Noe Baba (born 8 August 1996) is a footballer. He plays as a defender or midfielder for Finn Harps, newly signed in 2023.[1] Born in Cameroon, he is a Republic of Ireland youth international. He is the first African-born footballer to captain an Irish team.[2][3]

Noe Baba
Personal information
Date of birth (1996-08-08) 8 August 1996 (age 28)
Place of birth Yaoundé, Cameroon
Height 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s) Defender, midfielder
Team information
Current team
Finn Harps
Number 6
Youth career
2012–2015 Fulham
2015–2017 Birmingham City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2017–2018 Macclesfield Town 12 (0)
2018 Waterford 7 (0)
2019 Lupo Martini Wolfsburg 11 (0)
2019–2021 Fortuna Köln 28 (0)
2021–2022 KFC Uerdingen 35 (1)
2023– Finn Harps 28 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 1 January 2024

Early life

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Baba moved from Cameroon to the Republic of Ireland at the age of ten.[2][3] He boxed as a child.[3]

Club career

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In 2015, Baba joined the youth academy of English side Birmingham City, where he was described as "impressed in Richard Beale’s side... one to watch... although Blues are already well-stocked in central midfield".[4]

International career

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Baba captained the Republic of Ireland national under-17 football team.[5] He was described as "A key player for Paul Doolin's U19s".[6]

Baba played in Germany for three clubs: Lupo-Martini, Regionalliga West,[3] Fortuna Koln,[3] and KFC Uerdingan.[1] In Ireland he played for Castlebar Celtic and Waterford; while in England he played for Macclesfield.[1]

Style of play

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Baba has been described as "a versatile player... plays primarily as a defensive midfielder but can also feature as a full-back".[7]

Personal life

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Baba is a native of County Mayo, Republic of Ireland.[8] He has regarded England international Steven Gerrard, Brazil international Ronaldinho, and France international Claude Makélélé as his football idols.[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b c McCadden, Mark (3 March 2023). "NOE BETTER MAN FOR HARPS AND ROGERS THAN MIDFIELDER BABA". Daily Mirror. ProQuest 2781414654. Retrieved 3 May 2024 – via Wikipedia Library.
  2. ^ a b Fallon, John (28 August 2012). "Baba to lead out Ireland". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d e Sneyd, David (21 September 2019). "On the long road from Cameroon to Castlebar and on to Cologne, life for Noe Baba is still football". Irish Independent. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Noe problem with Baba". birminghammail.co.uk. 18 July 2016.
  5. ^ "Remember the name: Noe Baba". the42.ie. 15 November 2012.
  6. ^ "SCOUTING REPORT: NOE BABA". Mail. ProQuest 1441639044.
  7. ^ "Interview with Irish Footballer Noe Baba". 14 January 2022.
  8. ^ "Noe Baba: Dave Rogers can deliver at Finn Park". donegallive.ie. 8 March 2023.
  9. ^ "Insight: Noe Baba".
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