Yakubu playing for Newport County in 2012 | |||
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Full name | Ismail Salami Yakubu | ||
Date of birth | (1985-04-08) 8 April 1985 (age 39) | ||
Place of birth | Kano, Nigeria | ||
Position(s) | Defender | ||
Team information | |||
Current team | Merthyr Town | ||
Youth career | |||
1996–2001 | Barnet | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2001–2010 | Barnet | 260 | (14) |
2010–2011 | AFC Wimbledon | 27 | (2) |
2011–2015 | Newport County | 120 | (15) |
2011 | → Cambridge United (loan) | 0 | (0) |
2015–2017 | Woking | 32 | (2) |
2017–2019 | Hemel Hempstead Town | 55 | (2) |
2019 | Kingstonian | 11 | (0) |
2019–2020 | Hayes & Yeading United | 10 | (0) |
2019–2020 | → Merthyr Town (loan) | 15 | (1) |
2020 | Merthyr Town | 0 | (0) |
2020–2021 | Penybont | 21 | (0) |
2021– | Merthyr Town | 45 | (3) |
2023–2024 | → Cinderford Town (loan) | 7 | (0) |
International career | |||
2004–2005 | England C | 6 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 11:27, 17 November 2023 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 12:54, 11 August 2016 {UTC) |
Ismail Salami Yakubu, (born 8 April 1985) is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defender. He has been capped for the England semi-professional team.
Club career
Barnet
Yakubu was born in Kano, Kano State, and raised in England. He joined Barnet at the age of 11, turned professional at 16, and made his first-team debut at the age of 17 while still studying for his A-levels – a 3–2 defeat against rivals Stevenage, with Yakubu coming on as a 67th-minute substitute. He started the following match in a 1–1 draw with Boston United. He became a regular in the first-team squad, and was team captain from August 2007 to November 2008. In June 2009 he signed a new two-year contract with the club. He was released in May 2010 after making a total of 297 appearances for the club.
AFC Wimbledon
In July 2010, Yakubu signed for Conference Premier side AFC Wimbledon. On 14 August 2010, Yakubu made his AFC Wimbledon debut in a 1–0 victory over Southport, featuring for the full 90 minutes. On 11 September 2010, Yakubu scored his first goal for the club, doubling AFC Wimbledon's lead in their 4–0 victory over Bath City. He played in the 2011 Conference Premier play-off final, coming off the bench and scoring a penalty in the penalty shoot-out.
After appearing in twenty-seven league games, Yakubu was released at the end of the season.
Newport County
On 24 May 2011, he was released by AFC Wimbledon and on 22 June joined Newport County. On 13 August 2011, Yakubu made his Newport County debut in their 3–2 defeat against Kettering Town, featuring for the entire 90 minutes.
On 26 September 2011, Yakubu joined fellow Conference Premier side Cambridge United on a one-month emergency loan deal. However, Yakubu returned to Newport without making a single appearance at Cambridge.
On 12 May 2012, Yakubu played for Newport County in the FA Trophy Final at Wembley Stadium which Newport lost 2–0 to York City. In the 2012–13 season he was part of the Newport team that finished 3rd in the league, reaching the Conference Premier play-offs. Newport County won the playoff final versus Wrexham at Wembley Stadium 2–0 to return to the Football League after a 25-year absence with promotion to Football League Two.
On 12 May 2015, it was announced that Yakubu would leave the club upon the expiry of his contract on 30 June.
Woking
Shortly after his release from Newport, Yakubu went on to sign a one-year contract with Woking for the 2015–2016 season.
Unfortunately his season only lasted six games after rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligaments in a game against Boreham Wood On 18 May 2016, Yakubu signed a new one-year deal with Woking. Preceding the departure of Mark Ricketts, Yakubu was named captain for the 2016–17 campaign. Yakubu scored his first goal of the season, in Woking's 3–1 home defeat against Lincoln City, netting the Cards' equaliser just after the half-time break. On 23 May 2017, it was announced that Yakubu would leave Woking upon the expiry of his current deal in June 2017.
Hemel Hempstead Town
On 12 June 2017, it was announced that Yakubu would join National League South side Hemel Hempstead Town preceding his release from Woking.
Kingstonian
Yakubu signed for Kingstonian on 22 February 2019.
Hayes & Yeading United
Yakubu lined up for Hayes & Yeading United on the opening day of the 2019–20 season. In November 2019, he joined Merthyr Town on loan until the New Year. The loan was then extended until the end of the season. Yakubu became a fans favourite at The Martyrs after his impressive performances towards the end of the 2019/20 season.
Merthyr Town
Merthyr Town completed the signing of Yakubu ahead of the 2020/21 season, after his six-month loan from Hayes & Yeading United. He left the club when they suspended their participation from the Southern League before the start of the season.
Penybont
Yakubu signed for Cymru Premier side Penybont after his departure from Merthyr.
Return to Merthyr
Yakubu re-joined Merthyr for the 2021–22 season.
Cinderford Town
In November 2023, Yakubu joined Cinderford Town.
Career statistics
- As of match played 14 August 2021.
Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
Barnet | 2001–02 | Football Conference | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | |
2002–03 | Football Conference | 36 | 1 | 1 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 38 | 1 | ||
2003–04 | Conference National | 39 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 45 | 2 | ||
2004–05 | Conference National | 35 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | 0 | 0 | 37 | 3 | ||
2005–06 | League Two | 26 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 30 | 1 | |
2006–07 | League Two | 29 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 36 | 2 | |
2007–08 | League Two | 28 | 2 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 34 | 3 | |
2008–09 | League Two | 38 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 41 | 4 | |
2009–10 | League Two | 25 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 31 | 4 | |
Total | 260 | 14 | 23 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 9 | 1 | 296 | 20 | ||
AFC Wimbledon | 2010–11 | Conference Premier | 27 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | 35 | 2 | |
Newport County | 2011–12 | Conference Premier | 26 | 5 | 2 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | 34 | 5 | |
2012–13 | Conference Premier | 36 | 5 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | 40 | 5 | ||
2013–14 | League Two | 25 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 30 | 3 | |
2014–15 | League Two | 33 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 2 | |
Total | 120 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 139 | 15 | ||
Cambridge United (loan) | 2011–12 | Conference Premier | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||
Woking | 2015–16 | National League | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 6 | 1 | |
2016–17 | National League | 26 | 1 | 4 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 32 | 1 | ||
Total | 32 | 2 | 4 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 38 | 2 | |||
Hemel Hempstead Town | 2017–18 | National League South | 32 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 33 | 1 | |
2018–19 | National League South | 23 | 1 | 3 | 0 | — | 5 | 0 | 31 | 1 | ||
Total | 55 | 2 | 3 | 0 | — | 6 | 0 | 64 | 2 | |||
Kingstonian | 2018–19 | Isthmian League Premier Division | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 11 | 0 | |
Hayes & Yeading United | 2019–20 | SFL Premier Division South | 10 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 1 | 0 | 15 | 0 | |
Merthyr Town (loan) | 2019–20 | SFL Premier Division South | 15 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 15 | 1 | |
Penybont | 2020–21 | Cymru Premier | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 21 | 0 | |
Merthyr Town | 2021–22 | SFL Premier Division South | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 30 | 4 | |
Career total | 555 | 37 | 43 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 638 | 43 |
- ^ Appearance(s) in FA Trophy
- Appearance(s) in Conference National play-offs
- ^ Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
- One appearance in FA Trophy, three in Conference Premier play-offs
- One appearance in FA Trophy, three in Conference Premier play-offs
- Appearance(s) in National League South play-offs
Honours
Barnet
AFC Wimbledon
- Conference Premier play-offs: 2010–11
Newport County
- FA Trophy runners-up 2011–12
- Conference Premier play-offs: 2012–13
References
- "The Football League Retained List". The Football League. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2015.
- Williams, Tony (8 July 2008). "Paul's Heroes Battle The Odds". The Non-League Paper. Archived from the original on 17 July 2011.
- "Player Profile: Ismail Yakubu". AFC Wimbledon. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- "Stevenage 3–2 Barnet". BBC Sport. 25 March 2002. Retrieved 9 July 2010.
- "Profiles Ismail Yakubu". Barnet F.C. Archived from the original on 6 April 2010.
- "Ismail Captains The Bees". Barnet F.C. 14 August 2007. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012.
- "Bishop Is The New Skipper". Barnet F.C. 20 November 2008. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012.
- "Yakubu signs new Barnet contract". BBC Sport. 19 June 2009. Retrieved 18 December 2009.
- Signy, Dennis (25 May 2010). "Yakubu Leaves Barnet". Barnet F.C. Archived from the original on 23 February 2012.
- "Archived news: July 2010: Terry gets his centre back". AFC Wimbledon. 2 July 2010. Archived from the original on 3 January 2014. Retrieved 3 January 2014.
- "Southport vs. AFC Wimbledon". Soccerway. 14 August 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- "AFC Wimbledon vs. Bath City". Soccerway. 11 September 2010. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- "Ismail Yakubu released in AFC Wimbledon clear-out". BBC Sport. 26 May 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- "Newport County snap up defender Ismail Yakubu". BBC Sport. 22 June 2011. Retrieved 22 June 2011.
- "Kettering Town vs. Newport County". Soccerway. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- "Newport County defender Ismail Yakubu joins Cambridge". BBC Sport. 26 September 2011. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- 2012 FA Trophy final
- Hughes, Dewi (5 May 2013). "Wrexham 0–2 Newport". BBC Sport. Retrieved 5 May 2013.
- "Newport County: Aaron O'Connor one of 11 senior players to leave". BBC Sport. 12 May 2015. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- "Woking bring in defender Yakubu". BBC Sport.
- "Yakubu suffers knee ligament damage". BBC Sport. 2 September 2015. Retrieved 7 October 2015.
- "Ismail Yakubu signs for 2016/17". Woking F.C. 18 May 2016.
- "Woking 1-3 Lincoln City". BBC Sport. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2016.
- "Released Players". Woking Official Site. 23 May 2017. Retrieved 23 May 2017.
- "Tudors get Ismail". Hemel Hempstead Town Official Site. 12 June 2017. Archived from the original on 5 February 2018. Retrieved 14 June 2017.
- Kingstonian sign Ismail Yakubu
- @HYUFC_Official (10 August 2019). "Here's a clearer version of the teamsheet" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- YAKUBU JOINS MARTYRS ON LOAN DEAL
- NEWS|YAKUBU EXTENDS LOAN DEAL AT MARTYRS
- NEWS | THE GAFFA ANNOUNCES THE RETAINED PLAYERS AHEAD OF THE 2020/21 CAMPAIGN
- Merthyr Town defender Ismail Yakubu joins Penybont
- Merthyr Town return for veteran Ismail Yakubu
- @Cinderford_Town (15 November 2023). "Massive Causeway welcome to Ismail Yakubu! Manager Matt said, "absolutely delighted to sign Yak, unbelivable player with a wealth of experience at the very top level. The experience he brings and can give to the younger players is invaluable for us. A massive signing"" (Tweet). Retrieved 17 November 2023 – via Twitter.
- "I. Yakubu". Soccerway. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
- "Ismail Yakubu". Aylesbury United FC. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
External links
- Ismail Yakubu at Soccerbase (2002–2004)
- Ismail Yakubu at Soccerbase (2004–)
- 1985 births
- Living people
- Footballers from Kano
- Nigerian men's footballers
- English men's footballers
- England men's semi-pro international footballers
- Black British sportsmen
- Men's association football defenders
- Barnet F.C. players
- AFC Wimbledon players
- Newport County A.F.C. players
- Woking F.C. players
- Hemel Hempstead Town F.C. players
- Kingstonian F.C. players
- Hayes & Yeading United F.C. players
- Merthyr Town F.C. players
- Penybont F.C. players
- Cinderford Town A.F.C. players
- English Football League players
- National League (English football) players
- Isthmian League players
- Southern Football League players
- Cymru Premier players
- Nigerian emigrants to the United Kingdom
- English people of Nigerian descent
- Sportspeople of Nigerian descent
- 21st-century English sportsmen
- 21st-century Nigerian sportsmen