Biography of Michael Olunga, Kenyan footballer (+ pictures)
Michael OlongaSummary of Michael Olonga's biography
Full name: Michael Olunga Ogada
Date of birth: March 26, 1994
Place of birth: Nairobi, Kenya
Profession: footballer
Position: Forward
Current club: Al Duhail
Height: 1 meter and 93 cm
Biography of Michael OlongaBiography of Michael Olonga
Michael Olonga was born on March 26, 1994 in Nairobi, Kenya. Olonga had a passion for football from a young age and spent countless hours honing his skills on the streets and local pitches of his neighbourhood. Despite facing financial challenges and limited resources, his unwavering determination and love for the game pushed him forward.
Olonga studied Geospatial Engineering at the Technical University of Kenya and pursued a Bachelor of Engineering degree. Because of this, he is regularly referred to as “The Engineer” by Kenyan football fans, who has stated that he looks up to Dutch striker Robin van Persie as a role model.
In the realm of African football, Michael Olonga has emerged as a shining star who captivates fans and pundits with his exceptional talent and goal-scoring ability. Hailing from Kenya, Olonga has gained a reputation as one of the continent's most promising young footballers. Olunga has become a household name in domestic and international football with his impressive physical skills and uncanny ability to find the net. This article looks at the life, career and achievements of Michael Olonga and sheds light on his path to becoming a rising star in the world of football.
About the life of Michael OlongaThe beginning of the career of Michael Olonga
Olonga's professional career began in 2010 when he joined Kenyan Premier League club Tusker FC. His games quickly attracted the attention of scouts, and in 2015 he moved to the Swedish club Djurgården. It was here that Olonga's talent blossomed on the international stage.
Kenyan football player; Michael OlongaMichael Olonga's rise to fame in Sweden
During his time at Djurgården, Olonga displayed his extraordinary scoring ability, finding the back of the net with remarkable consistency. In the 2016 season, he finished as the top scorer in the Swedish Premier League with an impressive 12 goals in 27 games. His performance not only helped Djurgården finish third, but also earned him recognition as one of the most exciting talents in Swedish football.
Fame Michael OlongaMichael Olonga's international success
Olonga's performance on the domestic front did not go unnoticed by the selectors of the Kenyan national team. He made his international debut in 2015 and quickly established himself as a key figure for Star Harambee. Olonga's contributions to the national team have been invaluable, and he has been instrumental in Kenya's quest for success in African competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Michael Olonga's move to China and success in Asia
In 2016, Olonga moved to the Chinese Super League and joined Guizhou Zhicheng (now professionally known as Zhejiang). Despite concerns about the level of competition in China, Olonga continued to excel. In the 2018 season, he finished as the league's top scorer, scoring 27 goals in 29 games. His exceptional performances garnered international acclaim and firmly established him as one of Africa's brightest talents.
Michael Olonga in the Chinese teamMichael Olonga's European Adventures
Olonga's success in China attracted the attention of European clubs and in 2019, he joined La Liga side Girona FC on loan. Despite limited playing time, he made a strong impact, scoring goals and showing his ability to adapt to the demanding Europa League. Olonga's games attracted the attention of Japanese club Kashiwa Risol.
Michael Olonga in Al Duhail
In January 2021, Olonga moved to Qatar Star League champions Al Duhail on a three-year deal for a transfer fee of €6 million.
He made his debut for the club on January 12, in a 3-1 away loss against Al Sadd. On 25 January 2021, Olonga scored a hat-trick in Dahil's 6-0 win over Al-Ahly in the Qatar Emir Cup. Olonga finished as the top scorer in the 2021 AFC Champions League, but Al Duhail were eliminated from the competition after a 1-1 draw with Saudi Arabia's Al Ahli in late April, with Esteghlal advancing as group champions.
On 8 May 2023, Olonga and his club won the 2022–23 Qatar Stars League by scoring 4 goals in a 5–2 defeat against Al Shama.
Michael Olonga in Al Duhail teamMichael Olonga's continued success and future prospects
Since joining Kashiwa Risol, Olonga has continued to impress, scoring consistently and leading the way for his team. His physical presence, technical skills and remarkable finishing ability have made him a standout player in the J1 league. As he enters the early years of his career, Olonga's performances have attracted the attention of major European clubs and there are rumors of a possible move to the top leagues.
A vision of Michael Olonga's achievementsPrivate life of Michael Olonga
Off the field, Olonga is known for his humility, work ethic and philanthropic efforts. He has used his platform to support charitable initiatives, particularly in his home country of Kenya, where he is seen as an inspiration to aspiring young footballers.
Private life of Michael OlongaA final word about Michael Olonga
Michael Olonga's journey from the streets of Nairobi to becoming a recognized force in international football is a testament to his talent, determination and hard work. His goalscoring performances and consistent performances have made him a beloved figure in African football. The future looks bright for Michael Olonga as he continues to improve and attract the attention of major leagues around the world, with football fans eagerly awaiting his next move and continued rise to stardom.
compilation: Cover biographical section
