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Daryl Dike
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Daryl Enyinnaya Dike ⓘ (born June 3, 2000) is an American professional soccer player who plays as a striker for EFL Championship club West Bromwich Albion.
Key Information
Dike played college soccer for the University of Virginia and was selected in the first round (5th overall) of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City after already having signed a Generation Adidas contract.[3] Dike also won the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup with the United States national team.
Early years
[edit]Born in Edmond, Oklahoma, Dike played soccer at Edmond North High School, captaining the side from his sophomore season onward. A three-time Oklahoma Offensive Player of the Year, he scored an Oklahoma 6A state record 70 goals and helped his team win a state championship. In 2018 he was named Gatorade Player of the Year for Oklahoma.[4]
Dike played for OKC Energy U23 in the PDL during the 2018 season between high school and college soccer, making four appearances and scoring three goals.[5]
Virginia Cavaliers
[edit]Ahead of the 2018 NCAA Division I men's soccer season, Dike signed a national letter of intent to play college soccer for the Virginia Cavaliers. Originally a reserve, Dike became a regular starter for the Cavaliers a month into the season. He made his college soccer debut on September 18, 2018, playing 34 minutes in a 2–0 victory against FIU. On September 21, 2018, Dike made his first start, playing 57 minutes in a 2–0 win at Syracuse. Dike scored his first collegiate goal on October 2, 2018, in a 2–1 victory against Wright State. He scored four more goals during the season before an injury sidelined him during the 2018 ACC Men's Soccer Tournament. Dike returned on November 18, 2018, for the NCAA tournament, where he recorded his first collegiate assist in a 2–0 victory against Furman.[6] Dike finished the 2018 season with 13 appearances, five goals, and an assist. Dike was named to the ACC All-Freshman Team and the ACC Academic Honor Roll.
Dike started all 23 matches for Virginia during his sophomore year. On August 30, 2019, in the opening game of the 2019 season, Dike registered two assists in a 2–0 win against Pacific. Dike led the Cavaliers with goals and assists during the 2019 season, netting 10 goals and providing eight assists.[7] He scored both of Virginia's two goals on December 13, 2019, in the College Cup semifinals against Wake Forest.[8] On December 15, 2019, Dike scored the tying goal in the 2019 NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Championship Game against Georgetown to send the game to overtime, where Virginia ultimately lost in penalty kicks. Dike was named the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament Most Outstanding Player following the match, giving Dike his first national collegiate award. Additionally, Dike was named to the All-ACC Second Team.[9]
Professional career
[edit]Orlando City
[edit]Rookie season
[edit]On January 9, 2020, Dike was selected in the first round (5th overall) of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by Orlando City having already signed a Generation Adidas contract.[10] On July 25, 2020, he made his professional debut as an 75th-minute substitute for Tesho Akindele in a 1–0 victory over Montreal Impact during the MLS is Back Tournament round of 16.[11] On August 22, Dike made his first start for the team in his first regular season MLS match and subsequently scored his first professional goal in a 3–2 defeat to Inter Miami.[12] Four days later he scored his first career brace in a 3–1 win over Nashville SC.[13] With three goals and two assists in five matches, Dike was named MLS Player of the Month for August 2020.[14] In October, Dike was announced as #10 in the annual MLS 22 Under 22 list, the first Orlando player since Cyle Larin in 2017 to be included.[15] With MLS electing to change the annual Rookie of the Year award to Young Player of the Year in 2020, Dike was the highest-ranked rookie but came third in the voting behind five-year pro Diego Rossi and second-year pro Brenden Aaronson.[16]
Loan to Barnsley
[edit]On February 1, 2021, Dike joined EFL Championship club Barnsley on loan until the end of the 2020–21 season with a reported $20 million option to buy and 20% sell-on fee clause.[17][18][19] He was only able to meet the criteria for a UK work permit because he had made his senior international debut the day before.[20] He made his Barnsley debut on February 11, as a 59th-minute substitute for Victor Adeboyejo in a 1–0 FA Cup fifth round defeat to Premier League side Chelsea.[21] He made his league debut three days later, starting and playing 56 minutes of a 2–0 win over Brentford.[22] He scored his first goal for the club on February 24 in a 2–0 league win over Stoke City.[23] With four goals in six appearances, Dike was named Barnsley's player of the month for March. He also won the club's goal of the month award for a thunderous strike in a 1–0 win over Birmingham City on March 6.[24][25] The strike was later voted as the club's goal of the season.[26] On April 21, Dike scored a bicycle kick in a 1–0 win over Huddersfield Town.[27] The result moved Barnsley six points clear of Reading in the race for the final promotion play-off place with three games to go.[28] On April 28, Dike was named the club's player of the month for the second consecutive time having scored four goals in six games including two game-winners.[29] Having confirmed their playoff status, Barnsley came to an agreement with Orlando City on April 29 to prevent Dike from being recalled during the postseason.[30] He started the semifinal first leg at home as Barnsley lost 1–0 before appearing as a halftime substitute during a 1–1 draw in the second leg.[31] Dike's loan expired on May 31 with Orlando City announcing in a statement the following day that Barnsley had elected not to trigger the release clause.[32]
2021 season
[edit]Having missed the first part of the season while finishing his Barnsley loan before joining up with the United States national team, Dike eventually made his 2021 season debut for Orlando as a second-half substitute on June 19 in a 3–2 win over Toronto FC. He started the following game, scoring twice in a 5–0 victory against San Jose Earthquakes.[33] He made a further two appearances before again leaving on international duty at the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He missed five games due to the tournament and returned with a shoulder injury and tendinitis, forcing him to miss a further five games including Orlando's continental debut in the 2021 Leagues Cup.[34] With the team struggling to stay above the playoff line from early August, Dike started slow on his return to the side - scoring and assisting once (both in a 3–2 victory over Columbus Crew on September 4) in five games, of which the goal saw him awarded Goal of the Week.[35][36] He eventually found form, scoring in three consecutive games for the second time in his pro career. The streak notably included a penalty as Dike took duties away from veteran Portugal international Nani who had failed to convert the previous game, Orlando's third miss on five attempts in 2021.[37] In October, it was announced that Dike was ranked #2 behind only Ricardo Pepi on the annual MLS 22 Under 22, up from #10 on the previous year's list.[38]
West Bromwich Albion
[edit]On January 1, 2022, Dike signed for West Bromwich Albion of the English EFL Championship on a four-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[39] On January 16, Dike made his debut for West Bromwich Albion, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 loss to Queen's Park Rangers. During his first start against Peterborough United, Dike sustained a hamstring injury which ruled him out for the remainder of the season.[40] He scored his first goal for the club on December 12, 2022, in a 2–1 win against Sunderland.[41]
During a league game against Stoke City on April 15, 2023, Dike suffered an Achilles tendon injury in his right leg which ruled him out for nine months.[42]
On February 10, 2024, just over a month after his return, Dike suffered a left leg injury and was carted off during a 2–2 draw against Ipswich Town. Manager Carlos Corberan stated after the match that the injury was "similar" to the one Dike suffered in 2023.[43][44] On February 12, it was confirmed that Dike has ruptured his left Achilles tendon, and would miss the remainder of 2024.[45]
It would be an entire year before Dike played again for West Brom, making his return as a 77th-minute substitute against Millwall on February 15, 2025.[46] He would start and score in his first league game in over 2 years on May 5, 2025, in a 5–3 win against Luton Town.[47]
International career
[edit]In November 2020, Dike was called up to the United States national team for the first time for a friendly against El Salvador but did not appear after picking up an injury in training.[48] He made his debut for the United States on January 31, 2021, as a 65th-minute substitute for Paul Arriola in a 7–0 friendly win over Trinidad and Tobago.[49] In May 2021, Dike was called into training camp for the 2021 CONCACAF Nations League Finals but did not make the final squad.[50] He scored his first international goal on June 9, 2021, in a 4–0 friendly win over Costa Rica at Rio Tinto Stadium.[51] In July 2021, Dike was named to the final 23-player roster for the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup.[52] On July 15, Dike scored his first competitive goals when he scored a brace during a 6–1 group stage win over Martinique.[53]
Personal life
[edit]The youngest of five siblings, Dike's eldest brother, Bright Dike, was also a first round MLS Superdraft pick in 2010 and has played for the Nigerian national team.[54] His sister, Courtney, was capped by Nigeria and made two appearances at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. He is the cousin of Nigeria international striker Emmanuel Emenike.[55]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of February 10, 2026[56]
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| OKC Energy FC U23 | 2018[5] | Premier Development League | 4 | 3 | — | — | — | 4 | 3 | |||
| Orlando City | 2020 | MLS | 17 | 8 | — | 2 | 0 | 3[c] | 0 | 22 | 8 | |
| 2021 | MLS | 18 | 10 | — | 1 | 1 | — | 19 | 11 | |||
| Total | 35 | 18 | — | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 41 | 19 | |||
| Barnsley (loan) | 2020–21 | Championship | 19 | 9 | 1 | 0 | — | 2[d] | 0 | 22 | 9 | |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2021–22 | Championship | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 2 | 0 | |||
| 2022–23 | Championship | 23 | 7 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 25 | 7 | |||
| 2023–24 | Championship | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | — | — | 5 | 1 | |||
| 2024–25 | Championship | 11 | 1 | — | — | — | 11 | 1 | ||||
| 2025–26 | Championship | 11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 12 | 0 | |||
| Total | 51 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 55 | 8 | ||
| Career total | 109 | 38 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 122 | 40 | ||
- ^ Includes FA Cup
- ^ Includes MLS Cup Playoffs
- ^ Appearances in MLS is Back Tournament knockout stage
- ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
International
[edit]- As of March 27, 2023[57]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2021 | 8 | 3 |
| 2023 | 2 | 0 | |
| Total | 10 | 3 | |
- As of match played July 15, 2021
- Scores and results list United States's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Dike goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | June 9, 2021[51] | Rio Tinto Stadium, Sandy, United States | 3 | 2–0 | 4–0 | Friendly | |
| 2 | July 15, 2021 | Children's Mercy Park, Kansas City, United States | 5 | 1–0 | 6–1 | 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup | |
| 3 | 4–0 |
Honors
[edit]Virginia Cavaliers
- ACC regular season: 2019
- ACC Men's Soccer Tournament: 2019
- NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament runner-up: 2019
United States
Individual
- NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Tournament Most Outstanding Player: 2019
- MLS Player of the Month: August 2020[14]
- EFL Championship Fans Player of the Month: April 2021[59]
References
[edit]- ^ "EFL – Squad List 2021/22: West Bromwich Albion – Under 21 Contract Players" (PDF). English Football League. p. 140. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
- ^ "Daryl Dike U.S. Soccer profile". ussoccer.com.
- ^ "Virginia forward Daryl Dike signs Generation adidas contract, eligible in 2020 SuperDraft". mlssoccer.com.
- ^ "Edmond North High School student-athlete named Gatorade Oklahoma boys soccer player of the year" (PDF). playeroftheyear.gatorade.com. Gatorade. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 16, 2021. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
- ^ a b "OKC Energy U23 - 2018 Regular Season - Roster - #11 - Daryl Dike - F". uslleaguetwo.com.
- ^ Abramenko, Tobias (November 14, 2019). "Daryl Dike looks to defy the odds and lead No. 4 Virginia to a national title". The Cavalier Daily. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ^ Willett, Preston (December 7, 2019). "Daryl Dike doing the dirty work for the Wahoos". WCAV. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ^ Northam, Mitchell (December 14, 2019). "Daryl Dike leads Virginia over Wake Forest in men's College Cup semifinals". Pro Soccer USA. Archived from the original on May 24, 2020. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ^ "Georgetown wins NCAA title, beating Virginia on penalty kicks". WTOP. December 15, 2019. Archived from the original on December 16, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ^ "Virginia forward Daryl Dike signs Generation adidas contract, eligible in 2020 SuperDraft". mlssoccer.com.
- ^ "Orlando City SC 1, Montreal Impact 0 2020 MLS Match Recap". mlssoccer.com. Archived from the original on January 23, 2021. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
- ^ "Inter Miami CF 3, Orlando City SC 2 2020 MLS Match Recap". mlssoccer.com.
- ^ "Daryl Dike bags brace as Orlando City secure comeback victory over Nashville SC". goal.com.
- ^ a b "Orlando City SC forward Daryl Dike named MLS Player of the Month for August". Major League Soccer. September 9, 2020.
- ^ "22 Under 22: 2020 Rankings". mlssoccer.com.
- ^ "LAFC's Diego Rossi named AT&T MLS Young Player of the Year for 2020 season". mlssoccer.com.
- ^ "Orlando City SC Loans Forward Daryl Dike to English Side Barnsley". orlandocitysc.com.
- ^ "Daryl Dike joins on loan". barnsleyfc.co.uk.
- ^ Poe, Julia (February 2021). "Orlando City loans striker Daryl Dike to Barnsley with option to buy". orlandosentinel.com.
- ^ "Daryl Dike heads to Barnsley on loan". Stars and Stripes FC. February 1, 2021.
- ^ Johnston, Neil (February 11, 2021). "Barnsley 0-1 Chelsea: Tammy Abraham scores winner at Oakwell". BBC Sport. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
- ^ "Barnsley end Bees' 21-match unbeaten run". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Barnsley v Stoke City match report". BBC Sport.
- ^ Cattry, Pardeep. "Orlando's Daryl Dike wins trio of awards after red-hot form on loan at Barnsley". Major League Soccer.
- ^ "Daryl Dike wins March goal of the month". barnsleyfc.co.uk.
- ^ "Daryl Dike wins goal of the season". barnsleyfc.co.uk.
- ^ "USMNT's Dike scores best goal yet in prolific Barnsley loan". NBC Sports. April 21, 2021.
- ^ "Barnsley beat Huddersfield in play-off push". BBC Sport.
- ^ "Daryl Dike is your player of the month for April". barnsleyfc.co.uk.
- ^ "Daryl Dike: Barnsley extend loan deal for Orlando City forward for Championship play-offs". Sky Sports.
- ^ "Matt Grimes' sweet strike takes Swansea past Barnsley and into play-off final". The Guardian. May 22, 2021.
- ^ "Orlando City SC Update on Forward Daryl Dike". orlandocitysc.com.
- ^ "Dike on fire as Orlando hits five past San Jose". ESPN. June 23, 2021.
- ^ ""The goals will come": Daryl Dike refreshed and ready to end Orlando's scoring woes". MLSsoccer.com.
- ^ Hunte, Sydney (September 4, 2021). "Recap: Orlando City SC 3, Columbus Crew 2". Major League Soccer. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
- ^ "Orlando forward Daryl Dike wins Week 23 AT&T Goal of the Week". Major League Soccer. September 10, 2021. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
- ^ Poe, Julia (September 30, 2021). "What we learned from Orlando City's 2-2 draw with Nashville". Orlando Sentinel.
- ^ "2021 22 Under 22". MLSsoccer.com.
- ^ "Albion complete signing of Daryl Dike". wba.co.uk.
- ^ "D. Dike". West Bromwich Albion. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ "Sunderland 1-2 West Bromwich Albion". BBC. December 12, 2022. Retrieved December 13, 2022.
- ^ "Horror injury for Daryl Dike ruins USMNT momentum as West Brom striker suffers suspected Achilles tear and requires stretcher". Goal.com. Retrieved April 18, 2023.
- ^ "West Brom star forced off in tears as gut-wrenching injury record strikes again". talkSPORT. February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2024.
- ^ "USMNT striker Daryl Dike suffers injury after return from nine-month absence". talkSPORT. February 10, 2024. Retrieved February 12, 2024.
- ^ "Daryl Dike: West Bromwich Albion striker suffers second ruptured Achilles in 10 months - BBC Sport". BBC.com. February 12, 2024.
- ^ "Millwall 1-1 West Bromwich Albion: Bryan own goal cancels out Cooper opener". BBC Sport. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
- ^ "Daryl Dike: West Bromwich Albion striker dreamed about comeback goal". BBC Sport. May 5, 2025. Retrieved August 9, 2025.
- ^ "Berhalter Calls 22 Players ahead of USA-El Salvador on Dec. 9 at Inter Miami FC Stadium in Ft. Lauderdale". www.ussoccer.com. November 30, 2020.
- ^ "USA 7 - Trinidad & Tobago 0: Match Report & Stats". www.ussoccer.com.
- ^ "USMNT's Pulisic, Steffen in for Nations League". ESPN. May 24, 2021.
- ^ a b "United States vs. Costa Rica - June 9 2021 - Soccerway". Soccerway.
- ^ "Berhalter Names 23-Player Roster for 2021 Concacaf Gold Cup". US Soccer. July 1, 2021.
- ^ "USA hammer six past Martinique to reach Concacaf Gold Cup last eight". The Guardian. July 16, 2021.
- ^ White, Jeff (November 17, 2018). "Dike Coming Up Big for 'Hoos". VirginiaSports.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2019. Retrieved December 27, 2019.
- ^ "Bright Dike – Disappointed by shock snub". MTN. Archived from the original on January 13, 2013. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
- ^ "Daryl Dike Soccerway profile". Soccerway.
- ^ Daryl Dike at National-Football-Teams.com
- ^ "United States beats Mexico in Gold Cup final on late Miles Robinson header". ESPN. August 1, 2021. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
- ^ mlssoccer. "Daryl Dike wins English Championship Fans' Player of the Month". MLSSoccer.com. Retrieved January 19, 2022.
External links
[edit]- Daryl Dike at U.S. Soccer
- Daryl Dike at Major League Soccer
- Daryl Dike at USL League Two
- Daryl Dike at University of Virginia Athletics
Daryl Dike
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Youth and high school
Daryl Dike was born on June 3, 2000, in Edmond, Oklahoma, to Nigerian immigrant parents Vincent and Jacinta Dike. He is the youngest of five siblings in a family deeply immersed in soccer.[5][4][9] His siblings include professional players: older brother Bright Dike, who played college soccer at the University of Notre Dame, enjoyed a career in Major League Soccer with the Portland Timbers and Toronto FC, and earned two caps for the Nigeria national team; and sister Courtney Dike, who represented the Nigeria women's national team at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Dike is also the cousin of Emmanuel Emenike, a Nigerian international striker who played for clubs including Fenerbahçe and West Ham United.[10][11][12][13][14] Dike developed his skills at Edmond North High School, where he starred as a forward for the Huskies soccer team and served as captain from his sophomore year. During his sophomore year, he helped guide the team to the Oklahoma Class 6A state championship. In his senior year of 2018, he recorded 19 goals and 5 assists, leading the team to the Class 6A semifinals. Over his high school career, Dike tallied 71 goals, shattering the Class 6A state record, and was twice named Tulsa World All-City Player of the Year. For his outstanding performance, he received the 2017–18 Gatorade Oklahoma Boys Soccer Player of the Year award and was selected to the United Soccer Coaches High School All-America Team. He also earned All-City Player of the Year honors from The Oklahoman.[15][16][17][18][19][5] Between high school and college, Dike played for OKC Energy U23 in the USL League Two during the 2018 season, appearing in 4 matches for 238 minutes and scoring 3 goals with 9 shots on target. His high school achievements and family legacy drew early attention from U.S. Soccer, leading to initial involvement in youth development camps, though he was not a frequent participant in formal youth national team pools prior to college. Dike then transitioned to the University of Virginia to begin his collegiate career.[20][21]College career
Daryl Dike enrolled at the University of Virginia in 2018 to play college soccer for the Cavaliers.[5] As a freshman in 2018, Dike appeared in 13 matches, starting 12, while co-leading the team with five goals and adding one assist for 11 points total.[5] His performance earned him a spot on the ACC All-Freshman Team and co-ACC Offensive Player of the Week honors on October 15 after scoring twice in a weekend sweep.[5] In the NCAA Tournament second round, he assisted on the game-winning goal in a 2-0 victory over Furman.[5][22] Dike's sophomore season in 2019 marked his emergence as a top collegiate prospect, as he appeared in 23 matches, scoring 10 goals and providing eight assists to lead the Cavaliers with 28 points.[5] His goal total tied for seventh in the ACC and made him the first Cavalier with double-digit goals since 2012, while his assists tied for fifth in the conference.[5] He received Third Team All-America honors from the United Soccer Coaches, College Soccer News, and Soccer America; First Team All-South Region; Second Team All-ACC; and ACC Offensive Player of the Week on October 28.[5] During Virginia's run to the NCAA Championship final as runners-up, Dike scored three goals across the College Cup semifinals and final, including a brace in a 2-1 semifinal win over Wake Forest and an 86th-minute equalizer in the 3-3 draw against Georgetown that went to penalties, earning him the NCAA College Cup Most Outstanding Offensive Player award.[5][23][24] Following the 2019 season, Dike declared for the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, forgoing his junior and senior years of eligibility after signing a Generation adidas contract, and was selected fifth overall by Orlando City SC.[5][25]Club career
Orlando City
Daryl Dike signed a Generation Adidas contract with Major League Soccer on January 7, 2020, making him eligible for the SuperDraft, where he was selected fifth overall by Orlando City SC two days later.[26][27] The 19-year-old forward, coming off a standout college season at the University of Virginia, joined the club as a highly touted prospect known for his physical presence and goal-scoring ability. In his rookie 2020 season, shortened by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dike made 17 appearances for Orlando City, starting 15 and scoring 8 goals with 2 assists in 1,217 minutes.[28] His breakout came in August, when he recorded 3 goals and 2 assists across 5 matches, earning him the MLS Player of the Month award as voted by the media—tying for the most points in the league that month.[29] Key contributions included his first professional goal on August 22 against Inter Miami CF and a brace three days later in a 3-1 victory over Nashville SC.[29] Dike's 2021 campaign saw further growth, with 18 appearances, 15 starts, 10 goals, and 1 assist in 1,320 minutes during the regular season.[28] Returning from an early-season loan, he quickly reestablished himself, highlighted by a brace in a 5-0 rout of the San Jose Earthquakes on June 22—his first multiple-goal game of the year and a sign of his increasing confidence in the professional environment.[30] He also scored his first goal of the season against Inter Miami CF on June 25, contributing to Orlando's first road win at the club. Across his two MLS seasons with Orlando City, Dike tallied 18 goals and 3 assists in 35 regular-season appearances (30 starts), totaling 2,537 minutes.[28] Transitioning from college soccer presented challenges, including adjusting to the faster pace and physical demands of professional matches, as well as managing online coursework while establishing himself in the league.[31][4] Following these formative years, Dike sought additional development through a loan to Barnsley in the EFL Championship.Barnsley loan
On 1 February 2021, Daryl Dike joined EFL Championship club Barnsley on a short-term loan from Orlando City until the end of the 2020–21 season, with the agreement including an option for Barnsley to make the move permanent.[32][33] Dike, then 20 years old, made his debut for the club as a substitute in an FA Cup fourth-round replay against Chelsea on 10 February, where he earned a yellow card but showed early promise in his adaptation to English football's intensity.[34] Over the course of the loan, he integrated quickly into the squad, making 19 appearances in the Championship and scoring 9 goals, while contributing to Barnsley's improved form during the latter half of the season.[28] Dike's impact was evident in several key moments that highlighted his growing influence. He scored his first goal for Barnsley on 20 February in a 2–1 league win over Nottingham Forest, followed by a stunning long-range strike in a 1–0 victory against Birmingham City on 6 March, which earned him the club's Goal of the Month award.[35] Further highlights included a brace in a 2–1 win at Luton Town on 5 April, where he nearly completed a hat-trick but missed a penalty, and an acrobatic bicycle kick goal as a substitute in a 1–0 triumph over Huddersfield Town on 20 April.[36][37] These performances were instrumental in Barnsley's surprising push, as his goals helped the team secure fifth place in the Championship table and qualify for the promotion play-offs, where they were eliminated in the semi-finals by Swansea City.[38] Dike's loan spell transformed Barnsley's attacking output, with his physical presence, aerial ability, and clinical finishing earning widespread praise from observers and teammates alike.[39] Described as authoritative and full of physicality, he added a direct threat that complemented the team's counter-attacking style, helping them win 10 of their final 15 league matches.[13] Upon the conclusion of the season in late May 2021, Barnsley opted not to exercise their purchase option, and Dike returned to Orlando City amid interest from multiple European clubs seeking a permanent deal.[40]West Bromwich Albion
Daryl Dike joined West Bromwich Albion on a permanent transfer from Orlando City on 1 January 2022, signing a four-and-a-half-year contract for a reported fee of £7 million.[41][42] This move followed a successful loan spell at Barnsley, which served as preparation for competitive English football.[2] In his debut season (2021–22), Dike made two appearances in the EFL Championship without scoring, as a hamstring injury sustained during his first start against Peterborough United sidelined him for the remainder of the campaign.[43][44] The 2022–23 season marked his most productive period at the club, where he featured in 25 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals—including seven in the Championship and one in the FA Cup—while providing one assist.[43] However, his progress was hampered by significant injuries, including thigh problems that kept him out for 99 days from August to November 2022 and an Achilles tendon rupture in April 2023 requiring surgery, which resulted in a 265-day absence until January 2024.[45][44] Dike's 2023–24 season was severely limited by ongoing injury woes, including a second Achilles rupture and a hamstring setback in October 2024, leading to only four appearances and one goal in the FA Cup.[43][44] He missed the early part of the 2024–25 Championship campaign but returned in late 2024, contributing to 11 appearances with one goal and one assist by the season's end.[43] A highlight came on 3 May 2025, when Dike scored against Luton Town in a 5–3 victory, marking his first goal in 482 days and ending a prolonged injury-enforced drought.[46][7] Entering the 2025–26 season, Dike faced further challenges with a thigh injury sustained in pre-season training, causing him to miss the opening matches and contributing to a 369-day absence from February 2024 to February 2025 across multiple setbacks.[45][44] He returned to the squad in October 2025 and made three substitute appearances in the 2025–26 Championship (against Preston North End, Millwall, and Cardiff City, totaling 15 minutes) without scoring or assisting, as of November 2025.[43][28] Throughout his time at West Brom, Dike has established himself as a key striker option when fit, totaling 43 appearances and nine goals across all competitions from 2021–22 to 2024–25.[43] His contract runs until June 2026, though his history of hamstring, thigh, and Achilles injuries—totaling over 900 days missed since 2022—has fueled discussions about potential transfer interest from other clubs seeking to bolster their forward lines.[47][45][44]International career
Youth level
Daryl Dike did not receive call-ups to the United States U-17 or U-20 men's youth national teams between 2017 and 2019, forgoing participation in events such as Concacaf U-20 Championship qualifiers or the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup.[48] His early development focused primarily on club and college soccer, where he honed his goal-scoring prowess through consistent performances. He received his first U.S. national team call-up to the U-23 camp in January 2021, though he did not make any appearances.[49] Following his standout college career at the University of Virginia, Dike's rapid rise in Major League Soccer with Orlando City SC in 2020 drew attention from U.S. Soccer selectors, paving the way for his first senior national team call-up in December 2020.Senior team
Daryl Dike earned his first senior cap with the United States men's national team (USMNT) on January 31, 2021, when he entered as a substitute in the 65th minute during a 7–0 friendly victory over Trinidad and Tobago in Orlando, Florida.[50] His early international exposure built on his successful youth career, providing a pathway to the senior squad under coach Gregg Berhalter. Dike made his first start on June 9, 2021, scoring his debut goal in a 4–0 friendly win against Costa Rica at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy, Utah, where he finished a cross from Nicholas Gioacchini in the 28th minute.[51] Dike's breakthrough came during the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, where he contributed significantly to the USMNT's title-winning campaign. He scored twice in the group stage match against Martinique on July 15, 2021, netting in the 12th and 47th minutes to help secure a 6–1 victory and clinch advancement to the knockout rounds.[52] Although he did not feature in the final against Mexico, his performances highlighted his potential as a physical target forward capable of holding up play and finishing chances. Dike did not receive call-ups for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches due to ongoing injury recovery and the coach's decision to prioritize his rest.[53] By March 2023, Dike had accumulated 10 senior appearances and 3 goals for the USMNT, with his last involvement coming in the 2022–23 CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. He started and played 76 minutes in the second leg against El Salvador on March 27, 2023, helping the team advance with a 1–0 win on aggregate despite no goal from him in the tie. His international opportunities since 2023 have been limited due to persistent club-level injuries, including Achilles tendon ruptures in April 2023 and February 2024 that sidelined him for a total of nearly two years.[54] Dike returned to club action in February 2025 but has not received further USMNT call-ups as of November 2025. At age 25, Dike remains a viable forward option for the USMNT under coaches like Berhalter, offering depth in attack with his aerial presence and pressing ability, and he has expressed ambition to feature prominently at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a host nation.[55][1]Off the field
Personal life
Daryl Dike was born in Edmond, Oklahoma, to Nigerian immigrant parents who both played soccer and instilled a strong emphasis on the sport in their household while prioritizing education and safety over American football due to concerns about injury risks. His family maintains close ties to Nigeria through heritage and international representation by his siblings, reflecting a blend of American upbringing and Nigerian roots that has influenced his cultural identity. As the youngest of five siblings, Dike grew up in a family deeply immersed in soccer, with his older brother Bright Dike pursuing a professional career in Major League Soccer for teams including Toronto FC and Portland Timbers while earning caps for the Nigeria national team. His sister Courtney Dike also represented Nigeria internationally, featuring in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup after starring for the U-20 team at the 2014 edition, while his other sisters, Brittny and Kim, became doctors without pursuing professional soccer. Dike keeps much of his personal life private, with limited public details beyond his family connections and commitment to education; he graduated with a first-class honours degree in finance from Southern New Hampshire University in 2022, having maintained a 4.24 GPA from high school while transitioning to professional soccer. Since joining Barnsley on loan from Orlando City in early 2021, Dike has been based in England, transitioning to a permanent move with West Bromwich Albion in January 2022 and establishing a life there amid the demands of professional soccer in the English Championship. Dike returned to action in early 2025 following his latest thigh injury, demonstrating resilience amid ongoing injury management. No major controversies or notable philanthropic activities have been publicly associated with him as of November 2025.[56]Playing style
Daryl Dike stands at 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) tall with a muscular build weighing approximately 100 kg (220 lbs), enabling a commanding aerial presence that allows him to dominate duels and excel in set-piece situations.[6] His physical profile supports a robust hold-up play style, where he uses his strength to shield the ball, lay it off to teammates, or flick it on for advancing runners, particularly in direct, vertical systems. Dike also demonstrates pace to stretch defenses on counter-attacks, combined with sharp finishing instincts that emphasize power and placement over finesse. Dike's playing style draws comparisons to powerful forwards like Erling Haaland, particularly in his explosive physicality and ability to thrive as a focal point in fast transitions and physical battles, though he operates at a different scale in the second tier. He favors a rugged, back-to-goal approach with soft feet for close control, smart box runs, and a knack for diving headers or near-post finishes, making him well-suited to the Championship's combative nature. Former West Brom manager Valerien Ismael praised his "energy, strength, and goal-scoring mentality," while USMNT analyst Taylor Twellman noted Dike's "instincts in and around the goal" that go beyond his size.[53][57] Since transitioning from MLS to European football, Dike has evolved technically, improving his spatial awareness and shot efficiency, as evidenced by overperforming expected goals (xG) by +47% across his Championship stints with Barnsley and West Brom. In MLS with Orlando City, he showed a high shot conversion rate around 20-26%, but adapted to the Championship's intensity by achieving a 40% conversion rate in his breakthrough 2020-21 loan at Barnsley, scoring nine goals from 4.4 xG. However, recurring injuries—including Achilles ruptures in 2023 and 2024 and thigh/hamstring issues in 2022 and 2025—have hampered his consistency, limiting starts and forcing adaptations in his aggressive, high-work-rate style.[45][58] For the USMNT, he serves as a backup striker, leveraging his physical edge in limited senior appearances.[57]Career statistics and honors
Club statistics
Daryl Dike has recorded 109 appearances, 37 goals, and 6 assists in his professional club career as of November 9, 2025, spanning Major League Soccer, the EFL Championship, and domestic cup competitions.[59] These figures reflect his contributions at Orlando City SC, Barnsley FC (on loan), and West Bromwich Albion, where injuries have periodically interrupted his progress, including Achilles tendon ruptures in April 2023 and February 2024 that sidelined him for nearly the entirety of the 2023–24 and much of the 2024–25 seasons, as well as a thigh injury sustained in August 2025 that caused him to miss the opening matches of the 2025–26 Championship campaign.[60][61][44] A breakdown by club shows strong scoring output early in his career, with diminishing returns at West Brom due to injury absences: 41 appearances and 19 goals (4 assists) for Orlando City; 22 appearances and 9 goals for Barnsley; and 46 appearances, 9 goals, and 2 assists for West Bromwich Albion.[59]| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando City SC | 41 | 19 | 4 |
| Barnsley FC (loan) | 22 | 9 | 0 |
| West Bromwich Albion | 46 | 9 | 2 |
| Total | 109 | 37 | 6 |
International statistics
Daryl Dike has made 10 appearances for the senior United States men's national team (USMNT), scoring 3 goals across friendlies, the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the 2023 CONCACAF Nations League.[48] His goals include one in a 4–0 friendly victory over Costa Rica on June 10, 2021, and a brace during the Gold Cup group stage against Martinique on July 16, 2021, contributing to a 6–1 win.[8] Dike's last call-up came in March 2023, and as of November 2025, he has not added to his senior international tally.[1] The following table lists Dike's senior international appearances:| Date | Opponent | Competition | Result | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 2, 2021 | Trinidad and Tobago | Friendly | 7–0 | 0 |
| March 28, 2021 | Northern Ireland | Friendly | 1–2 | 0 |
| June 10, 2021 | Costa Rica | Friendly | 4–0 | 1 |
| July 12, 2021 | Haiti | Gold Cup | 1–0 | 0 |
| July 16, 2021 | Martinique | Gold Cup | 6–1 | 2 |
| July 18, 2021 | Canada | Gold Cup | 1–0 | 0 |
| July 26, 2021 | Jamaica | Gold Cup | 1–0 | 0 |
| July 30, 2021 | Qatar | Gold Cup | 1–0 | 0 |
| March 25, 2023 | Grenada | Nations League | 7–1 | 0 |
| March 28, 2023 | El Salvador | Nations League | 1–0 | 0 |
