George Ilenikhena joins AS Monaco
Born in Lagos (Nigeria) in 2006, George Ilenikhena arrived in France at the age of 3, in Antony (Hauts-de-Seine), where he began his career as a young footballer.
George Ilenikhena est Monégasque 📸#WelcomeIlenikhena pic.twitter.com/O2MHbAVB9S
— AS Monaco 🇲🇨 (@AS_Monaco) July 25, 2024
Record debut with Amiens
Recruited by Amiens in 2021, he began his career in Picardy with the U17s and then the U19s, before joining the pro squad at just 16. George Ilenikhena played his first minutes in the French Cup in November 2022, and made a remarkable league debut for the Picardy club a few months later.
His goal against Bordeaux (1-1 on January 13, 2023) made him Ligue 2’s youngest ever goalscorer. His performances (17 matches, 2 goals in his first season) earned him a transfer in the summer of 2023 to Royal Antwerp, who had just been crowned champions and winners of the Belgian Cup.
European consecration
Under Mark Van Bommel, the left-handed striker confirmed the expectations placed in him. Skilful in front of goal, quick and powerful, he scored 14 goals in 50 games for Antwerp and established himself as the club’s second-highest scorer.
His precociousness enabled him to follow in Romelu Lukaku’s footsteps when, at 17 years and 74 days, he became the youngest player to score in 2 consecutive Jupiler Pro League games, 14 years after his elder.
Last season, he also took his first steps in the Champions League. Followed by many European teams, he scored his first goal in the competition against FC Barcelona in his club’s 3-2 victory over the Blaugrana.
Author of 16 goals and 1 assist in 67 matches, George Ilenikhena will now continue his development at AS Monaco, wearing the number 21 shirt and strengthening the club’s attacking line.
AS Monaco wishes George all the best with the Rouge & Blanc! 🇲🇨
