Biography
Who is William Troost-Ekong?
Early life and education
William was born in Haarlem, Nigeria, but grew up in the Netherlands. His father is Nigerian and his mother, Eleanore Troost, is Dutch. He has two siblings named Emily and Everest.
For his schooling, he attended the Amsterdam International Community School. He later moved to England to study at Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop's Stortford. During his youth in England, he played football for Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur.
Club career history
William Troost-Ekong began his professional career in the Netherlands playing for FC Groningen and FC Dordrecht. In July 2015, he moved to the Belgian club KAA Gent and was subsequently loaned to FK Haugesund in Norway. He later moved to Turkey to join Bursaspor in July 2017.
He moved to the Italian Serie A side Udinese in August 2018, where he played 35 league matches during his first season. After a period in England with Watford starting in September 2020, he played for Salernitana in Italy in early 2023. He then joined PAOK in Greece on a permanent deal in July 2023.
International football career
While he represented the Netherlands at the under-19 and under-20 levels, he chose to play for Nigeria at the senior level. He made his debut for the Super Eagles on June 13, 2015, in a match against Chad. He eventually became the captain of the national team.
William earned more than 80 caps for his country. He was part of the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia and the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he won a bronze medal with the U23 side. During the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, he helped Nigeria achieve a third-place finish.
Personal life and foundation
Outside of his playing career, William founded the Troost-Ekong Foundation. This non-profit organization works to empower young people in Africa and Nigeria through education and football. The foundation aims to provide opportunities for youth development.
In 2025, the AF Global Football group established the William Troost-Ekong Scholarship Award. This competition uses the aiScout platform to offer scholarships. Winners receive a fully funded boarding position at an elite academy located in the United Kingdom.
Birthday and age
William Troost-Ekong was born on September 1, 1993, which makes William 33 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. William shares the date with 34 other famous people.
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