Tosin Adarabioyo

Tosin Adarabioyo, born Oluwatosin Oluwadoyinsolami Adarabioyo on September 24, 1997, is a professional footballer currently playing as a centre-back for AS Monaco in Ligue 1. He represents England at youth international levels, although he is also eligible to represent Nigeria through his parents.

Adarabioyo began his footballing journey within the Manchester City academy at the age of five. He progressed through the ranks, showcasing his physical prowess and technical ability, and eventually captained the club’s various youth teams. His imposing stature and composed demeanor earned him significant attention within the club and beyond. He made his senior debut for Manchester City in an FA Cup tie against Chelsea in February 2016, showcasing glimpses of his potential on the biggest stage.

Opportunities at Manchester City proved limited due to the presence of established stars. Consequently, Adarabioyo embarked on a series of loan spells to gain valuable first-team experience. He spent the 2016-17 season at Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, where he made 27 appearances, solidifying his reputation as a reliable defender. The following season, he moved to West Bromwich Albion, also in the Championship, adding further experience to his repertoire. These loan spells provided him with crucial exposure to the physical demands and tactical nuances of professional football.

In 2019, Adarabioyo joined Championship side Fulham on loan. It was at Craven Cottage that he truly began to flourish. He became a mainstay in the Fulham defense, demonstrating his strength in the air, his ability to read the game, and his comfortable distribution of the ball. He played a pivotal role in Fulham’s successful promotion campaign to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, earning widespread praise for his performances. His contribution was deemed so significant that Fulham made the move permanent, signing him in October 2020.

Adarabioyo continued to be a key figure for Fulham in the Premier League. Despite the team’s eventual relegation, he consistently impressed with his defensive capabilities. He showcased his aerial dominance, winning numerous headers in both defensive and attacking situations, and his ability to play out from the back was a valuable asset for Fulham’s style of play. Even in a struggling team, he consistently displayed composure and maturity beyond his years.

After impressing at Fulham, Tosin Adarabioyo secured a move to AS Monaco in the summer of 2023. This transfer represents a significant step in his career, providing him with the opportunity to play in Ligue 1 and potentially compete in European competitions. Monaco, known for developing young talent, offers a platform for Adarabioyo to further refine his skills and reach his full potential. His addition to the Monaco squad is expected to strengthen their defensive line and provide valuable experience and leadership at the back. As he embarks on this new chapter in France, he aims to cement his place as a top-level centre-back and contribute to Monaco’s success.