Biography
William Paul Troost-Ekong (born 1 September 1993), commonly known as William Troost-Ekong, is a seasoned and adaptable footballer who has showcased his talent in a variety of clubs and countries.
Renowned for his leadership qualities, Troost-Ekong has been captained at club level, playing for PAOK and on the international stage, representing Nigeria. With a Dutch mother and Nigerian father, he embraces his diverse heritage, bringing a unique combination of skills and perspective to the game.
William Troost-Ekong’s consistent form at the highest level, whether for club or country, has cemented his reputation as a valuable asset to any team lucky enough to have him in their squad.
Nigerian Football Player
William Troost-Ekong |
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 William Troost-Ekong: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Full name: | William Paul Troost-Ekong |
| Stage name: | William Troost-Ekong |
| Born: | September 1, 1993 (age 30) |
| Place of birth: | Haarlem, Netherlands |
| State of origin: | Akwa Ibom State |
| Nationality: | Netherlands, Nigeria |
| Education: | Hockerill Anglo-European College |
| Height: | 1.91 minutes |
| Parents: | Eleanore Troost, Troost Ekong |
| Siblings: | Emily Troost-Ekong, Everest Troost-Ekong |
| Couple: | Molly Troost-Ekong (married 2021) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Oscar Ekong |
| Job: | Football player |
| Net worth: | 4 million dollars (USD) |
Early life and education
William Troost-Ekong, a talented footballer, was born on 1 September 1993 in Haarlem, Netherlands. His origins reflect his diverse heritage, with his mother, Eleanore Troost, being Dutch and his father, Troost Ekong, hailing from Etinan in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. His state of origin is Akwa Ibom.
Among his siblings are Emily Troost-Ekong and Everest Troost-Ekong, who share his life journey. For his secondary education, William Troost-Ekong attended Hockerill Anglo-European College at Bishop’s Stortford, England, laying the foundations for his future endeavours on and off the field.
Career
William Troost-Ekong’s footballing journey has spanned Europe and been marked by resilience and success. Beginning his youth career in England with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, he ventured to the Netherlands to pursue a senior career, showcasing his talent with FC Groningen and FC Dordrecht. From there, his trajectory took him to various clubs in Belgium, Turkey and Italy, earning him accolades and recognition.
In Belgium, Troost-Ekong made his mark with KAA Gent in 2015 before embarking on a loan spell with FK Haugesund in Norway. His journey continued to Turkey, where he joined Bursaspor in the Süper Lig, and then to Italy, where he signed for Serie A side Udinese in 2018.
Notably, William Troost-Ekong’s tenure at Watford in the English Championship proved to be extremely important, helping the team gain promotion to the Premier League in 2020. After a loan spell at Salernitana in Italy, he travelled to Greece and joined PAOK, where he is currently defending his colours in the Greek league.
His talents are not limited to club football, as he has represented the Nigerian national team with distinction since 2015. With over 70 caps and the honour of captaincy, Troost-Ekong’s leadership and skill shine on the international stage. He has been a key figure in major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations, including the recent runner-up finish in 2024.
In the course of pursuing his football career, William Troost-Ekong underwent surgery on 23 March 2024. However, positive news about his recovery has brought hope and optimism for his quick return to the pitch, a development eagerly anticipated by fans and teammates.
Awards & Nominations
- AFCON 2023 Player of the Tournament:
- CAF Player of the Year 2017 Nominees:
- Watford Player of the Month 2020 Nominations
Social media
- Instagram Name: @wtroostekong
- Facebook name: William Troost-Ekong
- Twitter: William Troost-Ekong (MON) (@WtroostEkong)
Personal life
William Troost-Ekong, 30, shares his life with his wife, Molly Troost-Ekong. Although they chose to keep their wedding private with a private ceremony in London on October 17, 2021, their relationship has been going strong for some time. The couple welcomed their son Oscar Ekong in July 2018.
While they keep their private life private, their devotion to family is evident, suggesting a fulfilling and harmonious life.
Net worth
William Troost-Ekong is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Greek club PAOK. He has played for various clubs in Europe throughout his career, contributing to a reported net worth of $4 million. His current salary at PAOK is estimated to be close to €1 million per year, making him one of the highest-paid players on the team.
