For years, gamers around the world knew Adebayo Akinfenwa as the strongest player in the FIFA video game. In real life, he was a powerful striker who became a cult hero across English football.
Akinfenwa was born in London in 1982 to Nigerian parents. He started his professional career abroad, in Lithuania with FK Atlantas, where he faced racist abuse from fans, before returning to Britain.
Lower leagues
He played for many clubs in the lower divisions of English football, including Barry Town, Boston United, Leyton Orient, Rushden & Diamonds, Doncaster Rovers, Torquay United, Swansea City, Millwall, Northampton Town, Gillingham, AFC Wimbledon and Wycombe Wanderers. At AFC Wimbledon he scored a penalty in the 2016 League Two play-off final, sealing promotion. At Swansea, he scored in the Football League Trophy final in 2006, which Swansea won.
The Beast
Akinfenwa’s physique, with his large, muscular build, earned him the nickname The Beast. He embraced it happily, creating a brand, Beast Mode On, with clothing and merchandise. His catchphrase and personality made him a favourite in the media.
FIFA
In the FIFA video game series, Akinfenwa was repeatedly rated the strongest player in the game. This made him famous with young gamers who had never seen him play in person, and he embraced the attention.
Wycombe
At Wycombe Wanderers, under manager Gareth Ainsworth, Akinfenwa was a key figure in the club’s rise. In 2020, Wycombe won the League One play-off final to reach the Championship, the second tier of English football, for the first time in the club’s history. Akinfenwa gave a memorable post-match interview after the final.
Liverpool fan
Akinfenwa is a lifelong Liverpool fan and became friends with the club’s players. When Liverpool won the Premier League title in 2020, he celebrated publicly, and Jürgen Klopp spoke warmly of him.
Retirement
Akinfenwa retired in 2022 after Wycombe lost in the League One play-off final. He has since worked in television and radio media, business and motivational speaking.
Legacy
He showed that a footballer did not need to play in the Premier League to become famous, using personality, social media and a video game rating to build a brand.
He was never the fastest player on the pitch. Nobody ever pushed him off the ball, in the game or on the grass.
