From a perilous journey across the Sahara to becoming a rising football star in Spain, the story of Edna Imade is nothing short of inspiring.

Born on October 5, 2000, in Benin City, Nigeria, Imade’s path to professional football is steeped in resilience, sacrifice, and huge determination, Footballrover reports.

This article shares all you need to know about her early life, career, and the emotional threads that tie her journey together.

Edna Imade’s journey: From survival to stardom

Edna Imade’s life began in uncertain circumstances. Her parents left Nigeria in 2000, desperately searching for a better life.

Her mother, pregnant with Edna and her twin brother Paul, undertook a treacherous crossing of the Sahara Desert, eventually giving birth in Morocco.

Three months later, they secured passage to Spain, but their arrival was bittersweet—her father was detained and deported, leaving her mother alone with newborn twins.

With no money, language skills, or family, Edna’s mother struggled until a Kenyan nun offered shelter in Seville.

They lived hand-to-mouth, relying on welfare and selling scarves on the streets.

Still, she raised her children with grit, teaching them that strength could sprout from struggle.

Growing up in Seville, Edna Imade adopted the local Andalusian accent and culture but never forgot her Nigerian roots.

At six, she joined Fútbol Base Carmona, where her football dream was born.

Later, she gained early insights into the game as a referee and explored indoor soccer with Santana, followed by a spell at Nervión, where she bagged close to 100 goals.

Her talents earned her a move to Málaga in 2019, before switching to Cacereno in 2021. In April 2023, she joined Granada CF Femenino, wearing jersey number 19.

Since then, she has made 55 appearances, scored 20 goals, and recorded one assist, emerging as a versatile and physically commanding forward with elite speed and awareness.

And now she’s on the verge of joining Bayern Munich on a 4-year-deal.

All you need to know: Edna Imade’s life beyond football

Beyond the pitch, Edna Imade is an individual with many layers. She stands 179 cm tall, holds a higher degree in administration, and once considered a career in dancing.

A devoted fan of Ronaldinho, she draws inspiration from his flair and creativity.

Imade has two older brothers and a deep love for family, especially her mother, who she credits for her resilience.

“At what point in my life did I go from being 3 to 21? Life goes by so fast we don’t even notice. This is my big little family, my greatest motivation and my driving force. Enjoy every moment, value what you have and love your family above all else,” Imade once said.

Though she has never been to Nigeria, she maintains connections with relatives in Benin City, and her mother dreams of returning one day—someday when it’s safe.

Could Edna Imade be Nigeria’s next Super Falcons star?

Before the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, there was growing speculation that Edna Imade could possibly don the Super Falcons jersey.

Nigeria was, and still is, in need of emerging talent, and Imade’s raw ability, story of survival, and Nigerian heritage positioned her as a compelling candidate.

However, the Nigerian female national team ultimately went on to capture their tenth continental title in Morocco with Imade completely overlooked.

Since then, Imade’s club career has taken a significant step forward: in July 2025 she signed with Bayern Munich Women on a long-term contract and was immediately loaned to Real Sociedad Femenino for the 2025-26 season.

At Real Sociedad she has hit the ground running: in the 2025-26 season so far she has made 7 matches (572 minutes played) and scored 7 goals in league play.

Not only has she scored in five consecutive games, but she has also registered a brace in two straight games—against her former team, Granada, and Eibar. She went on to score the only goal from penalty spot to end Barcelona’s unbeaten run.

Imade was crowned October player of the year for her impressive run.

From earlier seasons, while at Granada CF Femenino in 2023-24, she delivered just five goals in 29 matches, but in her second campaign in 2024-25, she notched 17 goals and two assists in 34 appearances in all competitions. Her upward trajectory at club level is clear.

Yet, despite this progression, Imade was once again overlooked and not called up to the Super Falcons squad for the camp ahead of their double-header versus the Benin Republic Women in the WAFCON 2026 qualifiers—an omission that raised many eyebrows given her recent scoring form.

A call-up would not only bring her closer to her cultural identity but also provide Nigeria with a game-changer at a time when they chase continental glory once again.

In a football world full of overnight sensations, Edna Imade stands out not just for her stats but for her soul-stirring story—one that began with struggle and could culminate in greatness.

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Last Updated on November 4, 2025 10:50 am by footballrover