Finidi George was born on April 15, 1971 in Port Harcourt is a former Nigerian international footballer. He played at the Football World Cups in 1994 and 1998. Finidi made his international debut in an African Nations Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso in 1991. He provided three assists for Rashidi Yekini and scored one goal in a match the Nigerians won 7-1.
A midfielder, Finidi came to Europe in 1993 to play for Ajax. He also played in England and Spain.
Finidi started to make his name for Ajax, where he played in the same team as Jari Litmanen and other Ajax stars that won the Champions League in 1995.
He then spent four successful seasons with Real Betis in Spain before George Burley signed him for Ipswich Town, where he was an instant fans favourite. He scored 2 goals against Derby in a 3-1 win at Portman Road.
However, he failed to make the desired impact, and many fans began to regard him as a flop, due to his large salary, which, combined other large-profile players at the club, was a considerable cause of the club’s recent financial troubles. He then moved on to Real Mallorca in Spain.
Finidi’s younger brother Iginaware who played for Rangers International football club of Enugu was tragically killed during crowd problems after a match with an opposing team (bitter rival) from Western Nigeria. He has another younger brother, Celestine, that plays for Bayelsa United.
George retired from playing the game professionally in August 2004.
Full name: Finidi George
Date of birth: April 15, 1971
Place of birth: Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Height: 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Playing position: Winger
Former Clubs
1989: Calabar Rovers
1990: Iwuanyanwu Nationale
1991-1993: Sharks F.C.
1993-1996: Ajax
1996-2000: Real Betis
2000-2001: Real Mallorca
2001-2003: Ipswich Town
2003-2004: Real Mallorca