Veteran Super Eagles defender, Leon Balogun, has completed a move to Aris Limassol of Cyprus, penning a one-year contract with the topflight club.
Balogun, 36, arrived at Aris as a free agent following the expiration of his contract with Rangers FC in Scotland, marking the latest chapter in a career that has spanned top leagues across Europe.
“Aris Limassol announces a one-year cooperation agreement with German-Nigerian Leon Balogun!” the Cyprus side confirmed in an official statement.
“The 36-year-old (28/06/1988) central defender was acquired as a free agent as his contract with Rangers Scotland expired.
“This is a footballer with performances from top leagues, such as the English Premier League and the German Bundesliga, as well as participation in the 2018 World Cup!”
Born in Berlin, Balogun began his professional journey with Hertha BSC before earning his Bundesliga debut at Hannover 96 during the 2008–09 season.
He later featured for Werder Bremen and had stints in both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga.
Between 2012 and 2014, he turned out for Fortuna Düsseldorf, followed by a season at Darmstadt. His performances earned him a move to Mainz 05, where he spent three seasons in the Bundesliga, making 75 appearances and netting once.
He then crossed over to England, joining Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018. In his debut campaign with the Seagulls, he scored one goal in eight league outings. He later went on loan to Wigan Athletic before moving to Scotland.
Balogun played for Rangers from 2020 to 2022 and again from 2023 until his recent departure, totaling 114 appearances. During his time in Glasgow, he won the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish Cup, and the League Cup.
“He spent the 2020-22 season with Rangers in Scotland before spending a season with Queens Park Rangers in the Championship. In 2023, he returned to Rangers for another two years, making a total of 114 appearances for the Scottish giants, during which he won a league title, a cup and a League Cup.”
“The 1.90m tall defender played 29 times in European competitions, scoring two goals.”
Internationally, Balogun has been a key figure for Nigeria, earning 46 caps and scoring once. He featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and helped the Super Eagles claim third place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
“He played 46 games with the Nigerian National Team, scoring one goal, and in addition to his participation in the 2018 World Cup, he has the 3rd place he took with Nigeria in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations to show for it.”
“We welcome Leon to our team and wish him every success with the Aris jersey!”
With his wealth of experience and strong defensive presence, Aris Limassol will hope Balogun brings stability and leadership to their backline in the upcoming season.