From Arsenal Youth To Congolese Star, Benik Afobe

• He is a Congolese professional footballer
• He was the top scorer for Wolverhampton Wanderers in their Championship-winning season of 2017-18
• He has represented the DRC national team internationally

Benik Afobe is a Congolese professional footballer who currently plays as a striker for Al Dhafra in the UAE Pro League. He represented the Democratic Republic of Congo internationally after switching allegiance from England. Since making his debut for the DRC national team, the striker has represented the country in various competitions including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and the World Cup qualifiers.

The striker previously played for Arsenal, Huddersfield Town, Reading, Bolton Wanderers, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday, Milton Keynes Dons, Wolverhampton Wanderers, AFC Bournemouth, Stoke City, Bristol City and Trabzonspor. Born in England to Congolese parents, he began his career with Arsenal youth academy though he did not make a first-team appearance for the club, and was loaned out to several clubs before joining Wolverhampton permanently, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in season 2017-2018. He currently plays for AlDhafra in the UAE Pro League and represented England in several youth levels though he switched his allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Benik Afobe Educational Background

The striker was born in Leyton, London, England and attended Monteagle Primary School in Dagenham, London and then proceeded to Jo Richardson Community School in the same region. Just like most footballers, he was enrolled at the Arsenal youth academy when he was still young and it is likely that he focused on his professional training and his studies at the same time, as the programs are often tailored to allow young athletes to pursue both their athletic and academic aspirations.

Benik Afobe. Photo/Sky Sports

Beyond formal education, the player has demonstrated an interest in learning languages like French and Lingala, which reflect his Congolese heritage.

Benik Afobe Personal Life

Benik Afobe was born on February 12 1993 in Leyton, London, England to parents of DRC descent, who moved to England in search of a better life. He began his studies at Monteagle Primary School in Dagenham, London and then proceeded to Jo Richardson Community School in the same region before he was enrolled at the Arsenal Youth Academy when he was still young.

His life is characterized by a deep love for his family, his unwavering Christian faith and a strong commitment to giving back to society. His life has been full of challenges but he was able to fight them. He lost his father, grandmother and a daughter who was only two years old to sepsis, a devastating loss undoubtedly shaped his life and outlook. He has been in a long-term relationship with his partner Lois and they sired two children though they lost one. The striker joined Arsenal youth academy though he didn’t make it to the first team and was eventually loaned out to several teams before signing a permanent contract with Wolverhampton, helping them win promotion to the Premier League in season 2017-2018. He currently plays for Al Dhafra in the UAE Pro League and represented England in several youth levels though he switched his allegiance to the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Benik Afobe Youth Career to a Professional Footballer

Afobe started playing in a local club known as Sunday League Eclipse FC, where he was spotted by Arsenal scouts and joined their youth academy where he displayed prolific goal-scoring talent across the various age groups.

Benik Afobe. Photo/Sky Sports

Though he didn’t make it to the first team, he gained valuable experience through loan spells at Huddersfield Town, Reading, Bolton Wanderers, Millwall, Sheffield Wednesday and Milton Keynes Dons. He was then signed by the Wolverhampton Wanderers where he played a key role in their promotion to the Premier League in the 2017-18 season and became a regular Premier League scorer, attracting attention from top clubs.

He then transferred to AFC Bournemouth and continued being a Premier League goal scorer. The striker had loan spells at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bristol City before joining Stoke City and then to his current team Al Dhafra and has represented DRC internationally in several tournaments.