Afeez Aremu has quietly carved out a place for himself in European football, known for his tenacity, ball-winning ability, and composure in midfield. The Nigerian defensive midfielder continues to earn respect with his tough tackling and smart positioning, currently playing his trade in Germany with 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
From his humble beginnings in Ibadan, Aremu’s football journey has taken him through the ranks in Nigeria, Norway, and Germany.
In this piece, Footynaija.com brings you all you need to know about the Nigerian midfielder who is gaining ground in European football with each season.
Biography
Afeez Aremu Olalekan was born on October 3, 1999, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He began his football journey with Remo Stars, then played for Sharks FC and Sunshine Stars, before joining Rivers United.
During his time with Rivers United, he won man of the match awards, including one in the 2015-16 Nigeria Premier League season against Akwa United F.C. His impressive performances eventually led to a transfer to Akwa United in the 2017 Nigeria Premier League season.
In 2018, Aremu took a bold step by signing with IK Start in Norway. There, he settled quickly and became a regular, helping the team in their push for promotion. His powerful displays and ball-winning energy earned him a move to German side FC St. Pauli in the 2. Bundesliga in August 2020.
After 59 appearances for St. Pauli (2020-2023), Aremu signed with 1. FC Kaiserslautern in July 2023. He’s since become a dependable presence in midfield, bringing stability and grit to the team’s central areas.
Internationally, Aremu was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2017 WAFU Cup and has been on the fringes of the Super Eagles since then.
Career Stats
Afeez Aremu has built a name for himself as a tough-tackling defensive midfielder known for his energy, composure, and ball-winning skills. From Nigeria’s domestic league to the heart of midfield battles in Europe, Aremu’s numbers reflect a steady and hardworking career.
Sunshine Stars (Nigeria) – 13 appearances
Rivers United (Nigeria) – 8 appearances
Sharks FC (Nigeria) — 19 appearances (2 goals)
Akwa United (Nigeria) – 32 appearances
IK Start (Norway) – 63 appearances (5 goals, 1 assist)
FC St. Pauli (Germany) – 59 appearances (0 goals)
1. FC Kaiserslautern (Germany) – 17 appearances (as of the time of writing this report)
Current Stats
At the time of writing this report, Afeez Aremu has made 12 appearances for 1. FC Kaiserslautern in the 2024–25 2. Bundesliga season, starting in 9 of those matches and playing an important role in the team’s midfield setup.
Salary
According to Salary Sport, Afeez Aremu currently earns approximately ₦3,125,375 per week, which amounts to around ₦162,519,500 annually at 1. FC Kaiserslautern.
Net Worth and Market Value
Afeez Aremu’s exact net worth is not publicly known. However, according to Transfermarkt, his current market value is estimated at €600,000, reflecting his experience and steady performances in European football.
Parents
Not much is known about Afeez Aremu’s parents. However, he was born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, and is of Yoruba descent. One of the most noticeable features about him is the traditional Yoruba tribal marks on his face, which he has had since infancy.
Wife and Kids
Afeez Aremu is married with two children. He met his wife at a supermarket on the Island in Lagos, and their relationship grew from a friendship. She is the sister of Kenneth Omeruo’s wife. Aremu has mentioned that it was her attitude that first drew him to her.
Together, they have two kids. Their son, affectionately nicknamed “Jam Jam,” celebrated his first birthday on December 19, 2024. Aremu shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to mark the occasion. He also has a daughter named Iyunade Afolayan.
Afeez Aremu Transfer News
Afeez Aremu’s future at 1. FC Kaiserslautern has been a topic of transfer speculation in recent months. There were reports linking him with a potential move to Russia, with FC Akhmat Grozny showing interest. However, negotiations for the move have fallen through, and Aremu is now expected to remain at Kaiserslautern for the time being.
FC 25 Ratings
In EA SPORTS FC 25, Afeez Aremu has an overall rating of 66. The Nigerian midfielder is known for his defensive solidity, stamina, and physicality, making him a reliable presence in midfield.
Some of his in-game stats include:
Acceleration: 75
Sprint Speed: 69
Strength: 73
Jumping: 77
Defensive Awareness: 69
Interceptions: 65
Standing Tackle: 66
Sliding Tackle: 69
Ball Control: 66
Dribbling: 62
Shot Power: 60