When you search for Arnaut Danjuma online, you might be surprised to learn that the Dutch footballer was born in Lagos, Nigeria. This article explains the fascinating background of Danjuma, who was born to a Dutch father, Cees, and a Nigerian mother, Hauwa. Arnaut is the third of his parents’ children, but his early years were marked by hardship. At just four years old, his parents divorced, plunging his childhood into a difficult period of pain and struggle. After the divorce, Danjuma, his mother, and his siblings were left homeless, facing a tough life as his mother struggled to find a decent job to support them.
Tough Childhood, Foster Care, Nigerian Heritage: Arnaut Danjuma’s Story
Much of Arnaut’s childhood was spent in foster care, yet despite these challenges, Danjuma’s diverse heritage gave him dual citizenship in both Nigeria and the Netherlands. Impressively, his parents, despite their differences, remained focused on their children’s well-being and success. His father was especially supportive, making sure to drop him off and pick him up from school every day. But how did Arnaut Danjuma rise above his challenging beginnings to become the talented footballer he is today? This article will take you through his journey.
Preamble:
This article on Arnaut Danjuma’s biography offers more than just a glimpse of his talents on the pitch. It dives deep into the story of his life, revealing the lesser-known facts about his childhood and early years as a budding footballer. You’ll get to know the key figures in his life—his mother, Hauwa, and his father, Cees—along with insights into his Nigerian and Dutch heritage, including his family’s background and his Nigerian state of origin or tribe.
But that’s not all. We’ll also explore Danjuma’s lifestyle, his personality, and the journey that has shaped him into the player he is today. To give you a taste of his story, we’ve included a gallery that showcases his transformation from a boy to the accomplished footballer he is now. This visual journey is a testament to how far Arnaut Danjuma has come, both in life and in his remarkable football career.
The Biography of Arnaut Danjuma: From Homelessness to Football Success.
Yes, many people are now aware of how Arnaut Danjuma rose from the hardships of homelessness to become a top professional footballer. However, only a few have delved into the life-transforming journey that shaped him into the player he is today. We’ve uncovered the details of this remarkable story and put it together in an engaging narrative that we’re excited to share with you. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the inspiring story of Arnaut Danjuma.
Arnaut Danjuma Childhood Story:
Let’s delve into the story of Arnaut Danjuma, who goes by the nickname “Arnie.” Born on January 31, 1997, in Lagos, Nigeria, to a Dutch father, Cees, and a Nigerian mother, Hauwa, Arnaut’s early life was anything but easy. He is the third child in a family that would soon face significant challenges.
When Arnaut was just four years old, his parents went through a painful divorce, which had a profound impact on his childhood. The separation left young Arnaut, his mother, and his siblings without a stable home, plunging them into a period of homelessness. For a time, they had no choice but to live in foster care, struggling to make ends meet.
The difficulties didn’t stop there. His mother found it hard to secure a steady job, making it challenging to provide for the family’s needs. These early hardships shaped Arnaut’s character and determination, laying the groundwork for the resilience he would later show in his football career.
Despite the tough times, Arnaut’s parents, each with their unique cultural backgrounds, ensured their differences did not hinder their children’s potential. His father played a vital role in his life, regularly dropping him off and picking him up from school, providing a sense of stability in an otherwise tumultuous time.
Arnaut Danjuma’s journey from these difficult beginnings to becoming a talented footballer is a testament to his perseverance and the support he received, even during the most challenging phases of his life. His story is one of overcoming adversity and finding success against the odds.
Early Life and Growing Up Days:
Even though his parents separated, Arnaut Danjuma still received some level of support and care from his father. During his early years, he found comfort and companionship in his older brother, Reinier, and his sister, Lisette, who were always by his side.
In an effort to escape the painful reality of his troubled childhood, Danjuma found solace in football. It became his greatest refuge, allowing him to focus on something positive and keep his mind off the difficulties that his family was going through. Football wasn’t just a game for him; it was his escape, a way to cope with the emotional turmoil at home.
Arnaut Danjuma Family Background:
After his parents separated, Danjuma’s family faced a severe financial crisis that caused significant distress. While his father moved on, his mother struggled to find a job, leaving the family in a difficult position. Before the separation, Danjuma’s family had lived a fairly stable life, but things quickly took a turn for the worse.
As their financial situation deteriorated, Danjuma and his siblings often found themselves sleeping in their car or staying with friends, trying to make the best of a tough situation. It took some time for the family to regain their footing. Danjuma only left his foster home when he turned 11, and from that point on, he was able to grow up in a more stable environment, much like any other child from a middle-class background.
Arnaut Danjuma Family Origin:
Because of his parents’ different ethnic backgrounds, Danjuma holds dual citizenship, making him eligible to play for either Nigeria or the Netherlands. His mother is Nigerian, and his father is Dutch, which gives him the unique opportunity to represent either country in international football.
His complexion reflects his African heritage, specifically from his mother’s side. Nigeria, his maternal homeland, is the most populous country in Africa, a fact that connects him deeply to the continent. On his father’s side, Danjuma carries Dutch ancestry, which is why he can also represent the Netherlands on the international stage. His appearance and background beautifully illustrate the blend of cultures and identities he embodies.
The map of Nigeria shows Danjuma’s birthplace.
Arnaut Danjuma Education:
One good thing about his parents is that they didn’t allow their differences to negatively impact their children’s success. They ensured that both Danjuma and his elder siblings received a proper education.
The football icon went to school from a foster home. Interestingly, his dad always dropped him in school and picked him up during closing hours. Danjuma often went to the field to train with other kids after school.
Arnaut Danjuma Biography – Untold Football Story:
As earlier stated, the winger’s only escape from trouble and misery is soccer. On this note, he started playing football at the tender age of 4. He loved every aspect of the game and desired to succeed in it as the future unfolded.
It didn’t take too long before he joined the youth set-up of FC Oss. Thankfully, the football academy was located in the city where his father lived.
Routinely, his dad will pick him up after school and drop him at the sports institute for training.
Arnaut Danjuma Early Career Life:
In 2008, the court ruled that the player could leave foster care to stay with his father. As luck would have it, he also joined the youth system of PSV Eindhoven that same year.
A rare photo of Danjuma in the youth setup of PSV Eindhoven.
It took a great deal of dedication and hard work for Danjuma to keep up with other kids at the academy. Recalling his experience, here is what the winger said about his early career life.
“When I first joined PSV, I was considered a big talent, and everything seemed to be going well. But as I got older, it became increasingly difficult to secure my spot on the team. By the time I turned 16, the club typically offered contracts to players they believed in, but I wasn’t given a deal back then.”
It was during his days at PSV that he concluded that football wasn’t fair. Moreso, the fact that his club didn’t offer him any deal when he clocked 16 was even more disheartening to Danjuma.
Road To Fame Story:
Do you know?… Despite spending eight years at PSV, the talented speedster featured in one professional match for the club. His life story made it evident that football wasn’t always about talent. But it also had some political strings attached.
Frustrated by how unfairly he has been treated at PSV, Danjuma signed a contract on a free transfer to NEC in 2016. It didn’t take up to 5 months before he was promoted to the first team.
His days at NEC recorded a series of mind-blowing moments on the pitch.
His attacking instinct kept many defenders at bay. It even left scouts and different managers astonished. As expected, many clubs came seeking his signature after witnessing his unfathomable prowess. He ended up signing for Club Brugge in 2018.
Arnaut Danjuma Bio – Rise To Fame Story:
Joining the Belgian club and playing alongside Lois Openda gave him a privilege he had never envisaged. At 21, Danjuma featured in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid.
Despite contending against world-class players like Saul Niguez, he displayed his attacking flair by scoring a goal. He even won the Belgian Super Cup with Club Brugge in 2018.
His joy was endless as he lifted the Super Cup with his Belgian club.
After proving himself as an exceptional winger, Ronald Koeman recognized Danjuma’s talent and aimed to add him to the Netherlands national team. As I write this biography, Danjuma has proudly represented his country in various competitive matches.
Moving To The Top Echelons:
In 2019, Danjuma signed a long-term contract with AFC Bournemouth worth £13.7 million. His performances with the club were exceptional, earning him numerous accolades, including the Bournemouth Player of the Year award in 2021.
He has won many awards even when playing in the championship.
Danjuma’s attacking flair and knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities are outstanding. In August 2021, the Dutch-Nigerian Baller signed a contract with Villarreal, reportedly worth €25 million.
With the Yellow Submarines, he began enjoying a solid forward partnership with the club’s players. For example, there are the likes of Gerard Moreno (Spanish), Boulaye Dia (Senegal), and Samuel Chukwueze (Nigerian).
While debuting for Villarreal, Danjuma Came off the bench to help them secure a draw against Atletico by scoring their second goal. The rest, as they say, is history.
Personality:
The speedster is like Joshua Zirkzee, who loves to have some quality time all by himself. He is gentle, and the aura of his humble nature is written all over his face.
There are times when Danjuma would put on his earpiece to enjoy some peaceful music alone. No doubt, he has indeed inherited the makings of the Aquarius zodiac traits.
His smile reflects how well he enjoys the melody of the song he is listening to.
One of Danjuma’s favorite hobbies is swimming. He often visits the pool after training sessions to relax and unwind. While he enjoys watching basketball, he has only shared a picture of his basketball idol, Michael Jordan, once on his Instagram page.
He can not help but laugh with folks when he goes swimming.
Lifestyle:
Starting off, the Dutch footballer enjoys a comfortable lifestyle; he once took an 8-minute private jet flight just to get to training. Football has helped to give the dribbler an exuberant standard of living. Despite going through so many difficulties in his childhood, Danjuma’s life has now turned around for good.
With his enormous salary, he usually goes on vacation to Dubai, where he cruises different jet boats to his heart’s content.
He ended up cruising boats during his vacation to Dubai.
Arnaut Danjuma’s Car:
Like Nathan Ake, Danjuma has a taste for luxurious vehicles. He owns several high-end jeeps and a stunning mansion. Check out a glimpse of one of his cars in the picture below.
His sporting endeavour has afforded him different brands of cars. It is a beautiful sight to behold Danjuma posing beside his ride.
Arnaut Danjuma Family Facts:
Growing up in a household marked by such a tragic past was undoubtedly challenging for Danjuma. Despite the difficulties, the support and cooperation of his family helped him and his siblings navigate through the aftermath of the divorce.
Curious about what became of each family member? In this section, we delve into the details of Danjuma’s family and their journey since those tough times.
About Arnaut Danjuma’s Father:
His dad, Cees, is the reason the winger could pursue a career in soccer. Even after his separation from Danjuma’s mother, Mr Cees kept on fulfilling his paternal duties.
Frequently, he takes his son to school and returns him home afterwards. He was also responsible for taking Danjuma to the football pitch during training hours.
According to the player, his father and mother still maintain a positive relationship despite their divorce. Mr Cees always ensures he watches his son’s game whenever he steps out to perform his duty on the field.
Arnaut Danjuma’s Mother:
The athlete’s mom suffered the most after her divorce. Her name is Hauwa, and she put a lot of effort into helping her kids survive when things were terrible. Sometimes, Hauwa would sleep in the car with her children when they had no place to stay.
As stated earlier, the player’s mom is Nigerian, and she has always supported him in the best way that she can. When Danjuma became successful through football, he got a house for his mother and siblings.
Arnaut Danjuma’s Siblings:
Since his rise to fame, the athlete has only mentioned two of his siblings. They are his brother, Reinier and sister, Lisette. Even his siblings lived with a foster family after their parents’ divorce.
As I compile this Biography, Danjuma’s brother has obtained his Master’s degree while his sister also studied and graduated from Imperial College London. Below is a rare photo of the athlete and his beautiful sister.
During the Sallah period, he often reunited with his siblings to enjoy the celebration. Indeed, Danjuma shares an inseparable bond with his sister.
About Arnaut Danjuma’s Relatives:
Moving on to his extended family, there has been no information about his grandfather and grandmother. Similarly, records about Danjuma’s uncles and aunts are also not available on the internet.
Untold Facts:
To bring the speedster’s Biography to a close, here are a few truths that will enlighten you about his Life Story.
Unjustly Handcuffed By The Police:
In mid-March 2020, Danjuma was taking a walk to the Hilton to get something to eat. Suddenly, two police officers stopped their car beside him while one of them asked him to put his hands on the car’s roof.
The player felt embarrassed and frustrated as he didn’t know what his crime was. People were taking pictures of him, which got him fired up. He was wrongfully held by the police for a murder case he knew nothing about.
After a while, one of the officers confirmed he wasn’t the person they were looking for. Hence, they let him go.
Net Worth And Salary Breakdown:
While playing for Bournemouth, Danjuma earned an annual salary of €1,693,958 (£1,456,000). By 2021, his estimated net worth was a remarkable €7.5 million. To put it into perspective, the average Dutch worker would need to work four years to earn what Danjuma makes in just one month.
Arnaut Danjuma Religion:
Born to a Muslim mother, Danjuma’s commitment to his Islamic faith is deeply rooted and clear. He proudly upholds the principles of Islam and is never shy about expressing his devotion. This is evident in his daily life and public appearances, including during Ramadan, as shown in the image below, where he is seen praying with humility.
Although he is an established footballer, he often gives reverence to God. See how dedicated he is to his prayer life.
Arnaut Danjuma FIFA Facts:
Judging by his ratings, Danjuma has the potential to ascend to the level of Cody Gakpo and Pedro Neto. Yes, he’s got great attacking qualities that qualify him as the right choice for gamers.
We hope he gets to build on his strength and heading accuracy as the future unfolds. Here is a picture of his 2021 FIFA Stats that analyses some of his football potential.
Based on the analysis, Danjuma would have to work on his free prowess. Of course, his ratings are quite excellent despite his young age.
Conclusion:
Despite the hardships of his childhood, Danjuma remained focused on his dreams. Even when success seemed uncertain, he persisted with his training and held onto hope for a brighter future.
In the end, his aspiration became a reality. It gladdens our hearts to appreciate his mother, who stood by him in times of difficulty. Moreso, his father (Cees), who ensured that he never stopped training, also deserves some accolades.
Indeed, Danjuma’s entire family is proud to have him in their life. With his rise to fame, he has also lifted his brother and sister, as well as his parents, from the claws of poverty.
Thanks for reading our engaging piece on Arnaut Danjuma’s Childhood Story, Plus Untold Biography Facts. Kindly stay tuned for more Dutch Soccer Stories. The Life History of Brian Brobbey and Teun Koopmeiners will excite you. Share your thoughts on his profile with us in the section below.
