George Ilenikhena
George Osrzehmen Ilenikhena is a Nigerian-French professional footballer who plays as a forward for club Monaco.
Early life
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, George Ilenikhena arrived in France aged 3, growing up in Antony, Hauts-de-Seine.Club career
Having made his way through all of the youth levels of the amateur Antony Football Evolution, George Ilenikhena joined the professional club of Amiens that was just relegated to Ligue 2, for the 2021–22 season. During that season he scored a total of 24 goals for the under-17 national side, also playing and scoring in the Coupe Gambardella. This drew the attention of clubs in France and abroad during the summer 2022, while he was still just aged 15. Ilenikhena made his professional debut for the Amiens SC on 19 November 2002, during a 10–0 home Coupe de France win to the Aiglon du Lamentin. He came on as a substitute for Jérémy Gelin, as his side was already 8–0 up. Having fully moved from the youth teams to the National 3 reserve team, Ilenikhena still kept on training regularly with the first team.On 29 June 2023, Ilenikhena signed for Belgian Pro League champions, Royal Antwerp, on a four-year deal, for a reported fee of €6 million. On 11 October, he was named by English newspaper The Guardian as one of the best players born in 2006 worldwide. On 13 December, he scored his first Champions League goal in the 92nd minute of stoppage time, securing a 3–2 victory against Barcelona to be his club's first ever win in the competition.
On 25 July 2024, Ilenikhena signed for Ligue 1 Club, AS Monaco. Later that year, on 19 September, he scored his first goal for the club, securing a 2–1 victory against Barcelona in the opening match of the Champions League league phase.
International career
Ilenikhena first featured with France youth teams in the summer of 2021, as he was selected with the Under-16.Style of play
Ilenikhena is a quick centre-forward, Philippe Hinschberger, the coach of his debut with Amiens, describes him as a strong left-footed player, with an outstanding ability to attack the depth of the field.He mentioned Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappé as his two favourite players.