As former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel turned 38, the football world united to celebrate the Nigerian legend’s milestone.
From fans to footballing bodies, tributes poured in, led by Premier League giants Chelsea, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and FIFA.
Mikel, widely regarded as one of Africa’s greatest midfielders, enjoyed a decorated club career, most notably with Chelsea, where he spent 11 glorious years from 2006 to 2017, as seen on Fotmob.
Chelsea’s tribute included a striking image of Mikel in his iconic blue kit alongside the message, “Have a wonderful birthday, John Obi Mikel!”
Have a wonderful birthday, John Obi Mikel! 🥳🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/qo8bjNn0wa
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) April 22, 2025
Meanwhile, the NFF shared their own salute via the official Super Eagles account, calling him a “former captain and legend.”
Happy birthday to our former captain and legend Mikel John Obi 🎂🥂🎂🦅🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/5fBd6VNolC
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) April 22, 2025
FIFA also joined in, posting a celebratory image of Mikel with the Nigerian flag, showcasing his global football impact.
Mikel. 🇳🇬@mikel_john_obi | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/1QkAMDEUjO
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) April 22, 2025
A legacy of silverware and influence
During his time at Chelsea, Mikel amassed an impressive trophy cabinet that includes two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, a Community Shield, and European glory in both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League, as seen on Transfermarkt.
His role as a composed and commanding presence in the midfield made him indispensable not only for Chelsea but also for Nigeria, where he helped the Super Eagles to success in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
Happy Birthday, John Obi Mikel! 🎉
— Soar Super Eagles (@SSE_NGA) April 22, 2025
A legend for club and country - and the trophies say it all:
🏆 1x AFCON
🏆 1x Champions League
🏆 2x Premier League
🏆 1x Europa League
🏆 4x FA Cup
🏆 2x EFL Cup
🏆 1x Community Shield
One of Nigeria's finest ever ✨ pic.twitter.com/9Y0yFt5hrs
Mikel’s legacy as a defensive midfield maestro is cemented not just in silverware but in the memories of fans who watched him shield, pass, and lead with quiet brilliance across over a decade of elite football.
A special tribute from Mikel’s twin daughters
Among the sea of messages, the most touching came from Mikel’s twin daughters, Ava and Mia.
Mikel Obi’s twin daughters celebrate him as he turns a year older 💐 pic.twitter.com/Ucc0CDjw6D
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) April 22, 2025
The young football-loving girls serenaded their father with a sweet birthday song, capturing hearts online.
Dressed in matching outfits, the twins presented Mikel with a bouquet and shared a special family moment that included cake-cutting.
Beautiful video of Mikel Obi’s twin daughters singing for him as he celebrates his 38th birthday today 🥰♥️ pic.twitter.com/RBMvHFWPqd
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) April 22, 2025
The celebration served as a beautiful blend of Mikel’s legacy, one defined by achievements on the pitch and love off it.
