Football

Michael Olunga outshines Messi and Osimhen in 2023 goal tally

Duhail's forward Michael Olunga (C) celebrates his goal with teammates during the AFC Champions League group C match between Saudi's Al-Ahli and Qatar's Al-Duhail on April 18, 2021, at the King Abdullah sport city stadium in the Saudi city of Jeddah. (Photo : AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Wednesday, January 3, 2024

His impressive tally of 35 goals placed him ahead of Nigeria’s Osimhen, who managed 34, despite leading Serie A side Napoli to the title.

Harambee Stars captain Michael Olunga surpassed both Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi and African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen in the 2023 goal-scoring records.

While Cristiano Ronaldo claimed the spotlight for concluding the year as the most prolific scorer with 54 goals, Olunga, the Kenyan international, had an impressive year in front of goal, securing 35 goals for both club and country.

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Olunga, concluding the season as the Golden Boot winner in the Qatar Stars League after leading Al Duhail to the title, netted 20 goals for his club in the latter part of the 2022-23 campaign. He continued his stellar performance by adding 12 more goals in the new season.

🚨: Top 50 players with the most goals in 2023. [IFFHS] pic.twitter.com/V4WTGG131N
— W (@_common_W_) January 1, 2024

In Harambee Stars' colors, Olunga contributed three more goals, including a strike in their 2-1 loss to Iran in March and a brace as Kenya dominated Seychelles with a 5-0 victory in their 2026 World Cup qualifier in November.

His impressive tally of 35 goals placed him ahead of Nigeria’s Osimhen, who managed 34, despite leading Serie A side Napoli to the title.