Mikel is a Nigerian footballer born on April 22, 1987 whch should put his age currently at 36.
He had a brief spell in South Africa with Ajax Cape Town and gained global recognition in 2005 when he played in the FIFA World Youth Championship where he and his Nigerian teammates were beaten 2-1 in the final by Argentina.
After joining Norwegian club Lyn at the age of 17 in 2004, Mikel made a controversial transfer to Premier League club Chelsea in 2006 after Manchester United claimed they had already signed him.
Mikel made his first start for Chelsea On September 12, 2006, in a UEFA Champions League match against Levski Sofia and took a powerful shot which the goalkeeper couldn’t save and Didier Drogba pounced on the rebound.
Because of his brilliant performance in that match, he received many positive comments. He stayed with Chelsea for 11 years, before moving to China with Tianjin TEDA in 2017.
After two years in China, he returned to England on a short-term deal with Championship side Middlesbrough, before joining Turkish club Trabzonspor on a free transfer in July 2019.
Mikel moved back to England in August 2020 joining Stoke City before signing for Kuwait SC the following year.
Mikel made his first-ever international start in Nigeria’s final group game in a 2-1 victory over Senegal.
While in 2013, he became part of the Nigerian national team going to the African Nations Cup and captained them to victory.
The Super Eagles star and Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi is expected to make a return to Stamford Bridge when Chelsea legends take on Bayern Munich legends in a charity game in September.
The Blues team will be drawn from the squad that won the UEFA Champions League in 2012.
The West London side defeated Bayern Munich 4-3 on penalties in the final, with Mikel playing a pivotal role.
The encounter will give the players chance to meet and reminisce on the memories of that special night in Munich.
Tagged “Legends of Europe”, the game is put together in remembrance of Chelsea legend, Gianluca Vialli who passed away last year.
The Chelsea team will be coached by Roberto Di Matteo and captained by John Terry.
Mikel announced his retirement from active football in September 2022.
