Matai Akinmboni

Matai Eyitayo Akinmboni is an American professional soccer player who plays as a defender for club Bournemouth.

Club career

Akinmboni is a central defender who started his career with D.C. United's USL affiliate Loudoun United while training at the D.C. United Academy. His first professional appearance was on March 27, 2022, coming on as a substitute in the last four minutes of a Loudoun match against The Miami FC. Akinmboni trained for two weeks with the German football club Bayern Munich in 2021, and was reported to have received "contractual terms" from the club, but ultimately did not join the team.
On August 31, 2022, Akinmboni was signed by D.C. United to a homegrown contract, which allowed him to join the first team. On the same day, he was featured as part of the team's gameday roster against NYCFC, but ultimately was not called to take the field for that game. Akinmboni's first appearance with D.C. United would come on September 10, 2022, when he was given a starting spot and played the entire first half of a match against Real Salt Lake that ended in a 0–0 draw.

Bournemouth

On January 3, 2025, Akinmboni signed for Premier League side Bournemouth on a long-term contract.

International career

Akinmboni was born in the United States, but through his parentage, is also eligible to play for the senior teams of Nigeria or Ghana. On August 16, 2022, he was called up to the United States men's national under-17 soccer team for their training camp.

Personal life

Akinmboni is the nephew of retired Ghanaian player Sammy Kuffour, who played in the center back position, and was part of the Ghana national team and Bayern Munich.