Wikipedia

Angelo Ogbonna

Obinze Angelo Ogbonna (Italian pronunciation: [ˈandʒelo oɡˈbɔnna]; born 23 May 1988) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a centre back for EFL Championship club Watford.

Angelo Ogbonna
Ogbonna with West Ham United in 2021
Personal information
Full name Obinze Angelo Ogbonna[1]
Date of birth (1988-05-23) 23 May 1988 (age 36)[2]
Place of birth Cassino, Italy
Height 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre back
Team information
Current team
 Watford
Number 21
Youth career
Cassino
2002–2006 Torino
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2006–2013 Torino 150 (1)
2007–2008 → Crotone (loan) 22 (0)
2013–2015 Juventus 41 (0)
2015–2024 West Ham United 201 (8)
2024– Watford 4 (0)
International career
2009–2010 Italy U21 10 (0)
2011–2016 Italy 13 (0)
Medal record
Men's Football
Representing  Italy
UEFA European Championship
Runner-up 2012
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19 October 2024 (UTC)

Ogbonna signed for Torino in 2002, having previously been a member of Nuova Cassino's youth set-up. Ogbonna made his debut in Serie A at the age of 18 under Alberto Zaccheroni. After a loan spell at Crotone in Serie C1, he returned to Torino, with whom he played for a further five seasons. In July 2013, he transferred to city rivals, Juventus, winning the Scudetto in 2013–14 and 2014–15, as well as the 2013 Supercoppa Italiana and the 2014–15 Coppa Italia.

As a member of the Italy national team, he played for the Italian side that finished runners-up at UEFA Euro 2012 and also represented his nation at UEFA Euro 2016.

Club career

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Torino

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Ogbonna began his early career in the youth set-up of Cassino, where he played as a central back. In 2002, he was noticed by Torino, which, on the recommendation of Antonio Comi,[3] bought him for €3,000 and assigned him to their youth team.[4] In the 2006–07 season he was regularly called up to the first team and on 11 February 2007 he made his debut in Serie A at age 18, against Reggina (1–2), as a starter under coach Alberto Zaccheroni.[5] At the end of season he totalled 4 league appearances.

The following August he moved on loan to Crotone in Serie C1,[6] making 22 league appearances in the league and nearly earning promotion to Serie B, losing in the semi-final play-offs.

In the 2008–09 Serie A season he returned to Torino, collecting 19 league appearances and four in Coppa Italia. Torino, however, were relegated to Serie B at the end of the season. Starting from 2009, after the relegation of the club to Serie B, he earned his place as a starter for the Granata. On 17 April 2010, Ogbonna scored his first goal for Torino in the match against Cesena, finishing 1–1.[7] On 15 August 2010, in the second round of Coppa Italia against Cosenza (won 3–1 in extra time), he wore the captain's armband for the first time. In three Serie B seasons with Torino, Ogbonna made 105 appearances, helping the club return to Serie A after finishing second to Pescara during the 2011–12 season.

On 2 February 2012, he renewed his contract with Torino until 30 June 2016.[8]

Juventus

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Ogbonna playing for Juventus in 2014

On 11 July 2013, Ogbonna underwent a medical at Turin's Fornaca, Isokinetic and the Istituto di Medicina dello Sport ahead of his proposed cross-town move to Juventus.[9] After passing the medical, he officially signed for Juventus for a transfer fee of €13 million, with an additional €2 million to be paid in future bonuses.[10] He became the first player to become captain of the Granata and transfer to rivals Juventus,[11] sparking much dislike with his old supporters of Torino.[12]

He made his Champions League debut in on 17 September 2013, against F.C. Copenhagen.[13] In his first season, despite being behind Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the pecking order at centre back, Ogbonna managed 25 appearances in all competitions, mostly starting in matches in the latter half of the season as the team was heavily rotated for league, Coppa Italia and Champions League matches. Ogbonna played 16 league games for Juventus in the 2013–14 season, as they won Serie A title.[13] He was also a member of the side which won the 2013 Supercoppa Italiana[13] In the 2014–15 season, Juventus defended the Serie A title once again, with Ogbonna making 25 league appearances, and the 2014–15 Coppa Italia.[13] On 6 June 2015, he was an unused substitute as Juventus lost the Champions League Final 3–1 to Barcelona in Berlin.[13]

West Ham United

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Ogbonna playing for West Ham United in 2019

On 10 July 2015, Ogbonna joined Premier League club West Ham United, on a four-year contract, for €11 million to be spread over the next three financial years.[14][15] He made his debut 20 days later in the Europa League third qualifying round, starting against Astra Giurgiu; in the 82nd minute he netted an own goal equaliser as West Ham drew 2–2 at the Boleyn Ground.[16] On 9 February 2016, Ogbonna scored his first goal for the club, netting an injury-time match-winning header in the 121st minute of a 2–1 home win over Liverpool, in the fourth round FA Cup replay.[17]

Having played 18 of a possible 22 Premier League games for West Ham in the 2016–17 season, he was ruled out for the remainder of the season as he required an operation. West Ham manager, Slaven Bilić, said that Ogbonna had played every game of the season despite carrying the injury.[18] He returned for the final game of the 2016–17 season, a 2–1 away win against Burnley.[19] In June 2017, Ogbonna signed a new contract with West Ham committing him to the club until 2022.[20]

On 11 December 2020, Ogbonna scored the winning goal in a 2–1 away win over Leeds United which secured West Ham's first win at Elland Road since 2000.[21] In November 2021, Ogbonna damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in a home win against Liverpool. The injury ruled him out for the rest of the 2021–22 season.[22] Ogbonna made his return on 18 August 2022 in the 2022–23 Europa Conference League in a 3–1 home win against Danish team Viborg.[23][24]

In June 2024, West Ham announced that Ogbonna would be leaving the club at the end of the 2023–24 season; he made 249 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 13 goals.[25][26][27] Having played 201 Premier League games, he was the second Italian footballer with the highest number of appearances in the league at the time of his departure, behind only Gianfranco Zola.[28][29]

Watford

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On 27 August 2024, Ogbonna signed for EFL Championship club Watford on an initial one-year contract.[30]

International career

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On 12 August 2009, he made his debut with the Italian under-21 team in a friendly game against Russia.[31]

Ogbonna made his senior debut on 11 November 2011 in a 2–0 friendly victory against Poland, where he came on as a substitute for Domenico Criscito in the 77th minute.[31]

Ogbonna was included by manager Cesare Prandelli in the Italian 23-man final squad for Euro 2012, but did not play during the competition.[31]

In May 2016, Ogbonna was included in the provisional 30-man Italy squad for Euro 2016;[32] On 31 May 2016, he was named in Antonio Conte's final 23-man squad for the tournament.[33] Ogbonna made his only appearance of the tournament on 22 June, in Italy's final group match, which ended in a 1–0 defeat to Ireland.[34] In October 2020, after a two-year absence, Ogbonna was called into the Italian squad by manager, Roberto Mancini, for two games in the Nations League.[35]

Style of play

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A strong and powerful central defender, Ogbonna is primarily known for his outstanding physical attributes;[36][37] he is also a competent tackler, and possesses a good positional sense, as well as an ability to read the game.[38][39] He is also capable of playing as a left back on occasion, due to his pace, technique, ball skills, vision, and distribution with his left foot.[36][37]

Personal life

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Ogbonna was born to Nigerian parents who emigrated to Italy from Nigeria in 1983, settling in the city of Cassino in the central part of the country, but managed to obtain Italian citizenship only after his 18th birthday.[40]

On 22 December 2008, Ogbonna survived a car accident near Turin after he lost control of his Smart car and drove off a bridge into a torrent at around 5:00 AM.[41]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 19 October 2024[13]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Torino 2006–07 Serie A 4 0 0 0 — — — 4 0
2008–09 19 0 4 0 — — — 23 0
2009–10 Serie B 31 1 1 0 — — 3[c] 0 35 1
2010–11 35 0 2 0 — — — 37 0
2011–12 39 0 2 0 — — — 41 0
2012–13 Serie A 22 0 1 0 — — — 23 0
Total 150 1 10 0 — — 3 0 163 1
Crotone (loan) 2007–08 Serie C1 22 0 1 0 — — 2[d] 0 25 0
Juventus 2013–14 Serie A 16 0 2 0 — 6[e] 0 1[f] 0 25 0
2014–15 25 0 4 0 — 1[g] 0 0 0 30 0
Total 41 0 6 0 — 7 0 1 0 55 0
West Ham United 2015–16 Premier League 28 0 5 1 0 0 1[h] 0 — 34 1
2016–17 20 0 1 0 3 0 2[h] 0 — 26 0
2017–18 32 1 3 0 4 2 — — 39 3
2018–19 24 1 2 0 3 2 — — 29 3
2019–20 31 2 2 0 0 0 — — 33 2
2020–21 28 3 2 0 0 0 — — 30 3
2021–22 11 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 11 1
2022–23 16 0 3 0 1 0 10[i] 0 — 30 0
2023–24 11 0 1 0 2 0 3[h] 0 — 17 0
Total 201 8 19 1 13 4 16 0 — 249 13
Watford 2024–25 EFL Championship 4 0 0 0 1 0 — — 5 0
Career total 418 9 35 1 14 4 23 0 6 0 497 14
  1. ^ Includes Coppa Italia and FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearance(s) in Serie B promotion play-offs
  4. ^ Appearance(s) in Serie C1 promotion play-offs
  5. ^ Three appearances in UEFA Champions League, three appearances in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ Appearance in Supercoppa Italiana
  7. ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  8. ^ a b c Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  9. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa Conference League

International

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Ogbonna with Italy in 2012
As of match played 5 September 2016[42]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Italy 2011 1 0
2012 4 0
2013 4 0
2014 1 0
2016 3 0
Total 13 0

Honours

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Torino

Juventus[13]

West Ham United

Italy[13]

References

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  1. ^ "Updated squads for 2017/18 Premier League confirmed". Premier League. 2 February 2018. Retrieved 18 February 2018.
  2. ^ a b "Angelo Ogbonna Profile". Premier League. Retrieved 4 October 2020.
  3. ^ Marina Beccuti (30 August 2011). "Comi "consiglia" la Roma ad Ogbonna". torinogranata.it. Retrieved 13 October 2011.
  4. ^ Pietro Ivaldi (5 February 2011). "Ogbonna, questione di testa". La Stampa. p. 43. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 5 February 2011.
  5. ^ Roberto Condio (12 February 2006). "Il Toro ai raggi X". La Stampa. p. 53. Archived from the original on 10 November 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2010.
  6. ^ "Cioffi all'Ascoli, Ogbonna al Crotone". torinofc.it. 31 August 2007. Archived from the original on 6 September 2007. Retrieved 24 September 2010.
  7. ^ "TORINO FC 1906 SITO UFFICIALE - Pareggio interno per i granata". Archived from the original on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  8. ^ "OGBONNA RINNOVA FINO AL 2016". Torino FC (in Italian). 2 February 2012. Archived from the original on 9 December 2012. Retrieved 9 February 2012.
  9. ^ "Ogbonna completes Juventus medical". Juventus.com. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  10. ^ "Ogbonna signs for Juventus". Juventus.com. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  11. ^ "Ogbonna, capitano granata che volle farsi juventino". Archivio — la Repubblica.it. 10 July 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  12. ^ ""Gobbonna"? No, grazie". Panorama. Archived from the original on 21 December 2013. Retrieved 7 July 2015.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h "A. Ogbonna". Soccerway. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  14. ^ "Thanks, Angelo — Juventus.com". Juventus.com. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  15. ^ "Angelo Ogbonna: West Ham sign Juventus defender". BBC Sport. Retrieved 10 July 2015.
  16. ^ "West Ham 2–2 Astra Giurgiu". BBC Sport. 30 July 2015. Retrieved 30 July 2015.
  17. ^ James Riach (9 February 2016). "Angelo Ogbonna heads West Ham past Liverpool in FA Cup replay". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 February 2016.
  18. ^ "Angelo Ogbonna: West Ham defender to miss rest of season". BBC Sport. 21 January 2017. Retrieved 25 January 2017.
  19. ^ "Burnley 1–2 West Ham United – Premier League – Football". sportsmole.co.uk. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  20. ^ "Angelo Ogbonna signs new contract – West Ham United". whufc.com. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  21. ^ Stone, Simon (11 December 2020). "Leeds 1-2 West Ham: David Moyes angry at VAR despite Angelo Ogbonna winner". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 December 2020.
  22. ^ "Ogbonna set to miss the rest of the season". BBC Sport.
  23. ^ "Team News: Ogbonna returns for Viborg, full debuts for Cornet & Scamacca". West Ham United F.C. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  24. ^ "Scamacca's off the mark as Hammers take 3-1 lead to Denmark". West Ham United F.C. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
  25. ^ "Ogbonna and Anang to leave West Ham United". West Ham United F.C. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 5 June 2024.
  26. ^ "West Ham United news: Angelo Ogbonna to leave Hammers when contract expires". BBC Sport. 5 June 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  27. ^ Ouzia, Malik (5 June 2024). "West Ham release Ogbonna as Johnson and Mubama contract talks continue". Evening Standard. Retrieved 10 June 2024.
  28. ^ Chinellato, Davide (5 June 2024). "Ogbonna lascia il West Ham dopo 9 anni. Torna in Italia?". La Gazzetta dello Sport (in Italian). Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  29. ^ Cotugno, Ada (5 June 2024). "Angelo Ogbonna lascia il West Ham dopo 9 stagioni: gli inglesi dicono addio a 'Uncle Ange'". Fanpage.it (in Italian). Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  30. ^ "Official: Ogbonna Strengthens Defensive Options". Watford F.C. 27 August 2024. Retrieved 27 August 2024.
  31. ^ a b c "Nazionale in cifre: Ogbonna Obinze, Angelo" (in Italian). FIGC. Archived from the original on 9 July 2012. Retrieved 24 May 2015.
  32. ^ "West Ham Defender Ogbonna Included In Italy Provisional Roster For Euro 2016:: All Nigeria Soccer — The Complete Nigerian Football Portal". AllNigeriaSoccer.com. Retrieved 24 May 2016.
  33. ^ "OFFICIAL: Italy squad for Euro 2016". Football Italia. 31 May 2016. Retrieved 31 May 2016.
  34. ^ Adams, Sam (22 June 2016). "Brady sends euphoric Ireland into the last 16". UEFA. Retrieved 22 June 2016.
  35. ^ "Italy announce squad bereft of Napoli players pending Covid-19 tests".
  36. ^ a b "Torino: Fenomeno Ogbonna, gioiello per l'estate" [Torino: Ogbonna Phenomenon, jewel for the summer] (in Italian). tuttomercatoweb.com. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
  37. ^ a b Adam Digby (29 May 2015). "Juve's Prem-linked stopper who needs a new home this summer". FourFourTwo.com. Retrieved 26 January 2017.
  38. ^ MINA RZOUKI (4 June 2015). "Giorgio Chiellini's leadership will be missed in UCL final absence". ESPN FC. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  39. ^ Dave Taylor (14 July 2013). "Ogbonna – From Bull to Bianconero". Football Italia. Retrieved 14 February 2017.
  40. ^ "All Black Italians". Italia-Razzismo. 20 October 2009. Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2011.
  41. ^ "Che paura per Ogbonna! Giù da un ponte con l'auto" (in Italian). La Gazzetta dello Sport. 22 December 2008. Archived from the original on 23 December 2008. Retrieved 22 December 2008.
  42. ^ "Ogbonna, Angelo". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
  43. ^ "Ogbonna: We cannot fail at home in front of our fans". West Ham Unitex. 15 March 2019. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  44. ^ Stone, Simon (7 June 2023). "Fiorentina 1–2 West Ham United: Jarrod Bowen goal decides Europa Conference League final". BBC Sport. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
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