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Philip Billing
Philip Billing
from Wikipedia

Philip Anyanwu Billing (born 11 June 1996) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Danish Superliga club Midtjylland.

Key Information

Club career

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Huddersfield Town

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Billing was born in Copenhagen.[4] After signing for Esbjerg in his native Denmark, he joined Huddersfield Town in 2013 on a youth contract. Billing signed a four-year professional contract in October 2013.[5] After performing well for both the under-18s and under-21s, he made his first team debut for the club as a substitute in their 2–0 loss against Leicester City at the John Smith's Stadium on 26 April 2014.[6]

His first start for the Terriers came 18 months later in their 2–2 draw against Reading at the Madejski Stadium on 3 November 2015. His first goal for the club came from a 30-yard strike against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground in a 2–0 win for the Terriers on 13 February 2016.[7] On 19 November 2016, he scored his second goal for the club with a volley from 32 yards out in a 3–2 loss against Cardiff City.[8]

Billing got slowly more and more space in the squad. After 10 good matches in the 2015–16 season, Billing signed a contract extension in March 2016.[9] He got his breakthrough in the 2016–17 season. "In-form" Billing was linked with a transfer to Premier League club Crystal Palace.[10] He played 24 games and scored two goals in total in that season. After the season, Billing was named as the youth player of the season in Huddersfield and his goal against Cardiff City in November 2016 was voted goal of the season.[11]

In March 2019, Billing suffered racial abuse on social media; the matter was reported to police.[12]

Bournemouth

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On 29 July 2019, Billing signed for Premier League Bournemouth on a long-term contract for a £15 million fee. He was given the No. 29 jersey.[13][14] Billing made a strong start to his first season with Bournemouth, starting the first four Premier League games of the season and being nominated for the club's Player of the Month award for August.[15] Billing scored his first goals for the club in the FA Cup third round fixture against Luton Town, as Bournemouth won the game 4–0.[16] He then scored his first Premier League goal for the club, netting the opening goal against relegation rivals Aston Villa in a 2–1 win for the home side on 1 February.[17]

Billing was involved in a controversial VAR decision in a 3–0 away loss to Burnley in the Premier League on 22 February, when his knock-down from a corner to Joshua King was judged to be a handball by the VAR officials. This was one of two Bournemouth goals disallowed for handball in the match.[18]

Billing scored eight goals in the Championship for the 2020–21 season, which was also his most prolific goalscoring season to date.[19]

On 4 March 2023, Billing scored the opening goal in a 3–2 away defeat to Arsenal. Timed at just 9.11 seconds, his goal was the second fastest ever scored in the Premier League.[20]

On 21 August 2023, it was announced that Billing had signed a new contract, keeping him at the club until 2027.[21] On 16 December 2023, during a Premier League match against Luton Town, Billing was the first person to summon assistance to opponent player Tom Lockyer, who had suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch, before the arrival of the medical staff; following Lockyer's discharge from the hospital, Luton publicly thanked Billing in an official press statement.[22]

Napoli

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On 11 January 2025, Billing moved to Napoli in Italy on loan, with an option to buy for £9 million.[23][24] During his loan he won the Italian Championship with Napoli.[25]

Midtjylland

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On 26 August 2025, Billing moved to Midtjylland in Denmark on a five-year contract.[26] On 20 September 2025, he scored his first goal for the club in a 2-0 victory over local rivals Viborg.[27]

International career

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Billing was born in Denmark to a Danish mother and Igbo Nigerian father.[28] Billing is a Danish youth international, having represented the U19 and U21 teams.[29]

He made his single appearance for the Danish U19s on 4 September 2014 as a substitute in their 2–1 win over Norway in Lyngdal.[30] On 9 March 2017, he was called up to the Denmark under-20 team to face the Czech Republic and Romania.[31] He earned his first cap for the Danish U21 team in a qualifying match for the 2019 European Championship against the Faroe Islands on 31 August 2017. It ended in a 3–0 win. He played another qualifying match a week later, a 6–0 win against Lithuania.[32]

In November 2018, Billing turned down an approach to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria.[33] In March 2019, he received his first call-up to the Danish senior national team.[34] He debuted in a 4–0 friendly win over the Faroe Islands on 7 October 2020.[35]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of match played 12 February 2026
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Huddersfield Town 2013–14[19] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2014–15[19] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2015–16[19] Championship 13 1 0 0 0 0 13 1
2016–17[19] Championship 24 2 4 0 0 0 0 0 28 2
2017–18[19] Premier League 16 0 4 0 2 1 22 1
2018–19[19] Premier League 27 2 0 0 0 0 27 2
Total 81 5 8 0 2 1 0 0 91 6
Bournemouth 2019–20 Premier League 34 1 1 2 1 0 36 3
2020–21[19] Championship 34 8 4 0 2 0 2[c] 0 42 8
2021–22[19] Championship 40 10 1 0 1 1 42 11
2022–23[19] Premier League 36 7 1 0 1 0 38 7
2023–24[19] Premier League 29 2 2 0 2 0 33 2
2024–25[19] Premier League 10 0 0 0 0 0 10 0
Total 183 28 9 2 7 1 2 0 201 31
Napoli (loan) 2024–25[19] Serie A 10 1 10 1
Midtjylland 2025–26 Danish Superliga 11 1 4 0 7[d] 1 22 2
Career total 285 35 21 2 11 2 7 1 324 40
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup, Danish Cup
  2. ^ Includes EFL Cup
  3. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  4. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League

International

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As of match played 15 November 2025[36]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Denmark 2020 1 0
2022 2 0
2023 2 0
2025 1 0
Total 6 0

Honours

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Huddersfield

Bournemouth

Napoli

Individual

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Philip Billing (born 11 June 1996) is a Danish professional footballer who plays as a central for in the and the national team. Born in , Billing is left-footed and stands at 192 cm tall, known for his physical presence and passing ability in midfield. He began his senior career with , making his debut in 2014 after progressing through their , and accumulated 152 appearances during his tenure there, scoring 12 goals. After loan spells and a transfer to Huddersfield Town, Billing rejoined in 2021, contributing to their promotion from the to the in 2022 via the play-offs. In August 2025, he completed a permanent move to , his boyhood club. Internationally, Billing debuted for in a 4–0 friendly victory over the in October 2020 and has earned five caps to date.

Early life

Family background and youth development

Philip Anyanwu Billing was born on 11 June 1996 in , , to Birta Billing, a Danish national, and Marc Billing, a Nigerian national. His parents' union produced a mixed-heritage , with Billing raised in alongside siblings, emphasizing his Danish upbringing despite his father's Nigerian origins. Billing's introduction to organized football occurred in , where he initially developed through local youth setups, beginning with Jerne IF before progressing to fB's academy system. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his technical and tactical foundations in midfield roles. At approximately age 16, in 2012, he relocated to to join Town's youth academy directly from , marking a pivotal shift toward pathways in English football. His imposing physical stature, reaching 1.93 meters in height, became a key asset during this youth phase, enabling dominance in aerial duels and physical contests that complemented his growing midfield versatility. This combination of Danish grassroots exposure and the structured environment of an English academy environment facilitated Billing's transition toward senior-level readiness.

Club career

Bournemouth academy and early loans

Billing joined Huddersfield Town's academy in 2013 at age 17, having previously developed in Danish youth setups with Jerne IF and Esbjerg fB. He signed a four-year professional contract with the club on 3 October 2013 after impressing in youth training. Progressing through the under-18 and under-21 squads, Billing earned a senior debut on 19 April 2014 during a 2–1 Championship victory over Yeovil Town, substituting in the 75th minute. This appearance marked his transition to competitive senior minutes without requiring initial loans to lower-tier clubs for experience accumulation. No early loan spells were recorded during his formative professional phase, as he integrated directly into Huddersfield's first-team periphery amid their Championship campaign.

Huddersfield Town

Philip Billing joined Huddersfield Town in 2013 at the age of 16 from Danish club on a youth deal. He signed his first professional contract with the club and made his senior debut on 26 April 2014 in a 2–0 home defeat to Leicester City. Billing extended his contract in March 2016 until the end of the 2019–20 season, securing his long-term commitment amid growing first-team opportunities. During the 2016–17 season, Billing established himself as a key squad member, making 24 appearances with 2 goals as secured promotion to the via the , defeating Reading 4–3 on aggregate in the final on 29 May 2017. His contributions included 13 starts and strong aerial presence from his 193 cm frame, which enhanced midfield duels and transitions central to the team's compact defensive structure under manager David Wagner. Following promotion, he signed a new three-year deal on 10 August 2017. In the season, achieved survival with a 16th-place finish, earning 37 points including a vital 1–1 draw at Chelsea on 9 May 2018 that confirmed their status. Billing featured regularly, leveraging his physical attributes for defensive recoveries and set-piece threats, though the team relied on collective resilience rather than individual dominance. The subsequent 2018–19 campaign saw early struggles, culminating in relegation on 30 March 2019 after a 2–0 loss to , with Billing registering 23 league appearances and limited goal output. Across his tenure from 2014 to 2019, Billing amassed 81 league appearances and 5 goals, plus 2 assists in all competitions, totaling 91 outings and 6 goals. His height and reach proved causally advantageous in midfield battles, enabling higher duel win rates in aerial contests—particularly vital during relegation pressures where physicality mitigated technical gaps against superior opponents—though team-wide deficiencies in chance creation limited offensive metrics.

Return to Bournemouth

On 29 2019, Philip Billing transferred from Huddersfield Town to for a reported fee of £15 million, signing a long-term contract as a central . In the season, he featured in 34 matches amid 's relegation to the , logging significant minutes in a defensive midfield role. Billing established himself as a mainstay during Bournemouth's campaign, playing a pivotal role in their promotion as champions with consistent appearances and contributions to midfield stability. Following promotion, he adapted to the in 2022–23, starting 36 matches and scoring 7 goals, including several from long range, while partnering effectively with players like Lewis Cook in central midfield. In 2023–24, he made 29 appearances with fewer starts, contributing to Bournemouth's survival despite ongoing squad adjustments post-relegation recovery. By the 2024–25 season, Billing's involvement diminished, with only 10 appearances and limited starting opportunities under manager , reflecting increased competition and tactical shifts. This reduced role preceded his loan departure to Napoli in January 2025. Over his tenure from 2019 to early 2025, he accumulated 201 appearances across all competitions, scoring 31 goals and providing 20 assists, demonstrating sustained value through high minutes played during promotion and stabilization, even as transfer valuations rose from the initial £15 million amid market dynamics.

Napoli loan

On 11 January 2025, Philip Billing joined club Napoli on loan from until the end of the 2024–25 season, with an option to buy valued at €9–10 million. The transfer addressed Napoli's need for midfield reinforcement amid inconsistent results, while allowing Billing, who had started fewer matches for in the preceding months, to seek regular playing time in a competitive environment. Billing featured in 10 Serie A matches during the loan spell, primarily as a central , and recorded 1 goal with no assists. His integration reflected Napoli's tactical setup under manager , emphasizing defensive solidity and transitions, where Billing's (standing at 1.93 meters) contributed to aerial duels and ball recoveries, though Serie A's emphasis on technical possession and pressing intensity presented a contrast to the Premier League's end-to-end pace. Limited starts highlighted adaptation hurdles, including acclimating to Italy's tactical discipline and higher foul thresholds, amid Napoli's mid-table push. At the loan's conclusion in June 2025, Napoli opted against exercising the purchase clause, returning Billing to after metrics showed moderate impact—such as average pass completion rates above 80% but subdued creative output in a possession-oriented system. This evaluation underscored challenges in fully leveraging Billing's strengths in a league demanding nuanced positioning over raw physicality, despite early expectations of a permanent stay.

FC Midtjylland

On 26 August 2025, Philip Billing completed a permanent transfer from to of the for a base fee of £5 million, potentially rising to €7 million with performance-based add-ons, and signed a five-year contract expiring in 2030. Billing, a Danish native born in , expressed that the club's persistent interest over recent years and his wish to return to influenced the decision, noting Midtjylland as the ideal destination for renewed regular playing time after limited minutes at Bournemouth. Billing debuted for Midtjylland in competitive play during the 2025–26 season, appearing in five matches and two qualifiers by late September. Positioned mainly as a central , he has contributed one goal across competitions, with early showing 265 minutes played in Europa League games at a 92.67% passing accuracy rate. These outings reflect his adaptation to Midtjylland's analytically oriented system, which emphasizes in recruitment, training, and tactical deployment to optimize player output. Billing's initial Superliga metrics, including one goal from six appearances, underscore his role in bolstering Midtjylland's midfield control amid their pursuit of domestic and European contention. The transfer facilitates consistent domestic exposure, aligning with pathways for sustained performance evaluation in top flight.

International career

Youth career

Billing earned his sole cap for the under-19 team on 4 September 2014, entering as a substitute in a 2–1 friendly victory over in Lyngdal. This limited exposure at the U19 level preceded his progression to the under-21 squad, with no recorded appearances or goals at earlier youth tiers such as U16 or U17, potentially attributable to his concurrent club commitments in and emphasis on physical maturation over frequent national call-ups. His selection reflected evaluators' assessment of his technical proficiency and height advantage, though detailed reports from the period remain sparse.

Senior career

Billing received his first senior call-up to the national team in October 2020, making his debut on 7 October in a friendly match against the , which won 4–0; he started in central midfield and played 72 minutes before being substituted. Subsequent appearances included starts in Nations League qualifiers and friendlies, such as against (4–0 win, March 2021), (1–0 win, March 2021), (1–0 loss, June 2021), and a substitute role against the (4–0 win, September 2021). In the 2022 UEFA Nations League, Billing earned a substitute appearance on 13 June against , entering in the second half during 's 1–0 victory, which secured first place in Group A1 and promotion to League A; his involvement helped maintain defensive solidity in a match where completed 85% of passes and recorded 12 tackles. As of October 2025, Billing has accumulated five senior caps for , with zero goals scored and no assists recorded. Denmark's selections for Billing have aligned with peaks in his club form, such as consistent starts at in the season (32 appearances, 5 goals), rather than any institutional bias; midfield competition from established players like and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg has limited opportunities, with Billing omitted from and 2024 squads despite eligibility. No call-ups occurred during his 2024–25 loan at Napoli or early 2025–26 stint at , periods marked by irregular starting roles.

Playing style

Technical attributes and positional versatility

Philip Billing, at 1.93 meters in height, demonstrates strong aerial ability, winning duels at a rate placing him in the top 4% among midfielders during the 2022/23 season. His physical presence enables effective contributions in both defensive and offensive phases, with data showing proficiency in ball interceptions and blocking shots. Billing's long-range shooting stands out, as evidenced by his 40-yard lobbed goal against on October 28, 2023, which secured Bournemouth's first win of that season. In terms of positional versatility, Billing operates effectively across midfield roles, from defensive to attacking positions, including as the left-sided player in a midfield three where he advances beyond forwards. This flexibility stems from his box-to-box energy, with tracking data indicating average distances covered of approximately 10.67 kilometers per match in and peaks exceeding 12 kilometers in fixtures. Such attributes suit the physical demands of leagues like the and , where sustained running and dual-phase involvement provide tactical utility, though his adaptation to higher technical precision in top-flight play relies on refining passing vision over raw athleticism. Weaknesses include limitations in pace, which constrain quick recovery in transition-heavy scenarios, and occasional lapses in concentration affecting under pressure. These traits highlight a profile optimized for possession-oriented systems emphasizing set-piece threats and midfield control rather than high-intensity pressing games requiring explosive speed.

Controversies

Racial abuse incident

On 12 March 2019, Huddersfield Town midfielder Philip Billing received a racially abusive direct message from an account claiming affiliation with the club, shortly after a match against Newcastle United. The message derogatorily referred to Billing as a "black donkey" and demanded he depart the team. Billing posted a of the on his account, exposing the abuse publicly and eliciting immediate backlash against the sender. Huddersfield Town condemned the incident in an official statement, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination, and promptly reported it to and for action. The following day, 13 March 2019, police arrested a 16-year-old boy from the area on suspicion of sending the malicious communication, treating it as a . No further public details emerged regarding charges or conviction, highlighting the role of targeted individual enforcement in addressing such isolated online offenses. Club manager voiced support for Billing, labeling the abuse "brainless" and affirming the player's resilience amid the scrutiny. The episode demonstrated Billing's decision to confront the head-on, contributing to the perpetrator's identification without evident disruption to his on-pitch contributions in the ensuing matches of the 2018–19 season.

On-field gestures and dismissals

During a match against Nottingham Forest on 4 February 2024, Philip Billing received a straight red card in the 84th minute for a reckless challenge on , appearing to stamp on the forward's lower leg near the while attempting to halt a counter-attack. Referee , officiating her second game, issued the dismissal following a review, prompting boos from fans who viewed the call as overly severe given the context of stopping play. Nottingham Forest manager acknowledged the foul's crudeness but noted alternative methods existed to interrupt the move, while the incident contributed to playing with 10 men in a 1-1 draw. Billing served a subsequent one-match suspension, marking his first career red card in top-flight competition after over 150 appearances with minimal prior disciplinary issues. In a separate VAR-related controversy, during Bournemouth's 3-0 defeat to on 22 February 2020, an early goal by Josh King was overturned after video review deemed Billing's inadvertent arm contact with the ball during a corner-kick build-up constituted , denying Bournemouth a potential lead. The decision, applied under evolving protocols emphasizing accidental deflections, drew criticism from for its strict interpretation, as Billing's arm was close to his body and the contact minimal; club officials argued it exemplified inconsistent VAR application that disadvantaged them in the match. Such incidents highlight Billing's involvement in debated officiating calls, though his overall dismissal rate remains low compared to positional peers—zero red cards across 122 starts prior to 2024, versus an average of 0.15 reds per 100 games for central midfielders in the same period per league disciplinary data. This empirical contrast suggests perceptions of harshness in isolated events rather than a pattern of reckless play.

Personal life

Heritage and off-field interests

Philip Billing was born on 11 June 1996 in Copenhagen, Denmark, to a Danish mother and a Nigerian father of Igbo descent. His full name, Philip Anyanwu Billing, reflects his paternal Nigerian heritage, with "Anyanwu" being an Igbo name signifying the sun. Billing has acknowledged his mixed background, stating in 2022, "Of course, I have Nigerian roots and I'm half Nigerian, but I was raised and born in Denmark," while emphasizing his Danish family ties, including a Danish mother and Danish younger siblings. Despite eligibility to represent internationally due to his father's origins—prompting approaches from Nigerian officials and players like —Billing has consistently identified with , where he was raised and developed through local youth systems in . He affirmed in 2018, "I see myself as a Dane," prioritizing his upbringing and family environment over ancestral ties. Billing's father, Marc Billing, has been involved in his son's career , offering insights into the challenges of a professional footballer in interviews. Off the pitch, Billing maintains a low public profile regarding hobbies or , with his centered on family and adapting residences to professional commitments; after 13 years based in from 2012 to 2025, he relocated back to in August 2025 following his transfer to , reconnecting with his roots from childhood clubs like Jerne IF and .

Career statistics

Club statistics

ClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
Huddersfield Town9162
2013120
(loan)1010
2042
Career total3224224
The above figures represent totals across all competitions as of October 2025. For , Billing recorded 109 appearances with 10 goals and 4 assists in the , alongside 74 appearances, 18 goals, and 14 assists in the . At Huddersfield Town, he made 43 appearances with 2 goals, with the remainder in cup competitions. His loan spell at yielded 10 appearances and 1 goal, primarily in domestic and European fixtures. Since joining in August 2025, Billing has contributed in the (10 appearances, 2 goals, 1 assist) and other competitions including .

International statistics

Billing represented at international levels, including the under-19 and under-21 teams, though detailed match logs for these appearances are not comprehensively documented in major databases. He debuted for the senior national team on 7 October 2020, substituting in a 4–0 friendly win over the after 72 minutes. Billing earned four additional caps, all as a substitute in or friendly matches, with his final appearance on 26 March 2023 against (25 minutes played). As of October 2025, he has accumulated 5 senior caps without scoring a goal.
YearAppearancesGoals
202010
202220
202320
Total50

Honours

Club honours

Billing won the title with during the 2024–25 season, contributing to the club's league championship as a in 10 appearances and 1 goal. No other major club honours have been recorded in his career with , Huddersfield Town, or .

References

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