Who is Kobbie Mainoo?
Kobbie Boateng Mainoo is an English professional footballer who plays for Manchester United. The young star is seen as the next big thing to come out of Carrington alongside his teammates Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
| Date of Birth | 19 April 2005 (age 19) |
| Place Of Birth | Stockport, Greater Manchester. |
| Height | 1.75m |
| Position | Midfielder |
| Current Team | Manchester United |
| Number | 37 |
Early Life
Kobbie Boateng Mainoo was born on April 19, 2005, in Stockport, Greater Manchester, to Ghanaian parents. He has an older brother, Jordan Mainoo-Hames, who gained public attention as a contestant on the fifth season of Love Island. Raised in the Stockport suburb of Cheadle Hulme, Kobbie began his football journey with Cheadle & Gatley Junior Football Club. At just six years old, he was scouted by Manchester United, officially signed at seven, and entered the club’s academy by the age of nine.
Kobbie Mainoo’s father, Felix, played a crucial role in his early football development, ensuring he received top-level training. Without Felix’s dedication, Kobbie might not have made it into Manchester United’s Academy. Felix met Abena Herold, Kobbie’s mother, in England after both had emigrated from Ghana. The two eventually married and had two daughters, Ama and Elfia, along with Kobbie.
Ama pursued a degree in Sports Business Management, while Elfia runs a business in Manchester. Despite Felix and Abena’s divorce, they remain united in their support of Kobbie’s blossoming football career. As for Kobbie’s personal life, nothing is confirmed about his relationship status, and at 19, he has plenty of time ahead of him to focus on his career and personal life.
Club Career
In May 2022, Mainoo signed his first professional contract with Manchester United. His impressive performances soon led to a first-team training call-up in October of the same year.
Mainoo joined Manchester United’s squad for their 2023–24 pre-season tour in the United States. Unfortunately, he suffered an injury that sidelined him for the beginning of the season. Upon recovery, he made his first Premier League start on November 26, 2023, helping United secure a 3–0 win against Everton, where he earned the Man of the Match title. Just three days later, on November 29, he made his UEFA Champions League debut as a substitute in a 3–3 group stage draw against Galatasaray.
On January 28, 2024, Mainoo scored his first Manchester nUnited goal in a 4–2 FA Cup victory over Newport County. Shortly after, on February 1, he netted his first Premier League goal in a dramatic 4–3 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, scoring the game-winner in stoppage time. His effort earned him the Premier League Goal of the Month for February 2024. On April 7, he scored his first goal at Old Trafford in a 2–2 Premier League draw against Liverpool.
Mainoo continued his stellar season by scoring the decisive goal in a 2–1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, becoming the youngest English teenager to score in the final since John Sissons in 1964. His standout performances throughout the season earned him a nomination for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.
International Career
Mainoo has represented England at various youth levels, including the under-17, under-18, and under-19 teams, as well as the senior squad.
In March 2024, he received his first call-up to the senior England team for friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, having previously been part of the under-21 squad. At just 18 years old, he made his debut on March 23, coming on as a substitute for Conor Gallagher in a 1–0 loss to Brazil at Wembley Stadium. He earned his first start in England’s 2–2 draw against Belgium, where he was named Man of the Match.
There were lots of speculations as to if Mainoo should be part of the England team for the Euro 2024 ahead of more senior and established players. The 18 year old English prodigy made the 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
Mainoo made his competitive debut for England in their opening match, coming on as a late substitute for Jude Bellingham in a 1–0 win against Serbia. On June 25, he played the entire second half in a 0–0 draw with Slovenia during the team’s final group stage match, replacing Conor Gallagher at halftime. In the round of 16, Mainoo became the third-youngest player to start for England in a knockout stage of a major tournament, helping secure a 2–1 victory over Slovakia.
On July 10, he set another milestone as the youngest England player to appear in a major tournament semi-final, contributing to a 2–1 win over the Netherlands. Four days later, he started in the final, where England suffered a 2–1 defeat to Spain.
Achievements
FA Youth Cup Winner (2021–22): Mainoo was instrumental in Manchester United U18’s victory in the FA Youth Cup, showcasing his talent at a young age.
EFL Cup Winner (2022–23): He contributed to Manchester United’s success in clinching the English League Cup.
FA Cup Winner (2023–24): Mainoo played a pivotal role in Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph, further establishing his reputation.
UEFA European Championship Runner-up (2024): Mainoo was part of the England squad that reached the finals of Euro 2024, finishing as runners-up.
Individual Honors:
Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year (2022–23): Awarded to Manchester United’s most outstanding young player, recognizing Mainoo’s exceptional development.
Premier League Goal of the Month (February 2024): Mainoo’s remarkable goal earned him this accolade, highlighting his offensive capabilities.
Kopa Trophy – 3rd Place (2024): This prestigious award honors the best performing players under the age of 21; Mainoo secured third place, underscoring his global recognition.
Net Worth
Kobbie Mainoo signed a five-year contract with Manchester United F.C. worth $2,600,000, with an average annual salary of $520,000. In 2024, he is set to earn a base salary of $1,040,000, which will also be his cap hit for that year.
Style of Play
Kobbie Mainoo is a midfielder capable of playing any position in the midfield— attacking or defensive.
An excellent ball carrier, he can drive with the ball floating past defenders. A great example of this was his late winner against Wolves in stoppage time.
Social media handles
Instagram: @kobbie
Facebook: Kobbie Mainoo
Frequently Asked Questions
Kobbie Mainoo Stats
Kobbie Mainoo is yet to register a goal or an assist, in the 2024-2025 Premiere season. Though the young star scored 3 goals in the 23-24 Premier League season.
Kobbie Mainoo has won the Premier League goal of the month for February 2024.
Kobbie Mainoo’s Brother
Apparently, the English teenager is not the only celebrity in his Family. His elder brother was a contestant in the UK Love Island Season 5.
Kobbie Mainoo and Paul Pogba
There is a part of the United fan base that sees Kobbie Mainoo as Paul Pogba’s replacement. The comparison is baseless as the two players do not have similar playing styles.
Most United have high hopes for Kobbie Mainoo and tout him a lot on social media.
Source: Footygazette.com
