Michael Olunga, the captain of the Kenyan National Football Team (Harambee Stars), is currently facing a challenging race for the Golden Boot in the Qatar Stars League following an unusual goal-scoring drought. Over the last three league matches, the Al Duhail striker has failed to find the back of the net, allowing other contenders to narrow the gap in the competition for the league’s top scorer title.
Earlier in the season, Olunga had displayed impressive form, scoring in five consecutive matches between September 21 and November 1, 2024, bringing his total to eight league goals and positioning him just one goal behind the leading scorer at that time. However, his recent struggles have left him with two goals adrift of the top spot. He is now tied with four other players, with another four competitors trailing by just one goal, intensifying the battle for the prestigious accolade.
Despite this drop in form, Olunga has made great achievements in Al Duhail since joining in January 2021. His transfer from Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol was reportedly valued at €6 million (approximately Ksh756 million), underscoring his exceptional talent and the high regard in which he is held internationally.
Salary and Earnings
Upon his move to Al-Duhail, Olunga’s financial remuneration saw a substantial increase. Reports indicate that he earns an annual salary of approximately €8m (Ksh1b). Such figures position him among the highest-earning Kenyan athletes, reflecting his professional prowess and the value he brings to his team.
Achievements with Al-Duhail SC
Since his induction into Al-Duhail, Olunga has amassed a series of commendable achievements:
- AFC (Asian Football Confederation) Champions League Top Scorer (2021): In a remarkable display of skill, Olunga emerged as the top scorer in the 2021 AFC Champions League, netting nine goals in six matches. This accomplishment distinguished him as the first Kenyan and the first player from Al-Duhail to secure this prestigious accolade.
- Qatar Stars League Title (2022–2023): Olunga played a pivotal role in Al-Duhail’s triumphant 2022–2023 season, contributing significantly to the team’s success in clinching the Qatar Stars League title. His performance was particularly noteworthy in the decisive match against Al-Shamal, where he scored four goals, leading to a 5–2 victory that secured the championship.
- Al-Duhail’s All-Time Leading Scorer (2024): Demonstrating consistent excellence, Olunga became Al-Duhail’s all-time top scorer in November 2024, reaching a milestone of 121 goals. This historic feat was achieved during a commanding 6–2 victory over Al Shamal, in which he also provided a crucial assist. His prolific scoring record has been acknowledged and celebrated by both the club and the Kenyan Embassy in Doha, highlighting his status as a distinguished ambassador for Kenyan football on the global stage.
- Olunga’s tenure at Al-Duhail SC has been marked by exceptional individual performances and significant contributions to the team’s successes. His achievements not only enhance his professional legacy but also serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes in Kenya and beyond.
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