Biography of Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-Aribo MON

Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-Aribo MON (born 21 July 1996) is a professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Southampton and the Nigeria national team. Known for his versatility and technical ability, Aribo has enjoyed a notable career in both domestic and international football.

Club Career
Staines Town
Aribo began his career at Staines Town in the Isthmian League Premier Division under Marcus Gayle. He won the club’s Academy Player of the Year award in 2014, setting the foundation for his professional journey.

Charlton Athletic
In 2015, Aribo joined Charlton Athletic following a successful trial and signed a one-year contract in May 2016. Over the course of his tenure, he established himself as a key player:

Made his first-team debut in October 2016.
Scored his first career goal in November 2017 and followed with impactful performances, including a brace against Rotherham United in 2018.
Played a crucial role in Charlton’s promotion to the EFL Championship in the 2018–19 season.
Rangers
Aribo moved to Rangers in 2019, signing a four-year deal. He quickly adapted, delivering standout performances:

Scored in his European debut and contributed significantly to Rangers’ Scottish Premiership victory in the 2020–21 season.
Played a pivotal role in Rangers’ journey to the UEFA Europa League final in 2022, scoring in the final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
In total, Aribo made 57 appearances in the 2021–22 season, with nine goals and 10 assists.
Southampton
Aribo joined Southampton in 2022, making an immediate impact by scoring in his Premier League debut season. Despite the club’s relegation in 2023, he helped secure promotion back to the Premier League during the 2023–24 season, contributing four goals in 49 appearances.

International Career
Eligible to represent Nigeria through his heritage, Aribo debuted for the Super Eagles in 2019, scoring in a 2–2 friendly draw against Ukraine. He further showcased his talent by scoring against Brazil later that year. Aribo represented Nigeria in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, playing key matches in the group stages and the knockout rounds.

Style of Play
Aribo is a versatile midfielder capable of operating in central or wide positions. His technical proficiency, long strides, and ability to shield the ball make him a unique asset. Describing his style, Aribo highlights his strength in “driving with the ball and getting up the pitch.”

Honors and Achievements
Club:
Scottish Premiership: 2020–21
Scottish Cup: 2022
EFL Championship Play-off Winner: 2024
Individual:
Staines Town Academy Player of the Year: 2014
Member of the Nigeria national team since 2019