Rashidi Yekini: The Nigerian Football Legend nicknamed the ‘Goalsfather’, was a legendary Nigerian footballer whose impact on soccer globally remains etched in the hearts of millions. His exceptional soccer skills have remained a point of reference for many soccer stars across the globe.
Early Life.
Rashidi Yekini was born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna State to Yoruba parents from Kwara State. He started as a welder and mechanic before he honored his football calling, joining his first football club, ‘UNTL FC’ in Kaduna.
Education.
There is no specific information available about Rashidi Yekini’s formal education. However, despite having very little education, he surprisingly spoke three international languages: English, Portuguese, and French.
Career.
Yekini’s career took him to various countries, including Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Greece, Portugal, and Switzerland. He played for the Shooting Stars where he scored 45 goals in 53 games. During his time at Portugal’s Vitória Setúbal in the 1993-94 season, Yekini clinched the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) for being the top scorer in the league. He scored an impressive 21 goals.
He also played a vital role in Nigeria’s national team, the ‘Super Eagles,’ qualifying for the 1994 World Cup. He remained with the Super Eagles for over 14 years, making another World Cup appearance in 1998. During his time with the Super Eagles, Yekini scored 37 goals in 58 games for Nigeria.
Why Is Rashidi Yekini Trending Today?
Rashidi Yekini has been trending because Google Doodle celebrated his posthumous birthday as he would have turned 60 on October 23, 2023.
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Age.
Rashidi Yekini was born on October 23, 1963. If he were alive today, he would have been 60 years old.
Relationship Status.
Rashidi Yekini was married to three wives and had three daughters: Yemisi, Omoyemi, and Damilola.
Parents.
Rashidi Yekini was born to Yoruba parents from Kwara State.
Cars.
There is no specific information available about Rashidi Yekini’s cars.
Houses.
Rashidi Yekini had two houses.
- One of them is a twin five-room duplex with a boys quarter of two rooms and two garages located in Oni and sons area in Ibadan.
- The other house is a two-story building with four three bedrooms flats and a boys’ quarter located at Ijagbo in Kwara state.
Aspirations.
There is no specific information available about Rashidi Yekini’s aspirations.
Usual Words (Quotes).
Here are some quotes attributed to Rashidi Yekini:
- “Age is a thing of the mind. The thing there is that the more you get old in the game, the wiser you become. I don’t need to be running to the ball; it is the ball that should run to me.”
- “Money is never my first consideration. It’s a great joy being back home so thinking about money is nothing. I value happiness more than money. Money can’t buy you peace of mind.”
- “There was a time I learnt that my club coach was complaining in the press that I went too often to play for Nigeria and that it affected his plans. I told him nobody can stop me from playing for my fatherland. This is where my people love me – not only because I score goals but because I am their son.”
Net Worth.
There is no specific information available about Rashidi Yekini’s net worth.
FAQs on Rashidi Yekini.
Who was Rashidi Yekini?
Rashidi Yekini was a legendary Nigerian footballer who made significant contributions to soccer globally.
When and where was Rashidi Yekini born?
Rashidi Yekini was born on October 23, 1963, in Kaduna State to Yoruba parents from Kwara State.
What were some of Rashidi Yekini's career highlights?
Some of his career highlights include scoring 45 goals in 53 games for Shooting Stars and scoring an impressive 21 goals during his time at Portugal’s Vitória Setúbal in the 1993-94 season.
Is Rashidi Yekini dead?
Yes, Rashidi Yekini is dead.
When did Rashidi Yekini die?
Rashidi Yekini passed away on May 4, 2012, at the age of 48. His death was confirmed by his former national teammates Mutiu Adepoju and Ike Shorunmu. He was reportedly ill for an extended period of time before his death. He was buried at his residence in Ira, Kwara State. His death left a significant impact on the football community, particularly in Nigeria.
What killed Rashidi Yekini?
Rashidi Yekini’s death was reported to be due to a long illness. In 2011, news media in Nigeria began issuing reports of his failing health, and he was said to suffer from bipolar disorder and some other undisclosed psychiatric condition. Readers, the circumstances surrounding Yekini’s death are shrouded in mystery.
He was also reportedly kidnapped shortly before his death in 2012, there were no definitive answers regarding the cause. Authorities in Oyo State, where Yekini resided, never initiated a formal investigation, leaving a cloud of suspicion and numerous unanswered questions.
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