Google Doodle is commemorating the 60th birthday of Rashidi Yekini, the iconic Nigerian football player, by featuring a special Doodle on its homepage.
Yekini, fondly known as the ‘Goals father’ due to his remarkable ability to score goals, is being honoured with a Doodle that reflects the colours of the Nigerian flag and showcases a dynamic image of him in action with a goalpost.
Google Doodle, recognised for its creative and informative homepage doodles, is paying tribute to the outstanding accomplishments and dedication of the legendary footballer Rashidi Yekini.
About Rashidi Yekini: Rashidi Yekini, a football legend from Nigeria, was born on October 23, 1962, in Kaduna, Nigeria. The official Google Doodle page provides insights into his early life and career.
Yekini initially worked as a welder and mechanic to earn a living, but his true passion was football. He began playing in front of scouts, eventually joining his first football club, UNTL FC in Kaduna in 1981.
Yekini was a gifted striker and played for the Shooting Stars, scoring 45 goals in 53 games. His incredible scoring abilities earned him the title of African Footballer of the Year in 1983, making him the first Nigerian player to receive this prestigious accolade.
In 1984, Yekini played a crucial role in taking the Shooting Stars to the finals of the African Champions Cup.
In addition to his contributions to Nigerian football, Yekini had an international career, playing for football clubs in various countries, including Spain, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Tunisia, Switzerland, and Greece.
During his time with a Portuguese team called Vitoria Setubal, he received the Bola de Prata (Silver Ball) as the league’s top-scoring player in the 1993-94 season.
Rashidi Yekini passed away on May 4, 2012, in Ibadan, Nigeria, leaving a profound impact on football fans around the world.
He is remembered as a pioneer of Nigerian football who has left behind a lasting legacy, serving as an inspiration to young footballers not only in Africa but also beyond its borders.
