Alex Iwobi joins elite Premier League group after reaching 100 Fulham appearances

Alex Iwobi became only the fifth player in Premier League history to make at least 100 appearances for three different clubs after reaching the landmark for Fulham in their 3-2 defeat by Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The Nigeria international’s appearance against Crystal Palace completed his century of league matches in a Fulham shirt, adding another notable achievement to an already distinguished Premier League career.

Iwobi had previously passed 100 appearances for both Arsenal and Everton. He made 100 league appearances for Arsenal before moving to Everton, where he went on to play 123 times in the Premier League.

That record places him in an exclusive group alongside Gary Speed, Rory Delap, Gareth Barry and James Milner. Those four players were the only footballers to have reached 100 Premier League appearances for three separate clubs before Iwobi joined them.

The 30-year-old started his senior career at Arsenal after coming through the club’s academy. He made his move to Everton in 2019, continuing his development and establishing himself as a regular top-flight player.

Iwobi joined Fulham in 2023 and has since become an important member of the club’s first-team squad. His latest appearance came in a high-scoring home defeat, but the match still provided a personal milestone for the midfielder.

The achievement underlines the longevity of Iwobi’s time in England’s top flight. Since beginning his Premier League journey with Arsenal, he has remained a consistent presence at three clubs and has now reached three figures for each of them.

Iwobi’s milestone comes during a period in which he has also been recognised for his contribution to Fulham’s attacking play. He and fellow Fulham player Samuel Chukwueze have been nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season award.

Although Fulham were unable to mark the occasion with a positive result against Crystal Palace, Iwobi’s appearance ensured he would be remembered as the latest player to enter one of the Premier League’s most selective statistical groups.

His career totals now include 100 Premier League appearances for Arsenal, 123 for Everton and 100 for Fulham. Only five players in the history of the competition have reached that figure for three different clubs, with Iwobi the latest to do so.