Michael Olunga: 7 Interesting Facts About Harambee Stars’ Birthday Boy

Michael Olunga: 7 Interesting Facts About Harambee Stars’ Birthday Boy

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Michael Olunga: 7 Interesting Facts About Harambee Stars’ Birthday Boy

Michael Olunga: 7 Interesting Facts About Harambee Stars’ Birthday Boy

Festus Chuma 11:13 - 26.03.2025

The Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga celebrates his birthday with a look back at his remarkable career milestones and records.

Harambee Stars and Al Duhail striker Michael Olunga is celebrating his birthday today, March 26, 2025.

The towering forward, who has become a household name both locally and internationally, is just days from duty with the national team.

Olunga has engraved him in the history books of multiple leagues across the globe.

In celebration of his special day, Pulse Sports looks at seven interesting facts about the Harambee Stars’ birthday boy.

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1. Michael Olunga’s AFCON Brilliance

One of Michael Olunga's standout moments came during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Egypt.

Michael Olunga’s AFCON Brilliance
Michael Olunga was among those had had a decent game for Kenya against Gabon. Photo/Imago

Engineer, as many of his fans refer him, led the line for Kenya and delivered a great performance in a group stage match against Tanzania where he netted a brace in their 3-2 win.

Although Kenya did not progress beyond the group stage, Olunga’s performance in that game remains a high point in the nation's recent football history.

2. Star of the Qatar Stars League

Since joining Al Duhail SC, Michael Olunga has become a key player in the Qatar Stars League.

. Star of the Qatar Stars League
Michael Olunga

He helped the Red clinch several domestic titles title courtesy of goal-scoring instincts and leadership qualities.

In the previous AFC Champions League campaign, he emerged as the competition’s top scorer despite his team being knocked out in the group stages.

Olunga’s consistent form in Qatar continues to boost his reputation as one of the most lethal African strikers currently in the Middle East.

3. Japanese Glory and MVP Award

Before making a switch to Qatar where he plays for Al Duhail, Michael Olunga was on top of the game in Japan while playing for Kashiwa Reysol.

Japanese Glory and MVP Award
Michael Olunga during his time at Kashiwa Reysol.

Olunga helped the team win the J2 League and gain promotion to the top-flight J1 League.

In the 2020 season, Olunga netted 28 goals in the J1 League and scooped both the Golden Boot and the Most Valuable Player award.

He entered history by becoming the first African to receive the prestigious MVP title in the J1 League.

His success in Japan not only raised his profile but also opened doors for other African players in Asian football leagues.

4. Record-Breaking La Liga Hat Trick

Seven years ago, Michael Olunga had a brief stint in La Liga with Girona FC. It is there where the former Gor Mahia marksman made history by scoring a sensational hat-trick against Las Palmas.

Record-Breaking La Liga Hat Trick
Girona forward Michael Olunga scored a hat-trick and took home the match ball. IMAGE/BBC

He netted all three goals within just 22 minutes, becoming the first Kenyan and the first Girona player to score a hat trick in Spain’s top division.

That performance remains one of the most iconic moments by an African player in the league and added a European feather to his cap.

5. Swedish spark at Djurgarden

Before becoming a star in Europe, Olunga had his European breakthrough in Sweden with Djurgarden IF.

Swedish spark at Djurgarden
Djurgardens Michael Olunga.

Signed from the record- FKF Premier League champions Gor Mahia, the goal poacher quickly adapted to life in the Swedish top-division Allsvenskan.

Olunga scored 12 goals in his last 12 games of the season thus finishing among the top five scorers in the league.

One of his standout games was a 3-1 win over IFK Goteborg where he scored twice and was named Man of the Match.

His explosive form earned him a nomination for Newcomer of the Year, signaling his arrival on the European stage.

6. Close to Kenya’s All-Time Goal Record

Michael Olunga is currently closing in on becoming Kenya’s all-time top scorer.

Michael Olunga Close to Kenya’s All-Time Goal Record
Michael Olunga in action during Kenya v Gabon match. IMAGE/ FKF

Currently, with 32 goals, Olunga is just three shy of equaling William Ouma’s 35 and two behind Dennis Oliech’s 34.

Given his current form, it seems only a matter of time before Olunga becomes the highest goal scorer in Kenya’s history. His recent goals against The Gambia and Gabon have only solidified his place among the greats.

7. A Private Love Life with Grace Edith Akinyi

Michael Olunga has managed to keep his personal life away from the public eye. However, in 2019, he gave fans a rare peek into his romantic life when he introduced his girlfriend Grace Edith Akinyi on Instagram.

Olunga's Private Love Life with Grace Edith Akinyi
Michael Olunga and his girlfriend. IMAGES/ Imago & Insragram

The heartfelt post, captioned “My favourite,” went viral and endeared him even more to his fan base. The two are believed to have met during his time at Gor Mahia and while Olunga was studying at the Technical University of Kenya (TUK).

Despite the fame and spotlight Olunga remains grounded and continues to guard his personal life with admirable privacy.