Iké Ugbo
Iké Dominique Ugbo is a professional soccer player who plays as a forward for club Sheffield Wednesday. Born in England, he represents the [Canada men's national Association football|soccer team|Canada national team].
Ugbo grew up in Canada and played youth soccer there before returning to England, where he played with the youth team of Chelsea. He had loan spells at Barnsley, Milton Keynes Dons, Scunthorpe United, Roda JC and Cercle Brugge, before signing for Genk in 2021.
He represented England at under-17 and under-20 youth levels, before making his senior international debut for Canada in 2021.
Early life
Ugbo was born in London, England, to Nigerian parents. He moved to Canada with his family when he was four, settling in Brampton, Ontario. In Canada, he played youth soccer with Brampton East SC and Woodbridge Strikers, winning an international under-10 tournament at Disney in 2008 with the latter.Upon his return to England, Ugbo joined the Chelsea Academy at under-10 level. He won the UEFA Youth League with Chelsea in 2014–15 and 2015–16.
Club career
Chelsea
In 2015, Ugbo signed his first professional contract with Chelsea, but continued to play for the U17 through U23 sides. On 17 July 2017, Ugbo signed a season-long loan deal with Barnsley. On 5 August, Ugbo made his debut off the bench against Bristol City, which resulted in a 3–1 loss. He scored his first professional goal on 26 August against Sunderland. On 3 January 2018, Ugbo's loan spell with Barnsley was terminated, following a lack of game time.The next day, Ugbo joined League One club Milton Keynes Dons on loan for the remainder of the 2017–18 season. On 6 January 2018, Ugbo made his debut for the club, featuring in a 1–0 third round FA Cup away victory over Queens Park Rangers.
Ugbo joined Scunthorpe United on loan in August 2018, alongside Jak Alnwick.
In August 2019, it was announced the striker would head to the Netherlands to spend the season on loan at Roda JC in the Dutch second tier.
On 18 August 2020, Ugbo went to Belgian club Cercle Brugge on loan.
Genk
In August 2021, Ugbo signed a permanent deal with Belgian club Genk. He made his first competitive appearance on 29 August against Anderlecht as a late substitute for Paul Onuachu and scored on his debut, netting the game winner in a 1–0 victory.Troyes
In January 2022, Ugbo joined Troyes of Ligue 1 on loan. He made his debut for Troyes on 13 February, playing the full 90 in a 5–1 defeat to Brest. In Ugbo's third game for Troyes against Rennes on 20 February, he scored his first goal. In August 2022, Troyes announced they had reached a deal with Genk over the permanent transfer of Ugbo, signing him on a four-year deal until 2026.In July 2023, Ugbo joined Championship club Cardiff City on a season-long loan deal. The next month on 6 August, Ugbo made his debut for Cardiff against Leeds United and had a goal and an assist in an eventual 2–2 draw at Elland Road.
On 11 January 2024, Ugbo was recalled from Cardiff City and sent on loan to Championship rivals Sheffield Wednesday. He made his debut in a 2–1 defeat against Coventry City on 20 January, coming off the bench. His first goals for the club came against Birmingham City on 9 February, scoring a brace. After scoring five goals in five games in February 2024, he was nominated for the Championship Player of the Month.