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Ex-Premier League player Jordon Ibe makes debut for Ebbsfleet after battling with depression

Ex-Premier League player Jordon Ibe makes his National League debut for Ebbsfleet United after battling with depression.

The 28-year-old came off the bench late on in his side’s goalless draw with Oldham Athletic on Saturday afternoon, having first signed for the Fleet last October.

He came on to came on to replace Toby Edser on the 84th minute, and two minutes later, was already proving to be a handful…

Ibe came through the youth system of Wycombe Wanderers, made his debut with them in the EFL as a 15-year-old, then joined Liverpool in 2012, before a stint at Birmingham City in the 2013–14 season and Derby County in 2014–15.

In 2016, he signed for AFC Bournemouth for a then club record £15 million fee, before being released in 2020.

He spent the 2020–21 season with Derby County, then joined Adanaspor in January 2022.

In October 2023, after a year out, Ibe returned to football with National League club Ebbsfleet United, with their then manager Dennis Kutrieb saying: “This is a signing that will generate a lot of discussion outside our club but for us and for Jordon it is only about Ebbsfleet United and getting him back on the pitch to show us what we know he can do.

“Starting or bringing Jordon into the squad is not something we have rushed into because we have had him here with us for a while, getting to know us and his new teammates and waiting until he is ready to play again.

“I’m delighted we have reached that point and I am looking forward to seeing what he will do in front of our supporters in the coming season.

“Like many of us in our club and the world generally, Jordon has had his personal battles and setbacks, but he has made brave decisions to talk about those issues, made a genuine effort to seek assistance and applied tools daily to improve his overall health.

“He is committed to the club and the playing group here for allowing him time and a platform to enjoy playing football again.”

Jordon Ibe himself said: “I just want to get back out there, show people what I can do again and play football

“I’ve worked hard to be in a position where I am able to focus on football and believe in myself and my ability to contribute on the pitch.

“Being back out there is where I love to be and where I’m most happy but I needed to be healthy and prepared to give myself that chance.

“The way Ebbsfleet have helped me and put a process in place so I can be ready has been really supportive.

“I came in and have had to back myself and prove I’m here to succeed to earn my chance.

“The gaffer and staff have built up my fitness to the point where I’m ready to go with a ball and I’m really pleased to be able to concentrate on my game while at the same time being really supported.”

Back in 2021, Ibe opened up on having depression. He told SPORTbible: “It was the darkest time of my life.

“It was a cry for help, to be honest. I felt like I needed to speak out because if not, I don’t know what else could have happened.

“It’s a good thing that I did.

“I’m not trying to make people feel sorry for me.

“I feel like it was very important that I spoke openly and to my family about it because you don’t know what can come from mental health. I’ve been going through depression for the last four years.”

Ibe was trolled online over a lack of game time since his return at Derby.

Abuse online led to him feeling more fragile at the time.

He added: “At the time, obviously with not having my mental health in the best space, it was making me think: ‘you know what, what if they are right about what they are saying?’

“I knew it wasn’t right in terms of the way I treat football and my attitude towards the game but it was still making me feel down.”

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Ibe had signed a two-year deal with the Rams in September 2020, only for the club to cut it short.

After coming back from a leg break Ibe feeling physically and mentally.

“I’m at a good stage now. It’s time to knuckle down and get myself back on the pitch,” he said.

“I want a return sooner rather than later. I’ve been missing the game.

“I’m eager to get back in training, to play alongside some good players, to have that competitiveness back.

“I want to have that feeling of running at a player again.”

Twitter users reacted as the ex-Premier League player Jordon Ibe makes his debut for Ebbsfleet after battling with depression…

@ClemmyKarl: It’s sad that he had major problems off the pitch with his mental health, doesn’t matter if you are a footballer at Liverpool or working in a factory, it can still affect us, he had so much talent, hope he’s ok health wise & he can get back to enjoying his football again

@TaintlessRed: Good luck Jordon. Wish you all the best.

@DesOnlyWon: He’s been through some tough stuff as a sensitive young man so really good to see him playing again. Wish him all the best 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

@RedBloodYNWA: Mental health can get in the way of such talent. I think Jordan is in the majority there. So many of us waste our potential because of lack of confidence or desire. Think the powers that be have designed the world that way.

@kat_lfc13: Great to see him back on the pitch after going though a tough time. Good luck Jordon! YNWA ♥️

@BusstWilliam: Glad to see him back in football 👏🏻

@AaronSpratt20: Great to see him back up and about ❤️

@DTBakes: Great to see him back on the pitch, and seemingly on the other side of his issues. Big respect.

@deane_derby11: What a talent his is, hope he gets back to where he should be. Top player

@RobDavies05: Great to see he’s still playing. Football needs to support young lads far more rather than make it harder for them.

@willhatchard: Quality seeing Jordan coming back, the lads been through so much.

@Raking5: I wish him all the best. After everything he’s been through, he deserves to enjoy his football wherever that may be.

@GormleyLFC: Best of luck Jordan, Great to see the lad back at it YNWA 👊🏼🔴

@dai_alectic: Good luck Jordan show them what you can do lad

@RobWhit98991917: Great to see him back playing. Best of luck to him 💪

@PeteGJ90: Great to see him back, best of luck to him 👏🏼.

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