Southampton's Aribo reveals nearly quitting football before being handed a lifeline
Aribo considered quitting football entirely when the pressure of reaching adulthood meant he had to consider his future in the world more seriously.
SAINTS signing Joe Aribo reveals he almost stopped playing football at a crossroads in late adolescence, but trial success paved a Premier League path.
The Nigerian international is one of five confirmed additions – soon to be six – made so far this summer, in a £ 6 million move from Scottish giants Rangers.
The 26-year-old has featured in all three of the friendlies, including most recently in the 0-0 draw with Watford, operating in midfield for Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Aribo brings with him goalscoring experience from the 2021-22 Europa League final, where his side ended up runners-up to German outfit Eintracht Frankfurt.
A Premier League player signed up to 2026, with 245 senior matches of professional experience under his belt, it could have all been so different.
Aribo considered quitting football entirely when the pressure of reaching adulthood meant he had to consider his future in the world more seriously.
“I went to Kingston College, I was meant to go to another college but I didn’t get in because I didn’t enrol in time,” Aribo revealed, on his Instagram profile.
“I wasn’t playing any football and I didn’t know what I was going to do. I saw one of my old teammates that I was with at under-16 Sunday league level, he was at Staines Town and told me I should go along and play.”
He continued: “My dad wouldn’t have allowed me to not do anything so he would have had me work or study, and my thing was if I was working I wouldn’t have the time or energy to play football.
“So I took the education route, I knew it would be good to go to university but I didn’t actually want to. I struggled and would be late and stuff, it got to the point where I couldn’t keep doing it.”
After enrolling at London South Bank University, former Jamaica international and Staines Town manager Marcus Gayle helped Aribo get a trial with Charlton Athletic.
“I’d gone from I’m going to quit football to I’ve got a trial all of a sudden. It was my first ever trial and there were some big players there,” Aribo added.
“I’ve always had that self-belief, but I remember going into the trial and thinking let’s see where it gets you. This was my last chance, if it doesn’t work I’d stop playing football.”
Arbio officially signed for the Addicks on his 19th birthday, going on to make 97 appearances for the London side and helping power them to Championship promotion through the play-offs, before a move north of the border.
“I’m always thankful to God for the position I’m in, where I am today and even just being alive," Aribo said.
“That time winning at Wembley was one of my favourite moments in football, that’s the first major one.”
Following a 2019 move to Rangers, welcomed and inspired by legendary midfielder Steven Gerrard, Aribo tasted silverware with the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and Scottish Cup just a few months ago.
The 2021-22 Europa League run saw Aribo make no fewer than 17 appearances from qualification to the final in Seville.
The Nigerian was a standout player on the night, his goal a highlight despite the eventual penalty defeat, and perhaps further alerted the likes of Saints to his talent.
“I don’t think words can actually describe how I felt out there. I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know how to celebrate. I lost like everything,” Aribo reflected.
“I literally didn’t know what to do. I remember I saw my family who were right there. And even in that, just seeing them celebrating was an amazing feeling.
“Rangers are a real family. It holds a big place in my heart. The fans are amazing as are my team-mates and the staff.
“Leaving hasn’t actually sunk in yet. And that’s the thing with me. I don’t really let moments get to me too much.
“I do need to sit down and let this one sink in as it’s literally a dream come true (to move to the English Premier League). From a child, I wanted this.”
