Former Super Eagles striker, Brown Ideye, has officially drawn the curtain on his illustrious football career, bringing to an end nearly two decades of action across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
The 36-year-old confirmed his retirement through an emotional statement on his social media handles, where he expressed deep gratitude to God, his family, supporters, and all those who shaped his journey in football.
“After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football. I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed,” Ideye announced.
The ex-West Bromwich Albion and Dynamo Kyiv forward seized the moment to appreciate his loved ones, highlighting their role in sustaining his career through both triumphant and challenging times.
“I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day. This game made me and gave me everything, incredible joy, sad days, the opportunity to travel and see the world, lifelong friendships and so many unforgettable memories.”
A member of Nigeria’s victorious 2013 Africa Cup of Nations squad under the late Stephen Keshi, Ideye carved out a reputation as a reliable goal scorer and one of the Super Eagles’ most consistent performers.
His club career saw him don the colours of Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, Aris Thessaloniki, Malaga, Tianjin Teda, and most recently, Enyimba International FC in the NPFL.
In his farewell message, Ideye also remembered those who worked behind the scenes to ensure his success.
“To all the agents who worked tirelessly and negotiated with clubs for my dreams to come true, thank you. To all the sports journalists who spent long hours day and night covering and highlighting my career, I owe you a depth of gratitude.”
Across 27 appearances for the national team, he scored six goals and played a vital role in Keshi’s “golden generation” that restored Nigeria’s dominance in African football.
His words of appreciation extended to his former teammates, coaches, and fans, stating, “To every club I’ve had the honour of wearing their jersey and representing, every coach and teammate who pushed and rooted for me to be better, and every fan who supported me through highs and lows, thank you. Thank you, Nigeria, for the opportunity you gave me to wear the national colour and be among the Super Eagles.”
Though stepping away from active play, Ideye insists that football will always remain central to his life.
“Though my time as a pro-player has come to an end, football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter. Thank you all for being a part of this journey and I look forward to still seeing you on these football streets,”” Ideye noted.
The forward’s last stint came with Enyimba, where he wasn’t shy about challenging poor welfare standards for players in the domestic league.
From his early breakthrough at Ocean Boys to league triumphs in Ukraine and Greece, to starring in the Premier League and lifting the AFCON trophy, Ideye’s story is a testament to resilience and glory.
Now turning a new page, Ideye has already begun life after football. In July, Lagos-based Atlantic Business FC announced him as their Director of Player Pathways & Partnerships.
“A New Era Begins. We are proud to announce Brown Ideye, 2013 AFCON winner, Super Eagles legend, and global football icon, as Director of Player Pathways & Partnerships at Atlantic Business FC. From the global stage to grassroots, his journey now fuels ours.”
With boots hung and a new mission at hand, fans eagerly await to see whether Ideye’s next chapter will lead him deeper into coaching, punditry, or football development.
