Emmanuel Ekong

Emmanuel Ekong (born 25 June 2002) is a Swedish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Allsvenskan club Malmö FF. Born in Italy to Nigerian parents, he represented Sweden at youth international level.^[1][2]

Emmanuel Ekong

Personal information
Date of birth	(2002-06-25) 25 June 2002 (age 23)
Place of birth	Reggio Emilia, Italy
Height	1.83 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s)	Forward
Team information
Current team	Malmö FF
Number	11
Youth career
0000–2015	Bollstanäs SK
2015–2018	IF Brommapojkarna
2018–2021	Empoli
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2021–2025	Empoli	18	(0)
2023	→ Perugia (loan)	9	(0)
2023–2024	→ Istra 1961 (loan)	21	(3)
2025–	Malmö FF	10	(2)
International career‡
2019–2021	Sweden U19	5	(1)
2024	Sweden U21	1	(0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 7 May 2025 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 16:40, 16 October 2024 (UTC)

Club career

As a youth player, Ekong joined the youth academy of Swedish seventh tier side Bollstanäs SK.^[3] in 2015, he joined the youth academy of IF Brommapojkarna in the Swedish second tier.^[4]

In 2018, he joined the youth academy of Italian Serie A club Empoli.^[5] On 5 September 2022, Ekong debuted for Empoli during a 2–2 draw with Salernitana.^[6]

In January 2023, Ekong signed for Serie B club Perugia on loan until the end of the season.^[7]

On 8 September 2023, Ekong joined Croatian side Istra 1961 on loan until the end of the season, with an option to buy.^[8]

On 8 January 2025, Malmö FF announced Ekong's signing.^[9]

International career

Born in Italy to Nigerian parents and raised in Sweden, Ekong is eligible to represent Nigeria, Italy and Sweden.^[10]

He has represented the Swedish under-19 national team five times, scoring one goal.^[11]

Personal life

Ekong is the son of Nigeria international Prince Ikpe Ekong.^[6]