Michael Olunga’s journey is nothing short of remarkable and serves as a profound source of inspiration. As the esteemed captain of Kenya’s national football team, the Harambee Stars, he has solidified his status as one of the country’s most illustrious football players. Olunga’s story is a testament to unwavering determination and ultimate triumph, resonating deeply with countless aspiring footballers.
Michael Olunga: Biography
Early Life
Michael Ogada Olunga was born on March 26, 1994, in the vibrant neighborhoods of Lakisama, Nairobi. Tragedy struck when he was just seven years old, with the passing of his father, Joseph Ogada Olunga, leaving his mother, Alice Ogada, solely responsible for his upbringing. The family has deep-rooted connections to the Nyanza region, making it their beloved home.
Educational Journey
After excelling in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Exam (KCPE), Olunga pursued his secondary education at Upper Hill Secondary School, where he achieved a notable B+ grade in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE). Subsequently, he embarked on higher education at Kenya’s Technical University, ultimately earning a degree in Geospatial Engineering.
Early Football Endeavors
Olunga’s unwavering passion for football ignited at a tender age of eight when he began playing with local youngsters, enduring the inevitable scrapes and bruises that come with the territory.
Professional Football Career
His foray into professional football commenced with the Liberty Sports Academy of the Nairobi County League. In 2012, Olunga’s astonishing performance, which included an impressive 32 goals, led the team to an undefeated season and promotion to the provincial league in Nairobi.
In a pivotal move, he was loaned to Tusker on December 19, 2012. Although his tenure at Tusker in 2013 was marked by substantial playing time, his goal tally amounted to only two. Following his transfer to Gor Mahia from Thika United in 2015, he played a pivotal role in securing an undefeated league championship, emerging as the Kenyan league’s top scorer with 19 goals.
Venturing Overseas: Sweden, China, Spain, and Japan
Olunga’s burgeoning talent attracted global attention, leading him to join the Swedish team Djurgrdens IF in 2016. In his debut match, he was hailed as the game’s most valuable player, setting the stage for an impressive season where he scored 12 goals in 12 games and earned the title of “most promising newbie.”
A notable transition occurred when he was recruited by the Chinese club Guizhou Zhicheng in 2017, followed by a season-long loan to Girona FC in Spain’s La Liga. His La Liga record-setting performance with a hat trick in just 22 minutes against Las Palmas showcased his extraordinary skills.
In August 2018, Olunga signed with the Japanese team Kashiwa Reysol, where he astounded the world by scoring eight goals in a single game against Kyoto Sanga in November 2019. The 2020 J-League season was a defining moment, with Olunga emerging as the most valuable player and securing the Golden Boot, marking a historic achievement as the first African player to be named the J-League’s Valuable Player.
Embracing Qatar
Olunga made a significant career move in January 2021, signing a three-year, €6 million contract with the defending champions of the Qatar Stars League, Al-Duhail. His remarkable performances in the league established him as a key player, consistently topping the scoring charts for both his team and the league.
Serving on the Harambee Stars Team
His journey with Kenya’s national team commenced on March 28, 2015, with an impressive debut in a friendly match against Seychelles in Victoria’s Stade Linité. His contributions continued, culminating in his appointment as captain following Victor Wanyama’s retirement.
Personal Life and Prosperity
Although not married, Olunga has publicly introduced his partner, Grace, in December 2016, marking an important moment in his personal life. His financial success is noteworthy, with an annual income of Ksh 180 million, translating to Ksh 15 million per month, Ksh 3,750,000 per week, Ksh 535,714 per day, Ksh 22,321 per hour, and Ksh 372 per minute. Additionally, he has invested in a lavish mansion in Nyanza and possesses an impressive collection of high-end automobiles.
Michael Olunga’s remarkable journey from the neighborhoods of Nairobi to international stardom is an embodiment of dedication and persistence, inspiring aspiring footballers and capturing the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide.
