Footballer Jordan Ibe arrested at Luton Airport after returning from Bulgaria has drawn attention across the football world. The former Liverpool and England Under-21s winger, now playing for Lokomotiv Sofia, faces charges relating to an alleged assault from mid-December 2025.
Ibe, 30, was detained by police upon arrival at Luton Airport on January 30. He was released on bail and is due to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on March 6, according to reports. The arrest followed his flight from Bulgaria, where he had returned to attend court proceedings for a separate matter.
A spokesperson for the local police confirmed to The Sun: “Jordan Ibe has been charged with actual bodily harm. The charge relates to an assault alleged to have taken place on Sunday, December 14, 2025. He was arrested at Luton Airport on Friday, January 30, and taken into custody.”
Jordan Ibe’s football journey has been notable for both promise and challenges. Once a highly rated winger at Liverpool, he commanded a club-record fee of £15 million when Bournemouth signed him in 2016. His career has spanned eleven clubs, with his most recent move to Bulgaria’s Lokomotiv Sofia coming after a short spell at eighth-tier Sittingbourne Town.
Last November, Ibe joined Lokomotiv Sofia but has yet to make his competitive debut. The move reflects his determination to continue playing professionally despite setbacks. In 2021, Ibe openly discussed a four-year battle with depression, showing the personal struggles behind his public career.
Lokomotiv Sofia has expressed confidence in Ibe’s ability to revive his career. The club stated: “After a few difficult seasons, Jordan is ready to revive his career, and we all believe that this will happen at Lokomotiv. The management of Lokomotiv wishes Jordan Ibe much health, happiness, and success with the red and black jersey.”
The Bulgarian club represents Ibe’s eleventh professional team, and his commitment to football remains clear. Fans and commentators will be watching closely as he navigates both his legal situation and efforts to re-establish himself on the pitch.
