Raphael Onyedika is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Club Brugge and the Super Eagles. Born in Imo State on 19 April 2001, the midfielder developed at FC Ebedei before moving to FC Midtjylland in Denmark. He later joined Club Brugge after winning the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year award. This biography covers Raphael Onyedika’s age, salary, contract, market value, girlfriend, family, career statistics, honours and Super Eagles record.
Raphael Onyedika Biography
| Category | Details |
| Full name | Raphael Onyedika Nwadike |
| Date of birth | 19 April 2001 |
| Age | 25 years old (2026) |
| Place of birth | Imo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Height | 1.84 m |
| Position | Defensive midfielder |
| Other positions | Central midfielder, centre-back |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Club Brugge |
| Shirt number | 15 |
| Contract expiry | 30 June 2027 |
| Nigeria debut | September 2022 |
Early Life, Family Background and FC Ebedei Career
Raphael Onyedika was born in Imo State, Nigeria, on 19 April 2001.
The midfielder started his football development at FC Ebedei, a Nigerian grassroots club that produced several players for European football. During his childhood, Onyedika lost his father and grew up with support from his mother and siblings.
Churchill Oliseh, the owner of FC Ebedei, helped Onyedika develop before his move to Europe. Oliseh discovered the midfielder, guided his early football journey and later revealed that Onyedika considers him a father figure and calls him “dad”.
FC Ebedei’s connection with Danish club FC Midtjylland created a pathway for Onyedika to continue his development in Europe.
Raphael Onyedika Transfer History
| Season | From | To | Transfer date | Reported fee |
| 2019 | FC Ebedei | FC Midtjylland | July 2019 | Undisclosed |
| 2020–21 | FC Midtjylland | FC Fredericia | Loan | Loan |
| 2021 | FC Fredericia | FC Midtjylland | End of loan | — |
| 2022–23 | FC Midtjylland | Club Brugge | 28 August 2022 | Approximately €9.5 million |
*Reported transfer fees come from published transfer reports.
Raphael Onyedika FC Midtjylland and FC Fredericia Career
Raphael Onyedika joined FC Midtjylland’s youth system after leaving FC Ebedei.
The midfielder developed in Denmark before moving to FC Fredericia on loan during the 2020–21 season. He played 28 matches and scored three goals during the spell.
After returning to Midtjylland, Onyedika moved into the first team during the 2021–22 season.
The midfielder became a regular starter in the Danish Superliga and helped Midtjylland compete in domestic and European competitions. His performances earned him the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year award and a place in the league’s Team of the Season.
The progress attracted interest from clubs across Europe.
Raphael Onyedika Club Brugge Career, Transfer and Contract Details
Club Brugge signed Raphael Onyedika from FC Midtjylland on 28 August 2022.
The midfielder signed a contract that runs until 30 June 2027 and became part of Club Brugge’s midfield options in domestic and European competitions.
| Transfer Details | Information |
| Previous club | FC Midtjylland |
| Current club | Club Brugge |
| Transfer date | 28 August 2022 |
| Contract expiry | 30 June 2027 |
| Position | Defensive midfielder |
Onyedika established himself as a regular starter at Club Brugge.
The midfielder plays in front of the defence, where he wins possession, breaks up attacks and helps the team progress the ball.
During the 2023–24 season, he scored twice in Club Brugge’s 3–1 win over Anderlecht. He also featured in the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final campaign before Club Brugge lost to Fiorentina.
Raphael Onyedika Career Timeline
| Year | Career milestone |
| Before 2019 | Developed at FC Ebedei in Nigeria. |
| 2019 | Joined FC Midtjylland in Denmark. |
| 2020 | Moved to FC Fredericia on loan. |
| 2021 | Returned to FC Midtjylland and broke into the first team. |
| 2022 | Won the Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year award. |
| 28 August 2022 | Joined Club Brugge on a contract until June 2027. |
| September 2022 | Made his Super Eagles debut against Algeria. |
| 2024 | Scored twice in Club Brugge’s league win over Anderlecht. |
| January 2025 | Scored his first UEFA Champions League goal against Manchester City. |
| 2025 | Won the Belgian Cup with Club Brugge. |
| June 2026 | Transfermarkt valued him at €23 million. |
Raphael Onyedika First Champions League Goal
Onyedika scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for Club Brugge against Manchester City in January 2025.
The midfielder scored at the Etihad Stadium as Club Brugge took the lead before Manchester City completed a comeback.
After the match, Onyedika dedicated the goal to his mother because of the support she provided throughout his life.
Raphael Onyedika Playing Style and Position
Raphael Onyedika plays as a defensive midfielder for Club Brugge and Nigeria.
The midfielder operates in front of the defence, where he wins possession, stops attacks and supports his team’s build-up play.
Onyedika uses his positioning, tackling and passing ability to control midfield areas. He closes spaces, intercepts passes and moves the ball forward after winning possession.
The Nigerian can also play as a central midfielder and centre-back.
At Club Brugge, Onyedika often drops between defenders to receive the ball before helping the team move into attacking areas.
Raphael Onyedika Market Value, Contract and Transfer Links
Raphael Onyedika remains under contract with Club Brugge until 30 June 2027.
Transfermarkt lists his market value at €23 million after the latest update on 4 June 2026. The profile lists defensive midfield as his main position, with central midfield and centre-back as other positions.
| Category | Details |
| Club | Club Brugge |
| Contract expiry | 30 June 2027 |
| Market value | €23 million |
| Main position | Defensive midfielder |
| Other positions | Central midfielder, centre-back |
Since joining Club Brugge in 2022, Onyedika has attracted interest from clubs outside Belgium.
Galatasaray have followed the midfielder as a possible midfield target, according to transfer reports. Club Brugge continues to hold his contract rights until 2027.
Raphael Onyedika Market Value History
Raphael Onyedika’s market value increased after his breakthrough season at FC Midtjylland. It continued to rise following his move to Club Brugge and regular appearances in European competitions and for Nigeria.
| Date | Market value |
| 2021 | €1 million |
| Early 2022 | €4 million |
| Late 2022 | €10 million |
| 2023 | €16 million |
| 2024 | €20 million |
| June 2026 | €23 million |
Season-by-Season Statistics
| Season | Club | League | League Apps | Goals | Domestic Cups | European Competitions |
| 2020–21 | FC Fredericia | Danish 1st Division | 28 | 3 | Yes | — |
| 2021–22 | FC Midtjylland | Danish Superliga | 31 | 3 | Yes | UEFA Europa League |
| 2022–23 | Club Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 33 | 0 | Yes | UEFA Champions League |
| 2023–24 | Club Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 37 | 2 | Yes | UEFA Europa Conference League |
| 2024–25 | Club Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 39 | 2 | Yes | UEFA Champions League |
| 2025–26 | Club Brugge | Belgian Pro League | 35 | 3 | Yes | UEFA Champions League |
*League appearances and goals are shown by season. Domestic cup and European campaigns are included where applicable.
Raphael Onyedika Salary at Club Brugge
Raphael Onyedika’s official Club Brugge salary remains private.
Capology lists salary details for the midfielder but identifies its figures as estimates rather than confirmed contract information.
Salary Sport estimates that Onyedika earns around £11,000 per week at Club Brugge, which equals about £572,000 per year before bonuses.
| Salary Details | Amount |
| Estimated weekly salary | £11,000 |
| Estimated yearly salary | £572,000 |
| Club | Club Brugge |
| Contract expiry | 30 June 2027 |
Onyedika Salary Comparison
Official player salaries remain private. The figures below are published estimates.
| Player | Club | Estimated Weekly Salary |
| Wilfred Ndidi | Leicester City | £75,000 |
| Joe Aribo | Southampton | £35,000 |
| Frank Onyeka | Brentford | £20,000 |
| Raphael Onyedika | Club Brugge | £11,000 |
Raphael Onyedika Net Worth
Raphael Onyedika has not released details about his personal net worth.
His football income comes from his Club Brugge contract, match bonuses and commercial agreements.
His €23 million Transfermarkt valuation refers to his estimated transfer value and does not represent his personal wealth.
Super Eagles Career
Raphael Onyedika made his Nigeria debut in September 2022 in a friendly match against Algeria.
Former Super Eagles coach José Peseiro selected the midfielder for the national team after his performances in Denmark.
Onyedika joined Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the team reached the final.
The midfielder has continued to receive national team selections for qualifiers and international matches.
| Team | Appearances | Goals |
| Nigeria | 26 | 3 |
AFCON 2025 Performance
Raphael Onyedika scored twice for Nigeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match against Uganda.
The midfielder started the game and scored a brace in Nigeria’s 3–1 win.
Sharon Almeida, Onyedika’s partner, watched the match from the stands in Morocco. Her appearance attracted attention after the midfielder’s performance.
Raphael Onyedika Girlfriend Sharon Almeida and Relationship
Raphael Onyedika is in a relationship with Sharon Almeida, a Portuguese woman.
Almeida gained attention after attending Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match against Uganda, where Onyedika scored twice.
The pair have kept most details about their relationship private.
Onyedika has not announced a marriage.
Career Statistics and Honours
Raphael Onyedika has played senior football in Denmark and Belgium.
Club Career Statistics
| Club | Period | Appearances | Goals |
| FC Fredericia | 2020–21 | 28 | 3 |
| FC Midtjylland | 2021–22 | 49 | 4 |
| Club Brugge | 2022–Present | 176+ | 10+ |
Club Honours
- Belgian Pro League: 2023–24, 2025–26
- Belgian Cup: 2024–25
- Danish Superliga: 2019–20
- Danish Cup: 2021–22
Individual Honours
- Danish Superliga Young Player of the Year: 2021–22
- Danish Superliga Team of the Season: 2021–22
FAQs
Who is Raphael Onyedika?
Raphael Onyedika is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Club Brugge and the Nigeria national team. He joined Club Brugge from FC Midtjylland in 2022.
How old is Raphael Onyedika?
Raphael Onyedika was born on 19 April 2001 and is 25 years old in 2026.
Which state is Raphael Onyedika from?
Raphael Onyedika is from Imo State, Nigeria.
What position does Raphael Onyedika play?
Raphael Onyedika plays as a defensive midfielder. He can also operate as a central midfielder and centre-back.
Which club does Raphael Onyedika play for?
Raphael Onyedika plays for Club Brugge in the Belgian Pro League.
When did Raphael Onyedika join Club Brugge?
Raphael Onyedika joined Club Brugge from FC Midtjylland on 28 August 2022.
How much is Raphael Onyedika worth?
Transfermarkt lists Raphael Onyedika’s market value at €23 million.
How much does Raphael Onyedika earn?
Raphael Onyedika’s official salary has not been released by Club Brugge. Salary Sport estimates his weekly wage at around £11,000.
What is Raphael Onyedika’s salary?
Raphael Onyedika’s estimated Club Brugge salary is around £11,000 per week, according to Salary Sport.
Who is Raphael Onyedika’s girlfriend?
Raphael Onyedika is linked with Sharon Almeida, a Portuguese woman who gained attention after supporting him during Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Is Raphael Onyedika married?
Raphael Onyedika has not announced a marriage.
Who are Raphael Onyedika’s parents?
Raphael Onyedika lost his father when he was two years old. His mother supported him during his childhood and football journey.
Who helped Raphael Onyedika start his football career?
Churchill Oliseh helped Raphael Onyedika during his early football development at FC Ebedei before his move to FC Midtjylland.
When did Raphael Onyedika make his Nigeria debut?
Raphael Onyedika made his Super Eagles debut in September 2022 against Algeria.
How many goals has Raphael Onyedika scored for Nigeria?
Raphael Onyedika has scored three goals for Nigeria.
Did Raphael Onyedika play at AFCON?
Yes. Raphael Onyedika represented Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
How many goals did Raphael Onyedika score against Uganda?
Raphael Onyedika scored twice in Nigeria’s 3–1 win over Uganda during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
What trophies has Raphael Onyedika won?
Raphael Onyedika has won the Belgian Pro League, Belgian Cup, Danish Superliga and Danish Cup during his club career.
Did Raphael Onyedika score in the Champions League?
Yes. Raphael Onyedika scored his first UEFA Champions League goal for Club Brugge against Manchester City in January 2025.
