Brown Ideye Retires from Professional Football at 36

Former Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 36.

Ideye, a member of Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning team, enjoyed a career that spanned 17 years, 11 clubs, and 9 countries. He made 431 appearances, scored 155 goals, and was involved in transfer deals worth around £43 million.

Sharing the news on social media, Ideye wrote:

“After much thought and consideration, with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football. This game made me and gave me everything—joy, sadness, the chance to travel and see the world, lifelong friendships, and unforgettable memories.”

The forward began his career in Nigeria with Bayelsa United before moving to Ocean Boys, where he helped the club win the Nigeria Premier League title in 2006.

In January 2008, Ideye moved to Europe, signing for Swiss side Neuchâtel Xamax. He later played for Sochaux (France), Dynamo Kyiv (Ukraine), West Bromwich Albion (England), Olympiacos (Greece), Tianjin Teda (China), Málaga (Spain), Göztepe (Turkey), Al-Yarmouk (Kuwait), and finally Enyimba in Nigeria.

On his international career, Ideye thanked Nigeria for the opportunity to represent the Super Eagles. He played a key role at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring in the semi-final against Mali and featuring in the final win over Burkina Faso. He was also part of the squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Honours and Achievements:

• Nigeria: Africa Cup of Nations (2013)
• Dynamo Kyiv: Ukrainian Cup (2013–14), Ukrainian Super Cup (2011)
• Olympiacos: Greek Super League (2015–16)
• Ocean Boys: Nigeria Premier League (2006)
• Individual: Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), awarded by President Goodluck Jonathan

Ideye’s final professional season was with Enyimba in the 2024–25 Nigeria Premier Football League, where he played 10 matches and scored 4 goals. After leaving the club, he spoke openly about unpaid bonuses and the need for better welfare for players.

Looking to the future, he said:

“Though my time as a professional player has ended, football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter.”

Ideye has already started work with Lagos-based academy, Atlantic Business, where he is helping to develop young football talent.