Olarenwaju Kayode and Paul Pogba: Footballers Making Headlines
Footballers often make the news for their on-pitch prowess, but it's not uncommon for them to draw attention for reasons off the field. Two prominent players, Olarenwaju ‘Larry’ Kayode and Paul Pogba, exemplify this trend, each navigating personal challenges while being closely watched by the public eye.
Kayode's Off-Field Controversies
Olarenwaju Kayode, once a distinguished striker for Austria Vienna, is now embroiled in a major off-pitch controversy. Though he secured the top scorer title in the 2016/17 season and garnered the interest of Manchester City, the 31-year-old Nigerian footballer has not played for the Skyblues and is currently without a club. Recently, Kayode has received attention not for his football talents but for his personal life. On Instagram, Kayode accused his ex-wife, Ezinne Dora, of deceiving him about the paternity of their three children. Kayode claims DNA tests, allegedly verified by his lawyers, prove he is not the father. Furthermore, he alleges that Ezinne abducted the children from their shared residence.
Ezinne Dora strongly disputes Kayode's allegations. On her own Instagram account, she has painted a starkly different picture, accusing Kayode of being mentally unstable and describing the latter years of their marriage as 'hell on earth'. The public feud continues to unravel, leaving many questions unanswered.
Pogba's Family Focus After Doping Scandal
In contrast to Kayode's tumultuous personal life, Paul Pogba's recent off-field headlines center around his family. The French international and Juventus Turin midfielder celebrated his youngest son Hakeem's first birthday with a memorable family gathering. Pogba, who often keeps his private life out of the public eye, posted a series of photos from the celebration on social media, capturing the joyous occasion.
Pogba has been married to Colombian model Maria Zulay Salaues since 2018, and the couple has three boys: Labile, Keyaan, and Hakeem. The happy family photos come amidst a challenging period for Pogba, who was suspended for four years in August 2023 after testing positive for testosterone. With his football career momentarily halted, Pogba has turned his full attention to his family well-being.
- Kayode's football career has spanned multiple countries and leagues, reflecting the journeyman nature of many professional athletes. His career began in Nigeria before moving to Ivory Coast, Israel, Austria, Spain, Turkey, and Ukraine, showcasing his adaptability on the international stage.
- Paul Pogba, renowned for his dynamic midfield presence, began his professional career with Manchester United. His performances at Juventus from 2012 to 2016 solidified his reputation, leading to a then-world record transfer back to Manchester United. His accolades include winning the FIFA World Cup with France in 2018, underscoring his significant impact on international football.
