Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa is an English professional striker currently playing for Wycombe Wanderers, widely recognized in the sports world by his nickname, “The Beast.” Famous for his formidable physique and immense physical strength, he weighs approximately 101 kg (16 stone) and has gained global notoriety for consistently being rated as the world’s strongest footballer in the FIFA video game franchise. Beyond the pitch, he has capitalized on his unique brand by launching a clothing label called “Beast Mode On.” His football career began in the youth academy of Watford before he made his senior debut with FK Atlantas. After playing for various lower-league teams, he achieved his professional breakthrough during a successful tenure with Doncaster Rovers. Akinfenwa’s career journey subsequently took him through clubs such as Torquay United, Swansea City, and Millwall. He later spent six years alternating between Northampton Town and Gillingham, followed by a stint at AFC Wimbledon, before eventually joining Wycombe Wanderers.
Childhood and Early Career
Saheed Adebayo Akinfenwa was born in Islington, England, on May 10, 1982. Raised in a mixed-faith household with a Muslim father and a Christian mother, he observed Ramadan as a child but currently practices Christianity. Growing up, he was a dedicated supporter of Liverpool FC and idolized John Barnes. His football journey began in the youth ranks of Watford in 2000, but his senior career launched in Lithuania with FK Atlantas in 2001. There, he scored the winning goal in the Lithuanian Football Cup final, though his time abroad was marred by severe racial abuse from local fans. Upon returning to the UK in 2003, he joined Barry Town United, helping them secure both the Welsh Cup and the Welsh Premier League before the club’s financial collapse forced his departure.
Rise through the Leagues
After a series of short stints with clubs including Boston United, Leyton Orient, and Rushden & Diamonds, Akinfenwa found his footing at Torquay United in 2004. He scored 16 goals that season and was named the club’s Player of the Year. This success led to a transfer to Swansea City in 2005, where he made history by scoring the first competitive goal at the new Liberty Stadium. He also scored the winning goal in the 2006 Football League Trophy final. However, after suffering a broken leg and declining a new contract, he left Swansea. Following a failed medical at Swindon Town and a brief period at Millwall, he signed with Northampton Town in 2008, where he became a prolific scorer and the 2010 Player of the Year.
Later Career and “The Beast” Persona
For several years, Akinfenwa alternated between Northampton Town and Gillingham FC, forming a notable partnership with striker Cody McDonald at the latter. During his second spell at Northampton, he scored his only career hat-trick and later auctioned the match-worn shirt to raise funds for the club during a financial crisis. In 2014, he joined AFC Wimbledon, where he became Player of the Year and famously scored a penalty in the League Two play-off final to help secure promotion. He subsequently moved to Wycombe Wanderers, continuing his high-scoring form and earning a spot in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2017–2018 season.
Personal Life and Brand
Akinfenwa has successfully leveraged his unique physique to build a global brand. Weighing approximately 101 kg and capable of bench-pressing 200 kg, he is widely recognized as the strongest player in the FIFA video game series. He runs a clothing label called “Beast Mode On” and has amassed millions of followers across YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. While he keeps his family life private, he is known to be close friends with former teammate Clarke Carlisle.
Net worth of Adebayo Akinfenwa
The estimated net worth of Adebayo Akinfenwa is about $20 million.