William Paul Troost-Ekong is not your regular defender. The Super Eagles Captain, called “Skippo” by his Nigerian teammates, has built a special career for himself over the years.
At 32, this Nigerian-Dutch center-back has become the rock of Nigeria’s defense. He has played in five different European leagues before his current time in Saudi Arabia.
While many players look for fame in big football countries, Troost-Ekong has made his own path. He has turned himself into both a strong defender and a financial success story.
This article by SportsBuddy explores William Troost-Ekong Net Worth and takes a deeper look at how the Nigerian defender has built his wealth and prepared for life after football.
Background, Early Life, and Education
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | William Paul Troost-Ekong |
| Date of Birth | 1 September 1993 |
| Age | 32 |
| Place of Birth | Haarlem, Netherlands |
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Primary Nationality | Nigerian |
| Other Eligibility | Dutch |
| Parents | Nigerian Father (from Etinan, Akwa Ibom State) and Dutch Mother (Eleanore Troost) |
| Siblings | Emily and Everest |
| Spouse | Molly Troost-Ekong |
| Children |
Son, Oscar (born 2018) Daughter, Zara (born 2019) |
| Education | Attended Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop’s Stortford, England. |
William Troost-Ekong was born on September 1, 1993, in Haarlem, Netherlands to a Nigerian father from Etinan, Akwa Ibom State, and mother, Eleanore Troost, from Netherlands.
Growing up in a home that valued both education and sports, Troost-Ekong started his football journey at age eight with local club SV Overbos in the Netherlands.
Later on, his family relocated to England when he was young. It was there William Troost-Ekong had most of his educational background.
Troost-Ekong went to Hockerill Anglo-European College in Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, from 2008 to 2010. This boarding school, known for its international focus and strong sports programs, helped him balance school work with football growth.
It was during this time that scouts from Fulham FC saw his talent. This led to youth chances that eventually opened the path to his professional football career, the beginning of William Troost-Ekong net worth.
Professional Career
| Club (Years) | League Apps (Goals) | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| FC Groningen (2013–2015) | 2 (0) | Started his professional career |
| Dordrecht (loan) (2014–2015) | 32 (0) | Promotion to 1st League (2013-14) |
| KAA Gent (2015–2017) | 8 (0) | – |
| Haugesund (loan) (2015–2016) | 37 (3) | – |
| Bursaspor (2017–2018) | 28 (3) | – |
| Udinese (2018–2020) | 65 (0) | – |
| Watford (2020–2023) | 64 (2) | Played a role in promotion to the Premier League (2020–21 season) |
| Salernitana (loan) (2023) | 9 (1) | – |
| PAOK (2023–2024) | 10 (0) | Greek champion (2024) |
| Al-Kholood (2024–Cureent) | 39 (2) | – |
| International | Nigeria Senior Team: 82 Caps (8 Goals) |
Olympic Games Bronze Medal (2016 Rio) Africa Cup of Nations Runner-up (2023 Ivory Coast) Africa Cup of Nations Third Place (2019 Egypt) |
William Troost-Ekong started his professional career at FC Groningen in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2013. This was followed by a good loan time at FC Dordrecht in 2014 where he played 28 times.
KAA Gent
His performance and solid defense abilities caught the eye of Belgian side KAA Gent, who signed him for €1 million in July 2015. However, his spell with the club was short as he was quickly loaned to Norwegian club FK Haugesund to get more experience.
Bursaspor
In 2017, he moved to Turkish Süper Lig side Bursaspor for €1.05 million, a move which was another step in the growth of William Troost-Ekong net worth. With 32 appearances, he became a key player for the club.
Udinese
A year later, his defensive abilities caught the interest of several European clubs that battled for his signature, with the player eventually preferring a move to Udinese in Serie A. This €7 million transfer was his biggest move yet, significantly impacting William Troost-Ekong net worth.
Over two seasons in Italy, he started 57 league games and showed he could play against top players.
Watford
In September 2020, Troost-Ekong signed a five-year contract with English Championship side Watford, worth £7.15 million, which also had a positive impact on William Troost-Ekong net worth.
Though his time at Watford included loan spells and changing play time, it gave him financial stability and Premier League exposure.
PAOK Thessaloniki
His most successful club time came with Greek side PAOK Thessaloniki. There he won the domestic double (league and cup) in the 2023/24 season and reached the Europa Conference League quarterfinals.
Al-Kholood
His current chapter with Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood, signed in August 2024 for €1.2 million, is both a financial upgrade to William Troost-Ekong net worth and a new challenge in a growing football market.
With over 250 senior appearances across five countries, Troost-Ekong has built a career marked by steady performance and smart moves.
International Career
Troost-Ekong’s international career shows his strong link to his Nigerian roots. He could have played for Netherlands, but he chose to represent the Super Eagles.
He first played on June 13, 2015, in an AFCON qualifier against Chad where he impressed the fans and coach alike. Since then, he has been a key player for the Super Eagles, with 80 caps and seven goals for Nigeria as of 2025.
His international highlights include winning bronze at the 2016 Olympics with Nigeria’s U-23 Dream Team and playing in the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
At the Africa Cup of Nations, Troost-Ekong has been especially important: getting third place in 2019, making the Best XI in 2021, and finishing as runner-up in 2023 while winning the tournament’s MVP award.
His leadership was officially recognized in 2022 when he was named Super Eagles captain, confirming his importance to the national team.
William Troost-Ekong Net Worth
As of 2025, William Troost-Ekong net worth is estimated at $5 million, making him one of the richest footballers in Nigeria.
His current deal with Al-Kholood in the Saudi Pro League gives him €55,000 every week which has greatly improved William Troost-Ekong net worth, thanks to the Saudi Arabia’s tax-free rules. While this is less than his €1.5 million yearly salary at PAOK, the money package is still large for a defender in his early thirties.
His richest contract was the five-year deal signed with Watford in 2020, worth £7.15 million with average yearly earnings of £1.43 million. Together with earlier contracts at Udinese, Bursaspor, and other clubs, Troost-Ekong’s career total earnings are more than $10.7 million.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Besides his playing contracts, Troost-Ekong has built a good set of endorsement deals that add to his income. As a Nike athlete, he has a long-term partnership that includes promotion work and equipment sponsorship. His work with luxury watch brand TAG Heuer puts him in the high-end market, using his clean image and leader status.
More recently, he partnered with Sokito for custom football boots, matching with earth-friendly brands. With over 450,000 Instagram followers, Troost-Ekong keeps a strong social media presence that makes him more attractive to brands looking at both European and African markets.
While not heavily involved in business outside football, Troost-Ekong has made careful real estate investments in both the Netherlands and Nigeria. These properties give him passive income and long-term financial safety after his playing days, showing forward thinking in money management.
Philanthropic Activities
The Troost-Ekong Foundation, started in 2020, shows the defender’s commitment to social duty.
Focusing on helping African youth through football and education, the foundation has funded academies in his father’s home state of Akwa Ibom.
Troost-Ekong regularly gives parts of his Super Eagles match fees to support these projects, making charity part of his financial planning.
Personal Life
Troost-Ekong keeps a fairly private personal life despite his public image. He got married to his longtime partner, Molly, in a small London ceremony in October 2021.
The union is blessed with two beautiful kids: a son Oscar (born 2018) and daughter Zara (born 2019).
William Troost-Ekong wife prefers to stay out of the public eye, though she has been a constant support through his career changes.
William Troost-Ekong’s €5 million net worth shows the financial rewards of a well-managed career built on steady performance and smart choices.
Unlike many other players who go for short-term rich deals, William Troost-Ekong net worth has followed a path of slow growth, building his wealth through careful moves across different leagues and markets.
His current position in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Kholood gives him both financial security and a chance to extend his playing career at a good level.
More importantly, his varied income streams which includes; playing contracts, endorsements, and investments, show financial smarts that will help William Troost-Ekong net worth long after his playing days.
