THROWBACKTHISDAY, APR 15; Is Finidi George's Birthday

Finidi George (born 15 April 1971 in Port Harcourt) is a Nigerian retired footballer who played as a right winger.

After making a name for himself at Ajax in the Netherlands – being a leading figure in a team which won eight major titles, including the 1995 Champions League – he played several years in Spain with Real Betis, also having a brief spell in England before retiring.

Finidi was an important member of the Nigerian team during the 1990s, appearing in two World Cups.

After playing for three different clubs in his country, Finidi arrived at AFC Ajax in 1993, alongside compatriot Nwankwo Kanu. His impact with the Amsterdam side was immediate as he scored four goals in 27 games to help it win the Eredivisie title, which was also achieved in the following two seasons; additionally, as a starter, he appeared in consecutive UEFA Champions League finals, winning the 1994–95 edition against A.C. Milan.

In 1996 Finidi moved to Spain and signed for Real Betis, where he netted in double digits in nearly every season, with the Andalusians finishing fourth in his first year, which also brought a Copa del Rey final loss against FC Barcelona (2–3 after extra time), where he scored; before joining the club he was close to moving to Real Madrid, but the deal fell through.

After Betis' 2000 top flight relegation, Finidi stayed one more year in Spain with RCD Mallorca, after which he joined Premier League side Ipswich Town, managed by George Burley, for £3.1 million. He scored twice in a 3–1 win against Derby County at Portman Road but underperformed overall, with the club also suffering relegation; he was released from contract in June 2003.

In November 2003, 32-year-old Finidi underwent a trial at former club Mallorca, following which he signed with the Balearic Islands team, helping it finally finish in 11th position after constantly battling relegation. He retired from the game in the summer.

In mid-November 2010, Finidi returned to Betis as its director of international football. He continued, however, to live in Palma, Majorca, where he had relocated to after his retirement.

THROWBACKTHISDAY; makes it 45 years and TBT Blog celebrates with him. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FINIDI !!!!