Michael Olunga, born on March 26, 1994, in the Lucky Summer slums of Nairobi, Kenya, has risen to become one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers. Known for his remarkable physical presence, clinical finishing, and passion for the game, Olunga has carved a name for himself as one of the best strikers in both Africa and Asia. Standing at 6’3″, Olunga’s towering figure on the pitch, combined with his sharp skills, has made him a force to be reckoned with.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Olunga’s journey into football began during his school years at Upper Hill School in Nairobi, where he played for Liberty Sports Academy. His breakthrough moment came in 2012 when he scored an impressive 32 goals in a single season, including a seven-goal performance in an 8–0 victory. This remarkable feat helped Liberty Sports Academy secure promotion to the Nairobi Provincial League. His talent quickly caught the attention of local clubs, and in December 2012, he joined Tusker FC on a one-year loan deal in the Kenyan Premier League. Olunga gained valuable experience here before moving to Thika United and eventually signing with Gor Mahia in 2015. At Gor Mahia, Olunga enjoyed a stellar season, finishing as the club’s top scorer with 19 goals and leading the team to an unbeaten season and their 15th league title.
European and Asian Adventures
In February 2016, Olunga made a significant move to Europe, joining Swedish side Djurgårdens IF on a four-year deal. His first season in the Allsvenskan was a breakout year, as he scored 12 goals in the final 12 matches, finishing fifth on the league’s top scorers’ chart. This performance garnered interest from top European clubs, including Real Betis and Club Brugge, but Olunga continued to focus on his development in Sweden.
Olunga’s next career chapter took him to China in 2017, where he signed with Guizhou Zhicheng. His journey continued with a loan move to La Liga’s Girona FC, where he made history on January 13, 2018, by becoming the first Kenyan player to score a hat-trick in La Liga during a 6–0 victory over Las Palmas. This achievement solidified his reputation on the European stage.
In August 2018, Olunga moved to Japan, joining Kashiwa Reysol. His time in Japan was marked by exceptional success, including a record-breaking 2019 season in which he scored eight goals in a single match during a 13–1 victory over Kyoto Sanga. This feat helped Kashiwa Reysol win the J2 League and secure promotion to the J1 League. Olunga’s dominance continued in 2020 when he topped the J1 League scoring charts with 28 goals, earning the Golden Boot and becoming the first African to win the league’s MVP award.
Move to Qatar and Continued Success
In January 2021, Olunga signed with Qatari club Al-Duhail, where he continued to impress. He scored a hat-trick in the 2021 Emir of Qatar Cup and finished as the top scorer of the 2021 AFC Champions League. In May 2023, he played a pivotal role in leading Al-Duhail to the Qatar Stars League title, scoring four goals in a decisive 5–2 victory against Al-Shamal.
International Career with Harambee Stars
Olunga made his debut for the Kenyan national team, the Harambee Stars, on March 28, 2015, in a friendly against Seychelles. Over the years, he has become a key figure for the national team, scoring crucial goals, including a memorable double in Kenya’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations comeback win against Tanzania. With 30 international goals, Olunga is closing in on the record of 36 goals held by William “Chege” Ouma, further cementing his place as one of Kenya’s football legends.
Education and Personal Life
Despite his footballing success, Olunga has not neglected his education. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geospatial Engineering from the Technical University of Kenya. Known as “The Engineer” by his fans, Olunga has often cited Dutch striker Robin van Persie as his role model, admiring his technical abilities and professionalism.
Achievements and Legacy
Throughout his career, Olunga has amassed numerous titles and individual awards. He has won the Kenyan Super Cup (2013, 2015), the Kenyan Premier League (2014, 2015), and the J2 League (2019). Olunga’s personal accolades include being named the Kenyan Premier League Player of the Year (2015), the Japanese League MVP (2020), and the Japanese League Top Scorer (2020). In 2021, he was recognized as the Kenyan Outstanding Sports Personality of the Year.
