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Festy Ebosele
Irish footballer (born 2002) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Festy Oseiwe Ebosele (born 2 August 2002) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a right-back or right wing-back for Süper Lig club İstanbul Başakşehir and the Republic of Ireland national team.[4]
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Early years
Ebosele was born in the town of Enniscorthy in County Wexford, Ireland to Nigerian parents. His name comes for the Latin word festus, meaning "joyful".[5]
He began playing football for Moyne Rangers in 2010 before joining the academy of League of Ireland side Bray Wanderers when he was 14-years-old. Two years later in 2018, he signed for English Championship side Derby County.[6]
Club career
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Derby County
Ebosele made his debut for Derby County as a substitute in a 2–0 FA Cup loss to Chorley on 9 January 2021. He was one of fourteen players from Derby County's academy to make their debut in the game, after the entirety of Derby's first team squad and coaching team were forced to isolate due to a COVID-19 outbreak.[7] He made his league debut as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Norwich City on 10 April 2021.[8] On 6 November 2021, Ebosele scored a first senior goal in a 1–1 draw at Millwall.[9] In January 2022, Ebosele was linked to a move to Derby County's rivals Nottingham Forest, however Ebosele was said to have rejected the prospect of a move.[10]
In March 2022, with Derby being unable to offer Ebosele new contract terms due to the restrictions put on the club by the EFL whilst in administration,[11] it was confirmed that Ebosele would join Udinese at the end of his Derby contract in summer 2022, signing a five-year deal with the Serie A club.[12] In the weeks following the transfer, Derby manager Wayne Rooney questioned Ebosele's attitude and had him training with the Under-23 squad.[13] Ebosele later got back into the team and finished the season with 37 appearances in all competitions, scoring two goals.[14]
Udinese
On 21 March 2022, it was announced that Ebosele would join Italian Serie A club Udinese on a five-year contract starting in the summer of 2022.[15] The transfer was confirmed by Derby County on 4 July, as the club was also entitled to compensation due to Ebosele's homegrown status.[16]
Loan to Watford
On 30 August 2024, Ebosele signed for Championship club Watford on a season-long loan.[17] He returned to his parent club at the end of January amidst transfer interest in him.[18][19]
İstanbul Başakşehir
On 31 January 2025, Ebosele made the permanent move to Turkish Süper Lig club İstanbul Başakşehir on a 3 and a half year contract.[20][21] On 21 August 2025, he scored his first goal for the club, in a 2–1 loss at home to Romanian side Universitatea Craiova in the UEFA Conference League.[22][23]
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International career
Born in Ireland, Ebosele is of Nigerian descent, so he could choose to represent either of the respective countries at international level.[24] He has represented the Republic of Ireland at U16, U17, U19, U21 and senior levels ever since.[2]
He then received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland senior national team on 25 May 2022, ahead of their UEFA Nations League games against Armenia, Ukraine and Scotland.[25]
On 7 September 2023, he made his senior debut for Republic of Ireland, replacing Chiedozie Ogbene from the bench in the 84th minute of a 2–0 loss to France at Parc des Princes.[26][27] He provided a pinpoint cross for Robbie Brady's Nations League 88th-minute winner in Ireland's 2–1 victory over Finland in Helsinki on 10 October 2024.[28]
Personal life
His sister, Lystus Ebosele, goes by the moniker Cyclone on BBC One light entertainment television show Gladiators.[29]
Career statistics
Club
- As of match played on 31 October 2025[14]
- Includes FA Cup, Coppa Italia & Turkish Cup
- Appearances in the UEFA Conference League
International
- As of match played 16 November 2025
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References
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