Tall and technically gifted Togolese striker who scored over 200 career goals across Europe's top leagues, most memorably at Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester City.
Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor was born in Lomé, Togo on 26 February 1984. A powerful, quick and technically accomplished forward standing 6ft 3in, Adebayor was one of the most complete strikers of his era. He came through the system in Togo and France before joining Monaco, then Arsenal in 2006 for £7m. At Highbury he was exceptional, scoring 62 goals in 142 games including 24 Premier League goals in 2007-08. He controversially moved to Manchester City in 2009 for £25m, and his infamous goal celebration running the length of the pitch towards Arsenal fans became one of the Premier League's most provocative moments. He had a successful loan spell at Real Madrid before joining Tottenham in 2012. Moves to Crystal Palace and then Turkish and Spanish clubs followed. He captained Togo to the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and earned 87 caps.
Leading Togo's attack and scoring crucial goals in the Premier League
After scoring against Arsenal for Manchester City, he ran the full length of the pitch to slide on his knees in front of the Arsenal fans — one of the most infamous goal celebrations in Premier League history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Tall, physical striker with excellent aerial ability and clinical finishing
Lasting Impact
Togo's greatest ever footballer and one of Africa's most prolific strikers
Career Honours
- La Liga 2010 (Real Madrid, loan)
- African Cup of Nations 2013 (runner-up)
- League Cup 2008
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 2006–2009 | — | 125 | 42 | #9 |
| Manchester City | 2009–2011 | — | 90 | 28 | #9 |
| FC Metz | 2001–2006 | — | 78 | 23 | #9 |
| AS Monaco | 2003–2006 | — | 17 | 2 | — |
| Real Madrid | 2011–2012 | loan | 23 | 5 | — |
| Crystal Palace | 2016–2017 | — | 15 | 1 | — |
| Istanbul Basaksehir | 2017–2019 | — | 59 | 24 | — |
| Kayserispor | 2019–2020 | — | 16 | 2 | — |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2011–2015 | — | 87 | 35 | #9 |
| Olimpia | 2020–2021 | — | 20 | 7 | — |
| Togolese | — | — | 87 | 32 | — |