Honest Ahanor

Honest Ahanor (born 23 February 2008) is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a defender for Serie A club Atalanta.

Honest Ahanor

Personal information
Full name	Honest Ahanor
Date of birth	(2008-02-23) 23 February 2008 (age 17)
Place of birth	Aversa, Italy
Height	1.84 m (6 ft 0 in)
Position(s)	Defender
Team information
Current team	Atalanta
Number	69
Youth career
0000–2024	Genoa
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2024–2025	Genoa	6	(0)
2025–	Atalanta	3	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 23:22, 4 October 2025 (UTC)

Life and career

Ahanor was born on 23 February 2008 in Aversa, Italy. He has regarded Italy international Paolo Maldini as his football idol.^[1]

Genoa

As a youth player, Ahanor joined the youth academy of Italian side Genoa. During the 2023/24 season, he played for the club's under-15, under-16, and under-17 teams.^[2] He helped the team secure a 2–2 draw against Napoli on 11 May, 2025, scoring the first goal after a cross from Junior Messias which Ahanor headed on the post and got the ball to bounce on Napoli’s goalkeeper Alex Meret’s thigh and into the back of the net.

Atalanta

On 4 July 2025, Ahanor signed with Serie A club Atalanta for a reported fee of €16 million, plus €4 million in bonuses.^[3] He signed a three-year contract with the club, the maximum length allowed as he is under 18 years old.^[4] On 30 September, Ahanor made his Champions League debut, starting and playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–1 win against Club Brugge.^[5]

International Career

Ahanor is eligible to play solely for Nigeria. The son of Nigerian parents, Ahanor moved from Campania to Genoa at the age of one and developed entirely within the Italian football system. Despite being Italian by upbringing and cultural identity, he has never been eligible to represent Italy at youth level. Under current Italian law, children born in Italy to foreign parents cannot automatically acquire citizenship. They may apply only after turning 18, provided they have lived in the country continuously and legally. Ahanor’s case has reignited debate over Italy’s citizenship rules for second-generation immigrants. ^[6][7]

Style of play

A left-footed defender, Ahanor mainly plays as a left-back. He can also operate as a center-back, central midfielder, and winger. He is known for his, versatility, speed, and strength.^[8]