Michael Olunga - Season 2023/2024 Goals
Michael Olunga - Season 2023/2024 Goals
Michael Olunga Ogada, born on March 26, 1994, in Nairobi, Kenya, is a towering and prolific striker widely known as "The Engineer" due to his academic background in geospatial engineering. His football journey began in Kenya with Liberty Sports Academy, where he quickly distinguished himself as a formidable goalscorer. He went on to play for local giants Tusker, Thika United, and Gor Mahia, where he became a national sensation.
Olunga's talent soon led him abroad. In 2016, he made his first European move to Swedish club Djurgårdens IF, where he continued his impressive goal-scoring form, netting 12 goals in his debut season. This period in Sweden showcased his ability to adapt to a different style of play and proved his potential on a wider stage, attracting interest from various clubs.
Following his stint in Sweden, Olunga embarked on a unique Asian adventure. He first moved to China, joining Guizhou Zhicheng in 2017. While his time there was brief, it was soon followed by a loan spell in Spain with La Liga side Girona FC. At Girona, he famously scored a hat-trick in a single match, becoming the first Kenyan and the first Girona player to achieve this feat in La Liga history, further raising his profile.
His most impactful period in Asia came in Japan with Kashiwa Reysol, whom he joined in 2018. Olunga enjoyed phenomenal success here, particularly in 2020, when he finished as the J1 League's top scorer with 28 goals, winning the Golden Boot and the league's MVP award. He became the first African player to receive the J-League MVP, a testament to his dominance in Japanese football.
In January 2021, Olunga made a significant move to Qatar, signing with Al-Duhail SC. He quickly established himself as a fan favorite and the team's primary goal threat. During his four-and-a-half-year tenure, he consistently topped the scoring charts in the Qatar Stars League and the AFC Champions League, becoming a vital part of Al-Duhail's attacking force.
His time at Al-Duhail was incredibly prolific. He recently departed the Qatari club in May 2025 as their all-time top scorer, having netted an astonishing 130 goals during his spell. This achievement underscores his remarkable consistency and clinical finishing ability, cementing his legacy as a club legend in Qatar.
On the international stage, Michael Olunga is the undisputed captain and leading talisman for the Kenya national team, known as the Harambee Stars. He made his senior international debut in 2015 and has since become their most important player, regularly scoring crucial goals in World Cup qualifiers and Africa Cup of Nations matches. His leadership and goal-scoring prowess are vital for his national side.
As of June 2025, after ending his highly successful contract with Al-Duhail, Olunga is currently a free agent, attracting interest from various clubs across Qatar, the UAE, and even a potential return to Japan or an unexpected move to Africa. His next destination will be keenly watched by fans eager to see where "The Engineer" will continue to build his impressive goal-scoring legacy.