played for Gabros International and Lobi Stars, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills. His performances in the domestic leagues attracted attention from European clubs, and in 2005, he made the move to France, joining Olympique de Marseille.
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Taiwo's time at Marseille was arguably the most successful period of his career. He joined the club in 2005 and quickly became a vital part of their starting lineup. His attacking prowess and defensive solidity made him a fan favourite, and he played a key role in Marseille's domestic success.
Taiwo's legacy at Marseille inspired several generations, with Adrien Rabiot recently citing the defender as one of his favourite Marseille players growing up.
During his time at Marseille, Taiwo won numerous trophies, including Ligue 1, the Coupe de la Ligue, and the Trophée des Champions. His performances also earned him a place in the Nigerian national team, where he represented his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.
In 2011, Taiwo's impressive performances at Marseille earned him a high-profile move to AC Milan. However, his time at the Italian giants was less successful than his stint in France. He struggled to secure regular playing time and faced competition from other talented left-backs.
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The left-back embarked on a loan journey that saw him play for Queens Park Rangers in the English Premier League, hoping to revive his career. However, his time at QPR was short-lived, and he moved on to Dynamo Kyiv in Ukraine on loan afterwards.
Taiwo continued his travels, playing for Bursaspor in Turkey for two years before making several moves that ended up being short stins.
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HJK Helsinki in Finland, Lausanne in Switzerland, AFC Eskilstuna in Sweden, RoPS in Finland, and Doxa Katokopias in Cyprus.
He failed to impress at these clubs, and this resulted in more moves, the first of which was to the Palm Beach Stars in the USA, before making a return to Europe with Sant'Angelo in Italy and SalPa in Finland.
While he did not always find consistent success, he continued to contribute to his teams and showcase his talent.
Taye Taiwo International career
Taiwo's international career was as impressive as his club career. He represented Nigeria with distinction, earning numerous caps and participating in major tournaments.
The left-back was part of the Nigerian U-20 team that won silver in 2005 at the Netherlands, scoring two goals and named among the top three players of the tournament.
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Taiwo made his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2004. His performances at club level caught the attention of the Super Eagles selectors, and he quickly established himself as a regular starter. His defensive solidity and attacking prowess made him an invaluable asset to the team.
One of the highlights of Taiwo's international career was his participation in the FIFA World Cup. He represented Nigeria at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where he played a key role in the team's progress. His performances at the tournament showcased his talent to a global audience.
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Taiwo also represented Nigeria at multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. He was a member of the Nigerian squad that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, contributing to the team's success with his defensive prowess and leadership qualities.
Taye Taiwo Achievements
Marseille
Ligue 1: 2009–10
Coupe de la Ligue: 2009–10, 2010–11
Trophée des Champions: 2010
UEFA Intertoto Cup: 2005
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Nigeria
Africa Cup of Nations: 2006 (Third Place)
Individual
CAF Most Promising Talent of the Year: 2006
CAF Team of the Year: 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011
Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11
Veikkausliiga Player of the Month: May 2017
Veikkausliiga Team of the Year: 2016, 2018
Taye Taiwo Net Worth
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Taiwo’s net worth is estimated to be over $6 million.
As a professional footballer, his earnings have primarily come from his salaries and endorsements. However, factors like investments, business ventures, and personal expenses can also influence his net worth.
The retired defender reportedly built a 3 billion naira hotel in Lagos, while he also has other businesses around the country.
Taye Taiwo Wife
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Taiwo is married to his wife, Nimota, and they have been together for many years. Their union has been blessed with two children.
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