Olujimi James Ayodele Olayinka (born 5 October 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Cheltenham Town.

Career

Arsenal

Olayinka began his career with Arsenal. He signed his first professional contract with the club in January 2019.

James Olayinka

On 29 August 2020, Olayinka was named an unused substitute in the 2020 FA Community Shield, with Arsenal clinching a 5–4 victory over Liverpool in the penalty shootout after the match finished 1–1 after 90 minutes.

James Olayinka

Loan to Northampton Town

In January 2020, Olayinka moved on loan to League Two side Northampton Town until the end of the season, making his debut in a 3–0 win over Scunthorpe United on 28 January. He helped Northampton Town to secure promotion to League One by winning the play-off final.

James Olayinka

Loan to Southend United

In October 2020 he joined Southend United on loan until January 2021. He scored his first goal for the club, and his first professional goal, in an FA Cup tie against Boreham Wood on 7 November 2020. On 1 February 2021, Olayinka extended his loan with Southend United to the end of the 2020–21 season.

Cheltenham Town

He signed a two-year contract with Cheltenham Town on 1 September 2022.

Career statistics

Honours

Northampton Town

EFL League Two play-offs: 2020

Arsenal

FA Community Shield: 2020

Personal life

Olayinka is of Nigerian descent.

References

2000 births

Living people

Footballers from Lambeth

English men's footballers

Men's association football midfielders

Arsenal F.C. players

Northampton Town F.C. players

Southend United F.C. players

English Football League players

Black British sportsmen

English sportspeople of Nigerian descent

Cheltenham Town F.C. players