:Adebayo Akinfenwa
{{short description|English footballer (born 1982)}}
{{Use British English|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2017}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Adebayo Akinfenwa
| image = Adebayo Akinfenwa 2015 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Akinfenwa in training with AFC Wimbledon in 2015
| full_name = Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa{{cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/siteassets/efl-documents/202021/efl-squad-numbering-11.09.2020.pdf |title=Notification of shirt numbers: Wycombe Wanderers |publisher=English Football League |page=76 |access-date=27 September 2020}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1982|5|10|df=y}}{{cite book |editor-first=Barry J. |editor-last=Hugman |title=The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11 |year=2010 |publisher=Mainstream Publishing |location=Edinburgh |isbn=978-1-84596-601-0 |page=17}}
| birth_place = Islington, England
| position = Striker
| currentclub =
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 2000–2001
| youthclubs1 = Watford
| years1 = 2001–2002
| clubs1 = FK Atlantas
| caps1 = 22
| goals1 = 5
| years2 = 2002
| clubs2 = Laisvė Šilutė
| caps2 = 0
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 2002
| clubs3 = Barry Town
| caps3 = 9
| goals3 = 6
| years4 = 2003
| clubs4 = Boston United
| caps4 = 3
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2003
| clubs5 = Leyton Orient
| caps5 = 1
| goals5 = 0
| years6 = 2003–2004
| clubs6 = Rushden & Diamonds
| caps6 = 0
| goals6 = 0
| years7 = 2004
| clubs7 = Doncaster Rovers
| caps7 = 9
| goals7 = 4
| years8 = 2004–2005
| clubs8 = Torquay United
| caps8 = 37
| goals8 = 14
| years9 = 2005–2007
| clubs9 = Swansea City
| caps9 = 59
| goals9 = 14
| years10 = 2007–2008
| clubs10 = Millwall
| caps10 = 7
| goals10 = 0
| years11 = 2008–2010
| clubs11 = Northampton Town
| caps11 = 88
| goals11 = 37
| years12 = 2010–2011
| clubs12 = Gillingham
| caps12 = 44
| goals12 = 11
| years13 = 2011–2013
| clubs13 = Northampton Town
| caps13 = 80
| goals13 = 34
| years14 = 2013–2014
| clubs14 = Gillingham
| caps14 = 34
| goals14 = 10
| years15 = 2014–2016
| clubs15 = AFC Wimbledon
| caps15 = 83
| goals15 = 19
| years16 = 2016–2022
| clubs16 = Wycombe Wanderers
| caps16 = 219
| goals16 = 52
| years17 = 2023
| clubs17 = Faversham Town
| caps17 = 2
| goals17 = 0
| totalcaps = 697
| totalgoals = 206
}}
Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa (born 10 May 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a striker. Throughout his career, he was renowned for his physical prowess and goalscoring ability, in a career where he amassed more than 200 goals.
Akinfenwa's professional breakthrough came at Doncaster Rovers, having spent time up until then in the lower leagues of English football as well as spells in Lithuania and Wales. Following a short but successful time at Doncaster, Akinfenwa moved to his seventh club, Torquay United. He proved to be a goal threat but left the struggling team the following season to join Swansea City. After spending two seasons with the Welsh club, he joined League One side Millwall and later moved to Northampton Town. Akinfenwa spent six years switching from Northampton to Gillingham, where his goal-scoring ability was still apparent. In June 2014, he signed for League Two side AFC Wimbledon, and two years later Wycombe Wanderers, where he remained until his retirement in 2022. His last professional match was at Wembley Stadium in the League One play-off final against Sunderland on 21 May 2022.
Early life
Akinfenwa was born in Islington, North London, and is of Yoruba Nigerian descent. His father is a Muslim and his mother is a Christian. As a child, he supported Liverpool and his favourite player was John Barnes.
Career
=Early career=
As a teenager, Akinfenwa joined the Lithuanian club FK Atlantas on the advice of his agent, whose Lithuanian wife's brother knew a member of the coaching staff there.{{cite web |title=Akinfenwa out to play 'large' role for Swans |website=icWales.co.uk |url=http://icwales.icnetwork.co.uk/0600soccer/0200news/tm_objectid=15700075&method=full&siteid=50082&headline=akinfenwa-out-to-play-large--role-for-swans-name_page.html |access-date=2 July 2006}}{{dead link|date=June 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} While with the club Akinfenwa scored the winning goal in the 2001 Lithuanian Football Cup final and played in the UEFA Cup qualifying rounds for two successive seasons.{{Cite book|last=Akinfenwa|first=Adebayo|title=The Beast: My Story|publisher=Headline|year=2017|isbn=9781472247940|pages=85, 87}} He received racial abuse from fans in the country, later saying "Coming from London, where nobody would disrespect me, this was just brazen". He spent two years at the club, as well as one month at another Lithuanian team Laisvė Šilutė, before returning to the UK early in 2003, where he joined Welsh Premier League champions Barry Town.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/2873501.stm |title=Barry sign second Nigerian |website=BBC Sport |date=21 March 2003 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802012716/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/2873501.stm |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live }} Akinfenwa helped Barry to Welsh Cup and Welsh Premier League silverware during his time at Jenner Park.{{Cite web |date=2016-08-04 |title=From Barry Town to cult stardom: Akinfenwa 14 years on |url=https://clwbpeldroed.org/2016/08/04/from-barry-town-to-cult-stardom-akinfenwa-14-years-on/ |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Y Clwb Pêl-droed |language=en-GB}} However, just a handful of matches into his stint, the club suffered a financial crisis and released its professional playing staff. Akinfenwa quickly joined Boston United in October 2003,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leyton_orient/3257840.stm |title=Akinfenwa catches the eye |website=BBC Sport |date=2 December 2003 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031211151408/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leyton_orient/3257840.stm |archive-date=11 December 2003 |url-status=live }} scoring a last minute winner on his debut against Swindon Town in the Football League Trophy.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3190646.stm |title=Boston United 2–1 Swindon |website=BBC Sport |date=14 October 2003 |access-date=5 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040317155103/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/3190646.stm |archive-date=17 March 2004 |url-status=live }} Unable to settle, he moved to Leyton Orient the following month, but was released after one month.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leyton_orient/3257840.stm |title=Orient release Akinfenwa |website=BBC Sport |date=2 December 2003 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031211151408/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/leyton_orient/3257840.stm |archive-date=11 December 2003 |url-status=live }} In December 2003 he moved to Rushden & Diamonds and in February 2004 joined Doncaster Rovers, his fifth club of the season.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/doncaster/3499543.stm |title=Doncaster get Akinfenwa |website=BBC Sport |date=18 February 2004 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802015740/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/d/doncaster/3499543.stm |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live }}
=Torquay United=
In July 2004, Akinfenwa changed clubs again, signing for Torquay United, as a replacement for David Graham.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/3856587.stm |title=Gulls seal Akinfenwa deal |website=BBC Sport |date=3 July 2004 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713111545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/3856587.stm |archive-date=13 July 2019 |url-status=live }} He scored 14 league goals during the 2004–05 season and was named the supporter's Player of the Season but was unable to help the club avoid relegation to League Two.{{Cite web |last=Latchem |first=Tom |title=Akinfenwa to sign |url=https://uk-sport-web.prod.oceanusorigin.com/football/news/2338737/akinfenwa-to-sign |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=Sky Sports |language=en }}{{Dead link|date=April 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} He declined to sign a new contract with Torquay at the end of the season.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/4114070.stm |title=Gulls and Akinfenwa in deadlock |website=BBC Sport |date=21 June 2005 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802012108/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/4114070.stm |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live }}
=Swansea City=
In July 2005, Akinfenwa moved to Swansea City, who were ordered to pay an £85,000 fee as compensation, significantly below the £300,000 asking price Torquay had set for his signature.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/4725201.stm |title=Tribunal rules on Akinfenwa fee |website=BBC Sport |date=28 July 2005 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713111545/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/4725201.stm |archive-date=13 July 2019 |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2005-06-05 |title=Gulls are unhappy with Akinfenwa |language=en-GB |work=BBC |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/t/torquay_united/4611263.stm |access-date=2022-05-22}} He scored on his debut against Tranmere Rovers, and this was also the first competitive goal scored at Swansea's new Liberty Stadium.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4730607.stm |title=Swansea 1–0 Tranmere |website=BBC Sport |date=6 August 2005 |access-date=1 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802002910/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/4730607.stm |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live }} He scored the winning goal in the 2006 Football League Trophy Final, in which Swansea beat Carlisle United 2–1. He also helped Swansea reach the League One promotion play-off final in his first season. After a 2–2 draw, the match went to a penalty shoot-out but Akinfenwa was one of two Swansea players to miss with their penalties, granting promotion to Barnsley.{{cite news |title=Swansea 2–2 Barnsley (aet) |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/5010240.stm |website=BBC Sport |date=27 May 2006 |access-date=2 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114231537/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/5010240.stm |archive-date=14 November 2006 |url-status=live }} He was a regular the following season, until a broken right leg in the 2–0 defeat at home to Scunthorpe United ended his season.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/6382749.stm |title=Leg break ends Akinfenwa's season |website=BBC Sport |date=21 February 2007 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303133651/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/6382749.stm |archive-date=3 March 2007 |url-status=live }} This followed a fractured left shin the previous October.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/6041152.stm |title=Akinfenwa hit by stress fracture |website=BBC Sport |date=11 October 2006 |access-date=6 January 2010}}
=Millwall=
At the end of the 2006–07 season, he rejected a new contract with Swansea,{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/6764707.stm |title=Akinfenwa resigned to Swans exit |website=BBC Sport |date=18 June 2007 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070825213425/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swansea_city/6764707.stm |archive-date=25 August 2007 |url-status=live }} and agreed to sign for Swindon Town on 29 June 2007.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/6254932.stm |title=Akinfenwa set to sign for Swindon |website=BBC Sport |date=16 July 2007 |access-date=6 January 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071010065024/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/6254932.stm |archive-date=10 October 2007 |url-status=live }} However, he failed a medical.
After a period of rehabilitation and training at Gillingham,{{Cite book|last=Akinfenwa|first=Adebayo|title=The Beast: My Story|publisher=Headline|year=2007|isbn=9781472247940|pages=131–135}} he joined League One team Millwall on a month-to-month contract in November 2007.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/7097018.stm |title=Jackett signs Akinfenwa |website=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2007 |access-date=27 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071118155159/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/m/millwall/7097018.stm |archive-date=18 November 2007 |url-status=live }} However he failed to score any goals in seven appearances.{{Soccerbase season|36629|2007|access-date=27 May 2011}}
=Northampton Town=
On 18 January 2008 Akinfenwa signed a deal with Northampton Town until the end of the 2007–08 season. He made his debut against Swindon Town, where he came off the bench to score a late equaliser in a 1–1 draw. He then had the same impact in his home debut, scoring the equaliser in a 1–1 draw against Leeds United. Despite not featuring in the following game against Yeovil Town, he started the next home match against Gillingham, and scored two goals in a 4–0 win. He scored three further goals that season.
On 30 May 2008, Akinfenwa signed a new one-year contract at Northampton despite declared interest from Leyton Orient and Grimsby Town.{{cite web |url=http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide2/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer_league_1_and_2/08/05/30/manual_142724.html |title=Akinfenwa Commits To Cobblers |website=Sporting Life |access-date=6 January 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629174230/http://www.sportinglife.com/football/nationwide2/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer_league_1_and_2%2F08%2F05%2F30%2Fmanual_142724.html |archive-date=29 June 2011 |df=dmy-all}} He started the 2008–09 season well, scoring twice in three matches by the end of September.
Akinfenwa ended his stay at Northampton in May 2010. He had been offered a new deal but Northampton could not agree a deal with him within an agreed timeframe.
=Gillingham=
File:AdebayoAkinfenwa.jpg in 2014]]
On 29 July 2010, he signed for Gillingham on a one-year contract,{{cite web |url=http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10416~2103320,00.html |title=Prolific Striker Akinfenwa Signs |access-date=29 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100730014637/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/page/NewsDetail/0%2C%2C10416~2103320%2C00.html |archive-date=30 July 2010 |url-status=dead}} and scored on his debut with a header against Cheltenham Town. Whilst at the Gills, Akinfenwa was able to form a strong partnership with Cody McDonald and the pair were able to score 36 goals between them that season.
=Return to Northampton Town=
Akinfenwa was offered a new contract by Gillingham at the conclusion of 2010–11 season,{{Cite book|last=Akinfenwa|first=Adebayo|title=The Beast: My Story|publisher=Headline|year=2017|isbn=9781472247940|pages=159}} but chose instead to return to Sixfields on 25 May 2011, after new Cobblers manager Gary Johnson brought him in to "capture the imagination of the supporters".{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/9495447.stm |title=Gillingham's Adebayo Akinfenwa joins Northampton Town |date=25 May 2011 |access-date=25 May 2011 |website=BBC Sport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802013930/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/9495447.stm |archive-date=2 August 2017 |url-status=live }} He scored his first goal against Bristol Rovers on 16 August. On 10 November 2012 in a match against Accrington Stanley, Akinfenwa scored his first, and to date only, professional hat-trick.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/20190052 |title=Accrington Stanley 2 – 4 Northampton |date=10 November 2012 |access-date=29 November 2015 |website=BBC Sport}} Three years later, with Northampton struggling financially, Akinfenwa auctioned off the shirt he wore in this match and donated the proceeds to a supporters' trust, raising £440.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-34945016 |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa: 'The Beast' Northampton hat-trick shirt resold |date=28 November 2015 |access-date=29 November 2015 |website=BBC News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151129001840/http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-34945016 |archive-date=29 November 2015 |url-status=live }}
Northampton Town released him at the end of the 2012–13 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22613608 |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa released by Northampton Town |date=21 May 2013 |access-date=21 May 2013 |website=BBC Sport |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130613015612/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22613608 |archive-date=13 June 2013 |url-status=live }}
=Return to Gillingham=
Akinfenwa re-signed for Gillingham on a free transfer on 2 July 2013.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23150695 |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa: Gillingham re-sign ex-Northampton striker |website=BBC Sport |date=2 July 2013 |access-date=2 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130706133651/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23150695 |archive-date=6 July 2013 |url-status=live }} After reigniting his successful partnership with Cody McDonald, scoring 10 goals over the course of the 2013–14 season and coming third in their Supporters Player of the Year awards, Akinfenwa left the club on expiry of his one-year contract.{{cite web |url=http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/bayo-departs-priestfield-may-20-1565630.aspx |title=Bayo Akinfenwa leaves Gillingham FC following second spell at Priestfield |publisher=Gillingham F.C. |date=20 May 2014 |access-date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140623063034/http://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/article/bayo-departs-priestfield-may-20-1565630.aspx |archive-date=23 June 2014 |url-status=live }}
=AFC Wimbledon=
File:Akinfenwa 2015.jpg in 2015]]
On 20 June 2014, he signed for League Two side AFC Wimbledon, who had pursued his signature for 14 months.{{cite web |url=http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/akinfenwa-signs-1653659.aspx |title=Akinfenwa signs |first=Chris |last=Slavin |publisher=AFC Wimbledon |date=20 June 2014 |access-date=20 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140620133020/http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/akinfenwa-signs-1653659.aspx |archive-date=20 June 2014 |url-status=live }} In the third round of the FA Cup on 5 January 2015, in which AFC Wimbledon hosted Liverpool at Kingsmeadow, Akinfenwa equalised against the club he supports, albeit in a 1–2 defeat.{{cite news |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=Wimbledon 1–2 Liverpool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30620966 |access-date=20 January 2015 |website=BBC Sport |date=5 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150124204859/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30620966 |archive-date=24 January 2015 |url-status=live }} On 8 June 2015, Akinfenwa extended his contract with Wimbledon, spurning interests from clubs in League One and Major League Soccer.{{cite news |last1=Goodwin |first1=Stuart |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa to stay with AFC Wimbledon despite MLS interest |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/08/adebayo-akinfenwa-stay-afc-wimbledon-mls-interest |access-date=7 February 2016 |newspaper=The Guardian |date=8 June 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160204130619/http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/jun/08/adebayo-akinfenwa-stay-afc-wimbledon-mls-interest |archive-date=4 February 2016 |url-status=live }} On 30 May 2016, after scoring a penalty in a 2–0 win against Plymouth Argyle in the League Two Play-off Final, Akinfenwa was released from his contract.{{cite news |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa: AFC Wimbledon icon released after play-off final win |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36413941 |access-date=30 May 2016 |website=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160530220854/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36413941 |archive-date=30 May 2016 |url-status=live }} He told Sky Sports in his post-match interview: "I think I'm technically unemployed, so any managers hit me up on the WhatsApp and get me a job."{{cite news |last1=Piper |first1=Alice |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa's penalty seals promotion for AFC Wimbledon |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/21423/10299773/adebayo-akinfenwas-penalty-seals-promotion-for-afc-wimbledon |access-date=7 June 2016 |website=Sky Sports |date=31 May 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602132130/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/21423/10299773/adebayo-akinfenwas-penalty-seals-promotion-for-afc-wimbledon |archive-date=2 June 2016 |url-status=live }}
=Wycombe Wanderers=
Following his departure from AFC Wimbledon, Akinfenwa signed for Wycombe Wanderers.{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36744974 |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa: 'The Beast' joins Wycombe Wanderers |website=BBC Sport |date=10 July 2016 |access-date=10 July 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160716010021/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36744974 |archive-date=16 July 2016 |url-status=live }} In April 2018, he was nominated for the EFL League Two Player of the Season award.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43641225|title=EFL awards: Tom Cairney, Ruben Neves & Ryan Sessgenon on Championship shortlist|date=4 April 2018|access-date=4 April 2018|website=BBC Sport|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180404173025/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43641225|archive-date=4 April 2018|url-status=live}} With his strike against Doncaster Rovers on 29 February 2020, Akinfenwa became Wycombe's record goal scorer in the English Football League with 54 goals.{{cite web|url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/18288140.wycombe-wanderers-fc-the-beast-adebayo-akinfenwa-blues-record-football-league-goals-scorer/|title=Wycombe Wanderers FC: 'The Beast' Adebayo Akinfenwa is the Blues' record Football League goals scorer|website=Bucks Free Press|date=6 March 2020|access-date=14 July 2020}} On 13 July 2020, Akinfenwa and Wycombe won the 2020 League One play-off final over Oxford gaining promotion to the Championship for the first time in both the player's career and the club's history.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/53316283|title=Wycombe Wanderers will play in the second tier of English football for the first time next season after edging past Oxford United in the League One play-off final at Wembley.|website=BBC Sport|date=13 July 2020|access-date=14 July 2020}} Akinfenwa finished the season as the club's joint-top league goal scorer with 10 goals.{{Cite web|title=Top Scorers - League One - Football|url=http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/league-one/top-scorers|access-date=2020-07-14|website=BBC Sport}}
On 8 July 2021, Akinfenwa signed a new one-year contract with the club.{{cite web|url=https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/2021/july/the-beast-is-back/|title=The Beast is back!|website=www.wycombewanderers.co.uk|date=8 July 2021}} He confirmed that it would be his last season in professional football, and indicated that after football he was considering moving into acting or professional wrestling.{{Cite web |title=Akinfenwa: This season will be my last |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/12351629/akinfenwa8217s-8216last-dance8217-8211-wrestling-next |access-date=2022-05-22 |website=SkySports |language=en}} Akinfenwa's last game for Wycombe was the 2022 EFL League One play-off final, where he featured as a 75th minute substitute but could not prevent a 2–0 loss to Sunderland.{{Cite news |last=Peddy |first=Chris |date=22 May 2022 |title=Sunderland back in Championship after play-off win |language=en-GB |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61447041 |access-date=2022-05-22}}
= Post-professional retirement=
In March 2022, Akinfenwa was set to make his professional wrestling debut at Progress 146. He was supposed to tag with Anthony Ogogo against Malik and Kosta Konstantino, but pulled out at the last minute for unspecified reasons.{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=2024-04-15 |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa Pulled Out Of Wrestling Debut At The Last Minute |url=https://britwrestling.co.uk/adebayo-akinfenwa-pulled-out-of-wrestling-debut-at-the-last-minute/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=Brit Wrestling |language=en-US}}
On 11 July 2022, Akinfenwa appeared in a pre-season friendly for Isthmian League North Division side Hashtag United against Walthamstow. Akinfenwa featured for the entire first half before being substituted during the half-time break. Hashtag United confirmed that Akinfenwa would not be joining the team full-time due to his personal schedule and potential injury issues.{{Citation |title=AKINFENWA PLAYS FOR HASHTAG! | date=21 July 2022 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=078TA1xoAkc |access-date=2023-09-12 |language=en}}
In March 2023, Akinfenwa came out of retirement and joined Faversham Town of the Isthmian League.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/faversham/sport/town-bring-the-beast-out-of-retirement-283583/|title=Popular ex-Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa comes out of retirement to sign for ambitious Isthmian South East strugglers Faversham Town|first=Thomas |last=Reeves|work=Kent Online|date=11 March 2023|accessdate=11 March 2023}} He made his debut against Lancing on 11 March 2023.{{cite web|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/herne-bay/sport/isthmian-league-round-up-283599/|title=Isthmian League round-up includes a dramatic late Premier Division win for Herne Bay and a debut for ex-Gillingham striker Adebayo Akinfenwa as Faversham lose at Lancing|first=Craig|last=Tucker|date=11 March 2023|accessdate=13 March 2023|work=Kent Online}} On 25 March 2023, Akinfenwa had a 94th minute penalty saved by outfield player Harrison Pont on his home debut for Faversham, against rivals Sittingbourne.{{cite web|url=https://www.kentonline.co.uk/faversham/sport/report-faversham-v-sittingbourne-284325/|title=Faversham Town 0 Sittingbourne 1 match report: Substitute Harrison Pont saves last-gasp Adebayo Akinfenwa penalty on his home debut as Joe Tyrie's first-half goal the difference|date=25 March 2023|accessdate=25 March 2023|work=Kent Online}}
Personal life
Although Akinfenwa observed Ramadan as a child, he is now a Christian. He is a close friend of Clarke Carlisle, his former teammate at Northampton Town.{{cite news |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa: Wimbledon's 'Beast' – 10 things you never knew |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30693977 |access-date=6 January 2015 |website=BBC Sport |date=6 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150107061606/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30693977 |archive-date=7 January 2015 |url-status=live }}
Akinfenwa has been ranked as the strongest footballer in the world in various editions of the FIFA videogame series.{{cite news |last=Flanagan |first=Aaron |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fifa-15s-strongest-player-adebayo-4322893 |title=FIFA 15's strongest player Adebayo Akinfenwa admits he doesn't play as himself – as he's TOO SLOW! – Mirror Online |newspaper=Daily Mirror |date=25 September 2014 |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150102200113/http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/fifa-15s-strongest-player-adebayo-4322893 |archive-date=2 January 2015 |url-status=live }} In September 2014 he was invited to attend the launch party for FIFA 15 alongside various celebrities and Premier League players, including Rio Ferdinand, George Groves and Lethal Bizzle.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}} Akinfenwa reportedly weighs around {{convert|16|stone|kg stone lb|order=out||}} and can bench press {{cvt|180|kg|stone lb||||abbr=}}.{{cite news |title=How Port Vale will tackle the world's strongest footballer |url=http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-tackle-world-s-strongest-footballer/story-20538953-detail/story.html |access-date=2 February 2014 |newspaper=The Sentinel |date=31 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140225075702/http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/Port-Vale-tackle-world-s-strongest-footballer/story-20538953-detail/story.html |archive-date=25 February 2014 |df=dmy-all}}{{cite news |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/justice-for-akinfenwa-as-afc-wimbledon-star-is-named-fifa-15s-strongest-player-9727536.html |title=Justice for Akinfenwa as AFC Wimbledon star is named FIFA 15's strongest player – Football – Sport |newspaper=London Evening Standard |date=11 September 2014 |access-date=3 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141011133535/http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/justice-for-akinfenwa-as-afc-wimbledon-star-is-named-fifa-15s-strongest-player-9727536.html |archive-date=11 October 2014 |url-status=live }}
He runs a clothing label called Beast Mode On which plays on his strong man reputation. His autobiography The Beast: My Story was published by Headline Publishing in 2017.{{Cite web|title=Headline scores memoir of footballer Adebayo Akinfenwa {{!}} The Bookseller|url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/headline-scores-memoir-footballer-adebayo-akinfenwa-567706|access-date=2020-07-12|website=www.thebookseller.com}}
Career statistics
{{notelist}}
Honours
FK Atlantas
Barry Town
Swansea City
- Football League Trophy: 2005–06{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4865270.stm |title=Carlisle 1–2 Swansea |website=BBC Sport |date=2 April 2006 |access-date=24 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427003013/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4865270.stm |archive-date=27 April 2006 |url-status=live }}
AFC Wimbledon
- Football League Two play-offs: 2016{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36355814 |title=AFC Wimbledon 2–0 Plymouth Argyle |first=Brent |last=Pilnick |website=BBC Sport |date=30 May 2016 |access-date=24 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024125910/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36355814 |archive-date=24 October 2018 |url-status=live }}
Wycombe Wanderers
- EFL League One play-offs: 2020{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53316283 |title=Oxford United 1–2 Wycombe Wanderers |first=Adam |last=Williams |website=BBC Sport |date=13 July 2020 |access-date=14 July 2020}}
Individual
- Sir Tom Finney Award: 2023{{Cite web |date=23 April 2023 |title=Adebayo Akinfenwa receives Sir Tom Finney Award |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2023/april/adebayo-akinfenwa-receives-sir-tom-finney-award/ |access-date=24 April 2023 |website=English Football League}}
- EFL League Two Player of the Month: November 2012{{Cite web |title=Akinfenwa named Player of the Month |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2012/december/akinfenwa-named-player-of-the-month/ |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=www.efl.com |language=en-gb}}
- EFL Team of the Season: 2017–18{{Cite web |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2018/april/2018-efl-awards-winners-announced/ |title=2018 EFL Awards: Winners announced |publisher=EFL.com |date=16 April 2018 |access-date=26 April 2022 }}
- PFA Team of the Year: 2017–18 League Two{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43796456 |title=PFA League Two Team of the Year: Five Luton Town players named in 2017–18 side |website=BBC Sport |date=17 April 2018 |access-date=5 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805115740/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43796456 |archive-date=5 August 2018 |url-status=live }}
- Torquay United Player of the Year: 2004–05
- Northampton Town Player of the Year: 2009–10{{Cite web |title=CAST YOUR VOTE FOR YOUR NORTHAMPTON TOWN PLAYER OF THE SEASON |url=https://www.ntfc.co.uk/news/2021/may/player_of_season/ |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=www.ntfc.co.uk |language=en-gb}}
- AFC Wimbledon Player of the Year: 2014–15{{cite web |url=http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/bayo-honoured-to-win-awards-2438595.aspx |title=Bayo honoured to win awards |publisher=AFC Wimbledon |date=3 May 2015 |access-date=1 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150512212655/http://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/news/article/bayo-honoured-to-win-awards-2438595.aspx |archive-date=12 May 2015 |url-status=live }}
- Wycombe Wanderers Player of the Season: 2016–17,{{cite web |url=http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/player-awards-dinner-2017-3697046.aspx |title=Player Awards Dinner 2017: Bayo awarded Bucks Free Pass Supporters' Player of the Season |publisher=Wycombe Wanderers F.C. |date=30 April 2015 |access-date=1 May 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501170517/http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/player-awards-dinner-2017-3697046.aspx |archive-date=1 May 2017 |url-status=live }} 2017–18{{Cite web |title=Akinfenwa scoops double player of the year award for second successive year |url=https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/sport/16211118.wycombe-striker-adebayo-akinfenwa-named-supporters-player-players-player-season-2017-18-season/ |access-date=2022-03-27 |website=Bucks Free Press |date=8 May 2018 |language=en}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
- [https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/teams/player-profiles/forward/adebayo-akinfenwa/ Adebayo Akinfenwa] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181117014852/https://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/teams/player-profiles/forward/adebayo-akinfenwa/ |date=17 November 2018 }} on wycombewanderers.co.uk
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{{Torquay United F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Northampton Town F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{AFC Wimbledon Player of the Year}}
{{Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{2017–18 EFL Team of the Season}}
{{2017–18 EFL League Two PFA Team of the Year}}
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