…By Joseph Benjamin for TDPel Media.
From Playing Against Real Madrid Youth Teams to Working at JP Morgan
Simeon Akinola left Nigeria for Spain when his brother was picked up by Atletico Madrid.
He started playing for Alcorcón in Madrid, where he played against Real and Atleti’s youth teams, featuring players like David de Gea, Dani Carvajal, and Alvaro Morata.
Akinola never made it to the top of the sport and had a journeyman career in England’s lower leagues.
Injuries caused him to start thinking about a new career path, and he landed himself a job at JP Morgan, a world-renowned bank.
Akinola’s Transition to the Corporate World
After recovering from injury, a friend suggested that Akinola consider a new career path.
Akinola found a job at JP Morgan, where he says he likes the challenge of constantly being alert.
In a statement to The Athletic, Akinola said, “I’d like to think there’s nothing JP Morgan could throw at me I haven’t been through before in football.”
While he hasn’t officially retired, Akinola believes that it is nearly impossible for him to go back to football.
Analysis and Commentaries
Akinola’s story is a reminder of the many paths available to athletes once their playing careers come to an end.
It is not uncommon for footballers to transition into coaching, punditry, or other positions within the sport, but Akinola’s move to the corporate world shows that there are opportunities beyond football.
His journey is also a reminder of the difficult choices that athletes must make when injuries force them to consider life after their playing careers.
Finally, Akinola’s story is a testament to the benefits of networking and receiving advice from friends and mentors.