Mohammed Bosun Lawal (born 30 May 2003) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender and midfielder for EFL Championship club Stoke City and the Republic of Ireland national team.
Born in Dublin, he began his career with Corduff FC, St. Kevin's Boys and Bohemians before joining Watford's academy and later Celtic. He made his senior debut for Celtic before spending a season on loan at Fleetwood Town, and joined Stoke City in 2024. He made his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland in 2026.
Club career Early career Lawal started his football career with local side Corduff FC, where he played alongside fellow future senior Republic of Ireland international Killian Phillips. He later joined top Dublin academy side St. Kevin's Boys before moving on to play with the under-19 side of League of Ireland club Bohemians. He joined English Premier League side Watford in 2019. While at Watford, he was named academy player of the year for the 2020–21 season, and earned praise from then-first team captain Troy Deeney, who compared him to Abdoulaye Doucouré. He was offered a one-year contract by Watford in May 2021, but had attracted interest from Chelsea, Fulham, Norwich City and Scottish side Celtic, with the latter showing the strongest interest. Having rejected the contract offer from Watford, Lawal made the move to Scotland, joining Celtic in July 2021. He was assigned to the club's B team, where he impressed with his performances, and was linked with a transfer away from the club in December 2022.
Celtic Lawal was named on the bench for the first team for the first time as Celtic went on to beat St Johnstone 4–1. He made his senior debut on 21 January 2023, coming on as a late substitute in a 5–0 Scottish Cup win against Greenock Morton. On 17 August 2023, Lawal signed a new long-term contract with Celtic until the summer of 2026. That same day he joined EFL League One club Fleetwood Town on a season-long loan deal, where he would be managed by former Celtic captain Scott Brown. Lawal played 46 times for Fleetwood, scoring six goals as he was unable to help them avoid relegation.
Stoke City On 12 August 2024, Lawal signed for EFL Championship club Stoke City on a four-year-contract for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £2 million. It was later revealed that during his medical a stress fracture in his lower back was discovered. Lawal was restricted to eight appearances in 2024–25 with his only start coming on the final day of the season, a goalless draw against Derby County which was enough for Stoke to avoid relegation. He scored his first goal for Stoke in a 1–0 victory over Birmingham City on 13 September 2025. In 2025–26, Lawal played more frequently, making 30 appearances but was unavailable for several months due to hamstring injuries.
International career Lawal has represented the Republic of Ireland from under-15 to under-21 level. On 16 June 2023, he scored his first goal for the Republic of Ireland U21 side in a 2–2 draw against Ukraine. In June 2025, he was called up to the Republic of Ireland senior team for their friendly away to Luxembourg.
On 31 March 2026, Lawal made his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland, replacing Finn Azaz from the bench in the 61st minute of a 0–0 draw with North Macedonia in a friendly at the Aviva Stadium.
Personal life Lawal was born in Ireland and is of Nigerian descent. He comes from a footballing family: his older brother, Ola, is also a professional footballer, while another brother, Abraham, is a FIFA-licensed football agent. In February 2026, he said that he was living with Ola in England.
A Christian, Lawal attends church every Sunday and occasionally takes part in Bible studies during the week. He also regularly prays with his brothers and friends.
Career statistics Club
+Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCeltic2021–22Scottish Premiership00000010102022–23Scottish Premiership00100022322023–24Scottish Premiership0000001010Total0010004252Fleetwood Town (loan)2023–24EFL League One426200020466Stoke City2024–25EFL Championship701000—802025–26EFL Championship2711020—3012026–27EFL Championship400020—60Total381204000441Career total797504062959
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsRepublic of Ireland202620Total20
References