Ayub Daud: Biography, Stats, Records, & Facts

From Somalia to Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary, and then back to Italy, Ayub Daud’s career has been a roller coaster ride. Not only does Ayub have a diverse portfolio, but he is also among the best footballers ever produced by Somalia, and his talent spoke for him on the field as he stunned many with his skills as a striker.

So, is Ayub Daud really ‘The Greatest’ Somali footballer ever? Well, take a look at his storied career, stats, and records, and then decide for yourself.

Greatest or not, one thing is certain: Daud’s impact on Somali Football is immense, and he is a perfect role model for young kids in the country aspiring to become footballers.

Key Takeaways

• Diverse Career Journey: From Mogadishu to Italy, Switzerland, and Hungary, Daud showcased adaptability.
• Impactful Legacy: Among Somalia’s best, his talent resonated on and off the field.
• Versatile Player: Excelled at Juventus Youth Team, representing multiple clubs across countries.
• International Representation: Proudly played for Somalia despite Italian residency.
• Statistical Achievements: Impressive stats with 40 international appearances and 46 goals.
• Historic Milestone: First Somali in Serie A.
• Mysterious Departure: Vanished from professional football at 26, leaving fans curious.

Ayub Daud Biography

Ayub Daud is the son of the former Somali footballer Daud Hussein. He was born on the 24th of February 1990 in the electrifying and vibrant city of Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia.

When Ayub was only five years old, the family decided to move to Europe, which was the hub of football back then and played a massive role in the making of Ayub Daud, the footballer. At the age of only 9, he made his debut for Cuneo in 1999 and only played one year with them. However, in 2000, he joined one of the most prestigious clubs, the Juventus Youth Team, and played for them for almost 9 years, turning heads in his youth career and becoming regarded as one of the best talents in the country.

Afterwards, he played for Juventus in 2008 and was there for one season to begin his professional career. From that time on, he then took various loan moves from F.C. Crotone, Lummezzane, Cosenza and Gubbio between 2009-2012, playing in the Italian league. In Switzerland, Ayub continued to flourish as a player, playing for the Chiasso Swiss club for one year (2012-2013). He also moved to Hungary and featured for Budapest Honvéd between 2013 and 2016 before announcing his retirement from active football.

Despite spending most of his life in Italy, Ayub Daud represented Somalia in international football.

Ayub Daud Stats

• Club: Juventus/F.C. Crotone/Lumezzane/Cosenza/Gubbio/Chiasso/Honvéd
• Position: Striker
• Played Matches Ever: 166
• Scored Goals Ever: 46

Ayub Daud Records

Ayub Daud has made 40 appearances in the international circuit for the Somalia National Football Team, making him one of the most capped players ever. In 2009, he scored 8 goals for the Juventus Youth Team in the Torneo di Viareggio, where he was the tournament’s top-scorer, ultimately serving as a significant stepping stone for his move to the senior Juventus team.

Ayub Daud Facts

Ayub Daud was the first Somali to ever play in Serie A in Italy.

At the age of nearly 26, he played his last professional game and has since completely disappeared.