Bernie Ibini-Isei

Born to Nigerian parents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, Bernie Ibini is an Australian international midfielder/forward who joined Whitecaps FC from Belgian Pro League side Club Brugge KV in May 2017. Prior to joining MLS, his playing career had been spent predominantly in the A-League in Australia in addition to a brief loan spell in the Chinese Super League with Shanghai SIPG F.C.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2017: Ibini made seven starts in his 17 regular season appearances after joining Whitecaps FC midseason. He scored one goal, coming in the historic 4-0 victory at FC Dallas on July 29, and tallied two assists, both coming in the 3-2 win against Real Salt Lake on September 9.

AUSTRALIA
2016-17: Ibini spent the season on loan for the second time in his career at Sydney FC in the A-League where he had three goals in 20 appearances. In his last season with the team, Ibini helped the Sky Blues win the league and playoffs. 2014-15: Ibini spent the 2014-15 season with his hometown team Sydney FC, on loan from Shanghai SIPG F.C, where he tallied seven goals and added two assists while starting in all 28 of his appearances, helping Sydney to a runner-up finish in both the league and playoffs. 2013-14: Prior to playing for Sydney FC, he played in 16 games on loan with Central Coast Mariners, his boyhood club, after choosing to return to Australia from China, following the passing of his father. 2009-13: Ibini began his football career with semi-professional New South Wales Premier League club Blacktown City FC in 2009. One year later, Ibini signed with the Central Coast Mariners in the A-League and quickly rose from the youth ranks to the senior team. He totalled 61 appearances in his first spell at the club, scoring 15 goals in the process.

BELGIUM
2015-17: Ibini signed a three-year deal with Belgian side Club Brugge KV in the Belgian Pro League in 2015 but never featured for the European club after breaking his leg during his first training session with the team. 

CHINA 
2013-15: In 2013, at the age of 21, Ibini signed a three-year contract with Shanghai SIPG F.C. of the Chinese Super League after an impressive performance in the knock-out rounds of the 2012-13 Asian Champions League caught the attention of the Chinese club. Ibini made 10 appearances in the Chinese Super League and started one Chinese FA Cup match.

INTERNATIONAL 
In international action, Ibini represented Australia in the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup, before making his debut for his adopted country's senior national team in a pair of friendlies in 2014.