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]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 8 August 1996 | ||
| 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
editBaba moved from Cameroon to the Republic of Ireland at the age of ten.[2][3] He boxed as a child.[3]
Club career
editIn 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
editBaba 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
editBaba has been described as "a versatile player... plays primarily as a defensive midfielder but can also feature as a full-back".[7]
Personal life
editBaba 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
edit- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Fallon, John (28 August 2012). "Baba to lead out Ireland". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Noe problem with Baba". birminghammail.co.uk. 18 July 2016.
- ^ "Remember the name: Noe Baba". the42.ie. 15 November 2012.
- ^ "SCOUTING REPORT: NOE BABA". Mail. ProQuest 1441639044.
- ^ "Interview with Irish Footballer Noe Baba". 14 January 2022.
- ^ "Noe Baba: Dave Rogers can deliver at Finn Park". donegallive.ie. 8 March 2023.
- ^ "Insight: Noe Baba".