Biography
Who is Yakubu?
Early life and career beginnings
Yakubu was born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and started his football path as a teenager playing in the Nigerian Premier League with Julius Berger in Lagos. His early performances caught the attention of international scouts, leading to a move abroad that launched his professional career.
Israeli club Maccabi Haifa acquired his signature for $300,000 from Julius Berger. During his time with Maccabi Haifa, he experienced his highest scoring season in 2001 through 2002, finding the net 13 times in 22 league games and displaying exceptional form in European competition.
Portsmouth success
Yakubu moved to English club Portsmouth on loan in January 2003, signed by manager Harry Redknapp. He immediately helped the team secure the First Division title by scoring seven goals in 14 matches, which earned him a permanent transfer to the club for a fee of 4 million pounds in May 2003.
During the 2003 through 2004 Premier League season, he played 37 matches and scored 16 goals to finish as Portsmouth leading goalscorer. His impressive performances included crucial strikes against Manchester City, Leeds United, and a four-goal haul against Middlesbrough on the final day of the season.
He continued his strong form into the 2004 through 2005 season, scoring 13 goals for Portsmouth. His crucial equaliser against Bolton Wanderers ensured the club avoided relegation before he transferred to Middlesbrough for a club record fee of 7.5 million pounds.
Everton and later career
In August 2007, Yakubu transferred to Everton for a fee of 11.25 million pounds on a five-year contract, setting a club record at the time. He made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut against Bolton Wanderers and finished his first season with 21 goals in all competitions, helping Everton secure fifth place in the league.
After his time at Everton, he joined Leicester City on loan in January 2011, where he scored multiple goals including a hat-trick against his former club Middlesbrough. He later signed a three-year contract with Blackburn Rovers in August 2011, scoring four goals in a single match against Swansea City before concluding his spell in English football.
Birthday and age
Yakubu was born on November 22, 1982, which makes Yakubu 43 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Yakubu shares the date with 54 other famous people.
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