Liban Abdi: Biography, Stats, Records, & Facts

When we talk about the best left-wingers in Somalia, Liban Abdi easily wins all the discussions. Abdi’s skills as a left winger are simply unmatched as far as Somali footballers are concerned, but does he have a good record and stats to back this claim?

Well, without any further ado, let’s take a deeper look at his career and life and find out where he stands in the country’s football history.

Key Takeaways

• Unmatched Skill: Liban Abdi stands out as one of the finest left-wingers in Somali football history, showcasing unmatched skills in his position.
• International Ambiguity: Despite his talent, Abdi’s international career remains unfulfilled, with uncertainties surrounding his allegiance between Somalia and Norway.
• Off-Field Impact: Abdi’s contributions to Somali football extend beyond the pitch, as he actively works to support the growth of the sport through charitable initiatives and donations.

Liban Abdi Biography

Born in 1988 in Burao, Somalia, Somaliland, Liban Abdi Ali is a highly reputable figure in football and is specifically known for his impeccable skills as a left winger. Abdi spent his early years in Oslo, Norway, passing through adolescence with a desire to play soccer. He laid the foundation for this profession while attending initial and second-tier schools.

Abdi’s professional journey started when he was 14 years old and moved to England with his family. In Sheffield United’s youth academy, Liban quickly found favor with talent scouts and became the first Somali who signed professional forms at The Blade. 

His tenure at Sheffield United saw Abdi embarking on loan spells to Ferencváros, where he gained invaluable first-team experience. However, despite his potential, he faced challenges breaking into the first team at The Blade and was eventually freed in July 2010. Undeterred, Abdi continued his journey in professional football, joining Ferencváros permanently before moving to Olhanense in Portugal’s Primeira Liga.

On an international level, Abdi has a choice of playing for either Norway or his birth country since he qualifies to represent both countries. Though he stated that he would like to play for Norway one day, his international career is yet to take off.

While it is unclear which country he will choose eventually, Abdi’s contributions to football are not limited by nationality but have transcended nationalities such that they can never be forgotten.

Liban Abdi Stats

Club: Sheffield United, Ferencváros, Ferencváros II, Olhanense, Académica de Coimbra, Çaykur Rizespor, Levski Sofia, Haugesund, Al-Ettifaq.

Position: Left Winger

Played Matches Ever: 182

Scored Goals Ever: 31

Liban Abdi Records

During his professional football career, While Abdi achieved several noteworthy achievements, including being the first Somali to sign a professional contract with Sheffield, his impact goes beyond records.

His presence has helped raise the profile of his birth country’s football and inspired young talents to pursue their dreams.

Liban Abdi Facts

Despite his success on the pitch, Abdi’s international career remains unfulfilled, as he has yet to play an international game. In 2018, he expressed his preference for playing international football for Norway.

In a 2021 interview with the BBC, he confirmed his inclination to support his birth country rather than represent them on the field. In fact, Abdi consistently makes efforts to foster the growth of football in Somalia through charitable initiatives and donations.