Taiwo Awoniyi Biography: Age, Career, Net Worth, Wife and Nottingham Forest Striker
Taiwo Awoniyi’s career is one of football’s most instructive redemption stories. Liverpool signed him as a teenager in 2015, but for six years he could not get a work permit to play in England, spending that entire period on loan across Europe — Belgium, Germany, Netherlands — without ever kicking a ball in anger for the club that owned him. When he was finally sold in 2021, it was not to a top six club. It was to Union Berlin in Germany. Two seasons later, he was scoring goals in the Premier League for Nottingham Forest. Few footballers in the modern era have taken a longer, more complicated route to the top flight — and arrived there looking completely at home.
Taiwo Awoniyi Biography
| Full Name | Taiwo Awoniyi |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 12, 1997 |
| Age | 28 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) |
| Occupation | Professional Footballer |
| Net Worth | Estimated $8–12 million (not publicly confirmed) |
Early Life and Background
Taiwo Awoniyi was born on August 12, 1997, in Ilorin, Kwara State, in north-central Nigeria. He developed through Nigerian youth football with the International Football Academy before Liverpool signed him in 2015 at 18 years old — a signing that reflected genuine belief in his potential, even if the administrative realities of English work permit rules meant he could never exercise that potential at Anfield.
Career Journey
From 2015 to 2021, Awoniyi was Liverpool’s property but lived his career on loan: Gent and Mouscron in Belgium, Frankfurt and Mainz in Germany, Groningen and NEC Nijmegen in the Netherlands. It was a formative period that, in retrospect, gave him something many hothoused academy prospects lack: European competitive experience across multiple leagues, under different coaches, in different football cultures. By the time he left Liverpool (sold to Union Berlin for approximately €6.5 million in 2021), he was a complete centre-forward.
At Union Berlin in Germany’s Bundesliga, he scored 20 goals in his debut season — a stunning return that proved his readiness for the highest level. Nottingham Forest paid £17.5 million for him in July 2022, and he became their most reliable striker through their return to the Premier League. Despite some injury disruptions, he has maintained a consistent goal return at Forest and established himself as one of the more underrated strikers in English football. He has drawn further transfer interest with each productive season.
International Career
Awoniyi made his Super Eagles debut and has become a regular contributor at international level. His hold-up play, physical presence, and movement off the ball complement Osimhen’s more explosive style, giving Nigeria different attacking options at AFCON and in qualifying campaigns.
Personal Life and Net Worth
Awoniyi is a Christian who keeps his personal life out of the media spotlight. His net worth is estimated at $8–12 million, reflecting his Premier League contract and Bundesliga earnings. The figure has not been publicly confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Taiwo Awoniyi never play for Liverpool?
Work permit restrictions meant he was unable to play for Liverpool’s senior team in England. He spent his six years at the club on loan across European leagues.
Where is Taiwo Awoniyi from?
He was born in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria.
What club does Awoniyi play for?
As of 2026, he plays for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.
How much did Liverpool sell Awoniyi for?
Liverpool sold him to Union Berlin for approximately €6.5 million in 2021.
Has Taiwo Awoniyi played for Nigeria at AFCON?
Yes. He has been part of Nigeria’s AFCON squads and has contributed at international level.
