What Super Eagles’ Leon Balogun said as he prepares for Rangers exit

Super Eagles and Rangers defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun, has confirmed he'll be leaving Ibrox at the end of the season as he'll be getting no contract renewal, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 36-year-old has been one of Rangers' most consistent defenders this season, although injuries didn't let him enjoy a smooth campaign. The most recent was a cheek fracture against Athletic Bilbao in the UEFA Europa League quarter-final.

Balogun's contract with the Record Scottish Champions runs out next month, and while he was hopeful for a new deal, it has been confirmed he'll no longer continue at the club. This brings his second stint to an abrupt end as he didn't get a proper goodbye in front of the Ibrox fans.

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— Leon Aderemi Balogun (@LeonBalogun) May 20, 2025

In an emotional statement, Balogun thanked Rangers staff and fans while confirming his departure on social media.

“It's that time again. No caption could summarise all that is going through my mind as I'm writing these lines. It's been nothing short of an honour, a pleasure and a great, great privilege to represent this massive club – twice!

“So many memories, good ones as well as a few tough ones, but it's the latter especially that made my love for the club grow even stronger.

“The moments when we all stuck together and went again – no matter the disappointment or frustration. In these moments the club revealed what makes it most special: YOU.

“The people supporting us week in week out, near and far, demanding, expecting, pushing us to do better and go for glory.

“The people working for the club behind the scenes, meeting us with a smile everyday, doing their absolute best to contribute to the success of the club in their own way. You're the heartbeat of the club and it's been an honour to represent you!

“If I would have known that the last 2 games of the season were my last for the club I would have made sure to say goodbye to all of you accordingly.

“Unfortunately I wasn't afforded that opportunity which saddens me as I would have liked to have walked round Ibrox one last time and returned all the love and support you've given me during my 2 stints.

“I don't know when I'll be back, but I promise I won't be a stranger. Thank you for making me feel at home and appreciated wherever we met.

“You've become more than just my club, you've become family, and for that I will be forever grateful,” the former Brighton and Hove Albion man penned.

Across two stints at Ibrox, Leon Balogun amassed 114 appearances, scoring three goals and providing four assists across all competitions for Rangers.