Victor Wanyama is one of Kenya’s most celebrated footballers, known for his impressive career and significant achievements on and off the pitch. As the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, he has set a high bar for aspiring footballers in the region.
Born on June 25, 1991, Wanyama comes from a sporting family. His father, Noah Wanyama, played for AFC Leopards, while his mother, Mildred, was a netball player. His siblings have also excelled in sports, with his brother McDonald Mariga achieving notable success, including winning the UEFA Champions League with Inter Milan in 2010. Another brother, Thomas, and Sylvester also pursued football careers, while his sister, Mercy, is a professional basketball player in Europe.
Wanyama’s football journey began at Kamkunji High School in Nairobi, where his talent was first noticed. He joined the JMJ Academy and was later loaned out to Kenyan clubs AFC Leopards and Nairobi City Stars. In 2007, he moved to Europe, starting with Swedish club Helsingborg. After a year, he joined Belgium’s Germinal Beerschot, where he established himself as a promising young defensive midfielder. His performances caught the attention of Celtic, who signed him in 2011 for £900,000.
At Celtic, Wanyama became a fan favorite, helping the team win two league titles and delivering standout performances in the UEFA Champions League. His goal against Barcelona in a memorable 2-1 victory in the 2012-13 season solidified his reputation. In 2013, he made history by becoming the first Kenyan to play in the Premier League when he joined Southampton for £12.5 million. Over three years at Southampton, he played 94 games and scored four goals.
In 2016, Wanyama reunited with his former coach Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham Hotspur. He joined the London club for £11 million and signed a five-year contract. During his time at Spurs, he was a key player in his first two seasons, scoring seven goals in 97 appearances. However, injuries and competition for places saw his influence wane, leading to a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) in 2020.
Wanyama signed with CF Montreal in March 2020 as a Designated Player under manager Thierry Henry. He played 133 games and scored six goals for the club, contributing significantly during his tenure. His contract, which included an annual guaranteed compensation of $1,800,000, made him the highest-paid player at the club. After his contract expired in December 2024, Wanyama left CF Montreal.
On the personal front, Wanyama has been in a long-term relationship with actress and former TV presenter Serah Teshna. The couple has two children, a son born in 2021 and a daughter born in mid-2024. They have been living together in Canada during his time with CF Montreal.
As of 2025, Wanyama’s net worth is estimated at over $12 million, accumulated from his football career, endorsements, and investments. His journey from humble beginnings in Nairobi to global recognition is a testament to his talent, determination, and hard work.
