Samu Aghehowa

Born in Melilla to Nigerian parents,{{Cite web |last=Cariño |first=Carlos |date=18 August 2023 |title=Myrto Uzuni y Samu Omorodion, patrimonio del Granada |url=https://as.com/futbol/myrto-uzuni-y-samu-omorodion-patrimonio-del-granada-n/ |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=Diario AS |language=es-ES}} Aghehowa moved to Seville at a young age.{{cite web|url=https://www.ideal.es/granadacf/samu-granadacf-joven-goleador-20230214164911-nt.html?ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F|title=Samu, el joven goleador al que el Granada quiere atar en corto|trans-title=Samu, the young goalscorer whom Granada want to tie up|publisher=Ideal|language=es|date=14 February 2023|accessdate=14 August 2023}} After playing for local side AD Nervión in his hometown of Sevilla, he joined Granada's youth setup in 2021.{{cite web|url=https://www.muchodeporte.com/futbol-provincial/67876/samu-del-nervion-a-sensacion-de-segunda-federacion/|title=Samu, del Nervión a sensación de Segunda Federación|trans-title=Samu, from Nervión to the sensation of Segunda Federación|publisher=Mucho Deporte|language=es|date=14 February 2023|accessdate=14 August 2023}}

On 6 March 2022, Aghehowa made his senior debut for Granada's reserve team, Recreativo Granada, coming on as a second-half substitute in a 2–1 league home loss to Marchamalo.{{cite web|url=https://www.granadahoy.com/granadacf/recreativo-granada-marchamalo-cronica-ruben-torrecilla_0_1662734132.html|title=Al Recreativo Granada le ciegan los focos|trans-title=The fireworks blind Recreativo Granada's eyes|publisher=Granada Hoy|language=es|date=6 March 2022|accessdate=14 August 2023}} On 25 September, he scored his first senior goal, netting the B's equalizer in a 1–1 draw against El Ejido.{{cite web|url=https://www.granadahoy.com/granadacf/el-ejido-recreativo-granada-cronica-resultado_0_1723628461.html|title=Samu mantiene al Recreativo Granada invicto|trans-title=Samu keeps Recreativo Granada unbeaten|publisher=Granada Hoy|language=es|date=25 September 2022|accessdate=14 August 2023}}

On 20 April 2023, Aghehowa renewed his contract with the Nazaríes until 2028.{{cite web |date=20 April 2023 |title=Comunicación Oficial: Renovación de Samu |trans-title=Official announcement : Renewal of Samu |url=https://www.granadacf.es/noticias/comunicacion-oficial-or-renovacion-de-samu |accessdate=14 August 2023 |publisher=Granada CF |language=es}} Having scored 18 goals for Granada's B team throughout the 2022–23 season,{{Cite web |last=Pérez |first=Guillermo |date=17 August 2023 |title=Samu, la ganga del Granada que enamora en la Premier |url=https://as.com/futbol/primera/samu-la-ganga-del-granada-que-enamora-en-la-premier-n/ |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=Diario AS |language=es-ES}} helping the B team reach the Segunda Federación promotion play-offs.

Aghehowa made his first-team debut on 14 August 2023, starting and scoring in a 3–1 away loss against Atlético Madrid.{{cite web|url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/granada/2023/08/14/64da9adfe2704e3c858b456d.html|title=Samu, el futuro ya está aquí|trans-title=Samu, the future is already here|publisher=Marca|language=es|date=14 August 2023|accessdate=15 August 2023}}{{Cite web |last=Moñino |first=Ladislao J. |date=15 August 2023 |title=El Atlético arranca con pegada de líder |url=https://elpais.com/deportes/2023-08-14/el-atletico-arranca-con-pegada-de-lider.html |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=El País |language=es-ES}}

On 21 August, Aghehowa joined fellow top-tier side Atlético Madrid on a permanent deal, signing a five-year contract with the club, with Atlético triggering his €6 million release clause.{{Cite web |date=21 August 2023 |title=¡Bienvenido, Samu Omorodion! |trans-title=Welcome, Samu Omorodion!|url=https://www.atleticodemadrid.com/noticias/bienvenido-samu-omorodion |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Club Atlético de Madrid |language=es-ES}}{{Cite web |last=Cazón |first=Patricia |date=21 August 2023 |title=Oficial: Samu Omorodion ya es del Atlético de Madrid hasta 2028 |trans-title=Official: Samu Omorodion is of Atlético de Madrid until 2028|url=https://as.com/futbol/primera/oficial-samu-es-del-atletico-n/ |access-date=21 August 2023 |website=Diario AS |language=es-ES}}

Five days later, he was sent to Deportivo Alavés, also in the Spanish first division, on loan until the end of the season.{{Cite web |date=26 August 2023 |title=Samu Omorodion, explosividad para el ataque albiazul |url=https://www.deportivoalaves.com/es/noticias/Alav%C3%A9s-cesi%C3%B3n-Omorodion-Atl%C3%A9tico%20Madrid-delantero-Melilla |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=Deportivo Alavés |language=es-ES}}{{Cite web |last=Lekuona |first=Javier |date=26 August 2023 |title=Omorodion llega cedido hasta final de temporada |url=https://as.com/futbol/omorodion-llega-cedido-hasta-final-de-temporada-n/ |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=Diario AS |language=es-ES}} In the 2023–24 season, he became the top scorer for his club in La Liga by scoring 8 goals, out of 9 in total having scored a goal with Granada.{{cite web |last=Sharma |first=Abhinav |url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/la-liga-top-scorers-2023-24/bltc1315b7e4f725363#csea879fcd6919475e |title=La Liga top scorers 2023-24: Jude Bellingham, Robert Lewandowski & players with the most goals in Spain this season |publisher=Goal.com |date=27 May 2024 }}

In July 2024, Chelsea negotiated with Atlético for the transfer of Aghehowa, offering a bid worth €40 million (£34 million), plus add-ons, but Atlético initially turned it down. He agreed personal terms with Chelsea, and both clubs agreed on a deal, but issues surrounding an ankle injury during the medical examination and image rights negotiations led to the transfer collapsing in early August.{{cite web |url=https://therealchelseafans.com/2024/10/18/former-atletico-scout-explains-why-chelsea-will-regret-missing-out-on-2-in-1-striker-samu-omorodion/ |title=Former Atletico Scout Explains Why Chelsea Will Regret Missing Out on '2-in-1' Striker Samu Omorodion |publisher=The Real Chelsea Fans |date=18 October 2024}}{{cite web |last=O'Connor-Simpson |first=Matt |url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/samu-omorodion-chelsea-atletico-madrid-striker/blt1653b0cffe107d93#csfd5fb2d85e05d32a |title=Samu Omorodion: Why are Chelsea interested in €50m-rated Atletico Madrid striker with just nine senior goals? |publisher=Goal.com |date=5 August 2024 }} Shortly thereafter, he was excluded from first-team training, with Atlético arranging a permanent transfer for him. Aghehowa later described the experience as a "very complicated summer".{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/spent-many-nights-crying-samu-180000975.html|title=“I spent many nights crying” – Samu Omorodion speaks on being ostracised at Atletico Madrid|publisher=Yahoo Sports|date=12 October 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/liga-portuguesa/2024/10/12/670a3d7722601d6d4f8b4607.html|title=Samu Omorodion and the drama he experienced in the market: "It was a very complicated summer in Madrid, many nights crying..."|publisher=Marca|date=12 October 2024}}

On 24 August 2024, Aghehowa joined Primeira Liga club Porto from Atlético Madrid on a five-year contract and reported €100 million release clause. Porto paid Atlético Madrid €15 million for 50% of his rights and also reserved the option to buy 15% of his rights in 2025 and 2026 for €5 million each year.{{cite news |title=FC Porto oficializa contratação de Samu Omorodion por 15 milhões de euros |url=https://www.cmjornal.pt/desporto/futebol/detalhe/fc-porto-oficializa-contratacao-de-samu-omorodion-por-15-milhoes-de-euros?ref=Lu%C3%ADsaJeremias_CmaoMinuto |access-date=24 August 2024 |website=CMJornal |language=pt}}

He made his competitive debut for his new club in the to rivals 2–0 loss to Sporting CP in the Primeira Liga on 31 August,{{Cite web |date=31 August 2024 |title=A crónica do Sporting-FC Porto, 2-0: Pote cheio de Gyökeres em triunfo indiscutível |url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/detalhe/a-cronica-do-sporting-fc-porto-2-0-pote-cheio-de-gykeres-em-triunfo-indiscutivel|access-date=25 September 2024 |website=Record |language=pt-PT}} and scored his first goal on 15 September, netting the winner in a 2–1 win against Farense.{{Cite web |date=15 September 2024 |title=Samu Omorodion estreia-se a marcar pelo FC Porto |url=https://www.abola.pt/futebol/noticias/video-samu-omorodion-estreia-se-a-marcar-pelo-fc-porto-2024091516212668587|access-date=25 September 2024 |website=A Bola |language=pt-PT}} In his next league match, on 21 September, Aghehowa scored a brace in a 3–0 victory over Vitória de Guimarães at Estádio D. Afonso Henriques.{{Cite web |date=21 September 2024 |title=FC Porto ganha aposta em Samu Omorodion com triunfo em Guimarães|url=https://www.publico.pt/2024/09/21/desporto/noticia/fc-porto-ganha-aposta-omorodion-triunfo-guimaraes-2105038|access-date=25 September 2024 |website=A Bola |language=pt-PT}} Four days later, he made his debut in European competitions, starting and scoring in a 3–2 loss away at Bodø/Glimt, during the inaugural matchday of the newly formatted UEFA Europa League league stage;{{Cite web |date=24 September 2024 |title=Bodo/Glimt-FC Porto: dragão vive pesadelo na Noruega |url=https://www.abola.pt/futebol/jogo/bodo-glimt-fc-porto-4427296/bodoglimt-fc-porto-siga-a-estreia-dos-dragoes-na-liga-europa |access-date=27 September 2024 |website=A Bola |language=pt-pt}} followed by two goals in a 3–3 home draw with Manchester United on 3 October at Estádio do Dragão.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com.au/football/story/_/id/41592734/man-united-bruno-fernandes-red-card-2nd-straight-game|title=Man United's Bruno Fernandes gets red card for second straight game|date=1 October 2024|access-date=3 October 2024|website=ESPN}} On 28 October, he scored a hat-trick in a 5–0 victory away against AVS in the Primeira Liga.{{Cite web |date=28 October 2024 |title=FC Porto goleia na Vila das Aves com 'hat-trick' do avançado Samu |url=https://www.dn.pt/4613413699/fc-porto-goleia-na-vila-das-aves-com-hat-trick-do-avancado-samu/ |access-date=29 October 2024 |website=Diário de Notícias |language=pt-pt}}

On 10 November, Aghehowa scored the lone goal for Porto in a 4–1 away defeat to rivals Benfica in O Clássico. This marked Porto's heaviest league loss to their arch-rivals in 60 years, a result not seen since a 4–0 defeat in the 1964–65 season.{{cite web |url=https://portugoal.net/club-news/4280-benfica-humble-porto-with-4-1-thrashing-at-the-luz |title=Benfica humble Porto with 4-1 thrashing at the Luz |website=PortuGOAL |first=Patrick |last=Ribeiro |date=10 November 2024 |access-date=11 November 2024}} After scoring five goals in five matches and helping Porto in an unbeaten streak, he was named the league's Player of the Month and Forward of the Month.{{cite web|title=Continente Avançado do Mês é Samu|url=https://www.ligaportugal.pt/news/23595/continente-avancado-do-mes-e-samu|date=15 January 2025|access-date=15 January 2025|website=Liga Portugal|language=pt}}{{cite web|title=Samu eleito Jogador do Mês da Liga Portugal Betclic|url=https://www.ligaportugal.pt/news/23610/samu-eleito-jogador-do-mes-da-liga-portugal-betclic|date=15 January 2025|access-date=15 January 2025|website=Liga Portugal|language=pt}} His performances throughout the season, led to Aghehowa achieved his most prolific campaign, scoring 25 goals, including 19 in the league, as Porto finished third-place in the Primeira Liga.{{cite web|title=Duas épocas consecutivas no 3.º lugar: FC Porto com registo pouco habitual|url=https://www.record.pt/futebol/futebol-nacional/liga-betclic/fc-porto/detalhe/duas-epocas-consecutivas-no-3-lugar-fc-porto-com-registo-pouco-habitual|date=15 January 2024|access-date=15 January 2024|website=Record|language=pt}}

Prior to receiving his first competitive cap for the Spain senior team in November 2024, Aghehowa was eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents birthplace, but he chose to represent Spain internationally.{{cite web|url=https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=47948|title=Spain looking to provisionally cap-tie Nigeria-eligible striker who scored 18 goals last season|work=All Nigeria Soccer|date=2 July 2023|accessdate=14 August 2023}}

In April 2023, Aghehowa received his first call-up to the Spain under-19 national team.{{cite web|url=https://www.granadacf.es/noticias/samu-omorodion-convocado-con-espana-sub-19|title=Samu Omorodion, convocado con España sub-19|trans-title=Samu Omorodion, called up with Spain under-19s|publisher=Granada CF|language=es|date=25 April 2023|accessdate=14 August 2023}} In July of the same year, he took part in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship in Malta,{{Cite web |date=1 July 2023 |title=OFICIAL {{!}} ¡Lista definitiva! 20 jugadores representarán a España en el Europeo de Malta |url=https://rfef.es/es/noticias/oficial-lista-definitiva-20-jugadores-representaran-espana-en-el-europeo-de-malta |access-date=1 July 2023 |website=Spanish Football Federation |language=es-ES}} where the Rojita lost to eventual champions Italy in the semi-finals.{{Cite web |last=Camacho |first=Ignacio |date=13 July 2023 |title=Italia deja a la Rojita sin final |url=https://as.com/futbol/seleccion/italia-deja-a-la-rojita-sin-final-n/ |access-date=26 August 2023 |website=Diario AS |language=es-ES}} He was a member of Spain's national team for the football tournament at the 2024 Summer Olympics, helping the team in their gold medal-winning run.{{Cite web|url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/723160-four-athletes-of-nigerian-origin-who-won-medals-in-paris-olympics.html|website=Premium Times|title=Four athletes of Nigerian origin who won medals in Paris Olympics|date=11 August 2024|first=Tunde|last=Eludini}}

Aghehowa received his first senior international call-up in November 2024 for a couple of Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Switzerland.{{Cite web|url=https://efe.com/deportes/2024-11-08/convocatoria-seleccion-espanola-liga-naciones-dinamarca-suiza/|agency=EFE|date=8 November 2024|language=es|title=Samu, Paredes y Casadó, novedades en la convocatoria de la selección española|accessdate=8 November 2024}} He made his debut against the latter on 18 November at the Estadio Heliodoro Rodríguez López in Santa Cruz de Tenerife, replacing Álvaro Morata at half-time, as Spain won the match 3–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/699023/switzerland-spain|title=Spain v Switzerland game report|date=18 November 2024|accessdate=18 November 2024|work=ESPN}}

Aghehowa has been described by The Athletic as a "modern No 9" who is "tall, quick, and physically imposing" centre-forward.{{Cite web |first1=Elias |last1=Burke | first2=Gillian |last2=Kasirye | date=7 August 2024 |title=Who is Samu Omorodion and how might he fit at Chelsea? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5576228/2024/08/07/chelsea-transfer-samu-omorodion/ |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=The Athletic |language=en}} He combines strength and aerial ability to create opportunities and threaten in the penalty area. His acceleration aids counterattacks, while his finishing shows promise with both feet and his head. He applies pressure effectively, disrupts opposition play, and contributes defensively with tracking and aerial support. His high work rate and direct approach enhance his impact in attack.{{Cite web |first=Sive |last=Vishwa | date=14 March 2024 |title=Samuel Omorodion: Spain's Next Top Striker? |url=https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/samuel-omorodion-spains-next-top-striker/ |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Breaking the Lines |language=en}}{{Cite web |first=Lee |last=Scott |title=Samu Omorodion Scouting Report: Atlético Madrid Loan To Deportivo Alavés |url=https://totalfootballanalysis.com/article/samu-omorodion-deportivo-alaves-on-loan-from-atletico-madrid |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Total Football Analysis |language=en}}{{Cite web | date=8 August 2024 |title=Who is Samuel Omorodion and does he make sense for Chelsea? |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/samuel-omorodion-does-sense-chelsea-000000623.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJ8VTlSiQaOrC6mkfnS5WOmypT4bGWQ68VqiH_iXlfxhtn09CgUStYqbzBbC69gWccl4LcMluIbDCgtBIWAYVKs0SOMSwjcn2VmoLAJys_5Yo7GAoz6m4AFCHvdZXOdE4Wq8B4yUwkB62F3ZB8AnOwEq82A_3dy6Qo5-kik0ZPz8 |access-date=9 August 2024 |website=Yahoo Sports |language=en}}

According to former Atlético Madrid scout Javier Vidales, Aghehowa is "more than just a strong striker who holds up play and distributes the ball". He sees Aghehowa as playing the "role of two attackers: a target man who occupies defenders and a mobile forward who finds space. If defenders close down the spaces, he acts as a traditional No.9; if they block him, he adapts to exploit openings".

Previously known as Samu Omorodion, Samu announced in November 2024 that he wanted to be known by his maternal surname Aghehowa to honour his mother.{{Cite web|url=https://www.relevo.com/futbol/liga-portuguesa/samu-olvida-omorodion-elige-aghehowa-20241105205052-nt.html|title=Samu explica por qué se 'olvida' del Omorodion y elige el Aghehowa de su madre: "Qué menos que honrarla con su apellido"|date=5 November 2024|website=Relevo}}

{{updated|match played 23 June 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/samuel-omorodion-aghehowa/820934/|title=Samu|website=Soccerway|access-date=21 August 2023}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 5 June 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=32756|title=Samu Aghehowa|website=EU-Football.info|access-date=10 November 2024}}

Spain U23

• Summer Olympics gold medal: 2024{{cite news |last=Ronay |first=Barney |date=9 August 2024 |title=Camello's extra-time double clinches football gold for Spain against France |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/aug/09/football-olympics-paris-france-spain-final |access-date=9 August 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}}

Spain

• UEFA Nations League runner-up: 2024–25{{cite web|url=https://www.uefa.com/uefanationsleague/match/2044949--portugal-vs-spain/|title=Portugal vs Spain - UEFA Nations League Final 2025|website=UEFA.com|accessdate=8 June 2025}}

Individual

• La Liga Play of the Month: February 2024 (with Álex Sola){{cite news|url=https://www.laliga.com/en-GB/news/alex-sola-and-samu-omorodion-win-the-laliga-ea-sports-best-play-for-february|title= Alex Sola and Samu Omorodion win the LALIGA EA SPORTS Best Play for February|publisher=La Liga|date=29 February 2024|access-date=29 February 2024}}
• Primeira Liga Player of the Month: December 2024

{{reflist}}

• {{BDFutbol|110597}}
• {{LaPreferente|277472}}
• {{Soccerway|samuel-omorodion-aghehowa/820934}}

{{FC Porto squad}}

{{Spain men's football squad 2024 Summer Olympics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aghehowa, Samu}}

Category:2004 births

Category:Living people

Category:Spanish people of Nigerian descent

Category:Sportspeople of Nigerian descent

Category:Footballers from Melilla

Category:Footballers from Seville

Category:Spanish men's footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Club Recreativo Granada players

Category:Granada CF footballers

Category:Atlético Madrid footballers

Category:Deportivo Alavés players

Category:FC Porto players

Category:La Liga players

Category:Segunda Federación players

Category:Primeira Liga players

Category:Spain men's youth international footballers

Category:Spain men's under-21 international footballers

Category:Spain men's international footballers

Category:Olympic footballers for Spain

Category:Footballers at the 2024 Summer Olympics

Category:Olympic medalists in football

Category:Olympic gold medalists for Spain

Category:Medalists at the 2024 Summer Olympics

Category:Spanish expatriate men's footballers

Category:Spanish expatriate sportspeople in Portugal

Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Portugal

Category:21st-century Spanish sportsmen