When the news broke that Michael Olunga’s departure from Al Duhail was official, the football world paused to reflect. Four years ago, Olunga arrived in Doha, quietly assured, a journeyman striker in search of a home. This week, he departs not only as a legend at Al Duhail, but as a player whose next steps intrigue fans from Kenya to Japan and beyond.
A record that speaks volumes
Statistics often don’t do justice to the emotional undercurrents of football, but Olunga’s numbers at Al Duhail demand acknowledgement. In just over four years, he netted a staggering 130 goals, stepping off the pitch as the club’s all-time top scorer. He wasn’t merely prolific. He was decisive, with crucial strikes in domestic and continental clashes, forever threading his name into the club’s fabric.
Al Duhail’s official statement spoke of professionalism and discipline, highlighting not only Olunga’s goals but his off-field example—qualities that shaped the team’s mentality through league and cup triumphs. The Red Knights’ message was clear: he leaves an open invitation, a perpetual welcome for their historic striker. Loyalty and legacy—a combination not often spoken about in the transient world of modern football.
Olunga’s influence on the pitch and the pride off it
For a club with such high ambitions, Olunga brought talent and relentless drive. He joined in January 2021 after dazzling with Japan’s Kashiwa Reysol, and immediately stamped his authority. On his debut, he scored in a storming 7-1 win against Al Wakrah, setting the tone for seasons to follow.
Success followed quickly. The 2021/22 season brought the coveted Golden Boot, and in 2022/23, both another top scorer trophy and the league title. In the just-ended 2024–2025 campaign, Olunga contributed twelve goals and two assists from nineteen matches, helping secure a strong second-place finish and several cup medals for good measure.
Across all competitions, Olunga scored over 130 goals (including nine in the AFC Champions League where he was top scorer in the 2020–2021 edition), competed in the FIFA Club World Cup, and claimed multiple pieces of silverware—Qatar Stars League, Qatar Cup, League Cup, and Stars Cup.
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Parting words and reflections
There is always an undeniable emotion when a player of Olunga’s stature says goodbye. In a heartfelt social media farewell, he used three words that encapsulate his journey: “VENI VIDI VICI”. He came. He saw. He conquered. With characteristic humility, Olunga emphasized gratitude towards the fans, his teammates, the club staff, and left the door open for a future reunion—either as a player, a manager, or something in between.
Reflecting on his time in Doha, Olunga underlined the personal growth and joy found in the challenge: “I spent four amazing years with the club, filled with tremendous support and love both on and off the pitch. I’m happy to have played for this great club; joining a club of Al Duhail’s stature was a huge step for me. Today I announce my departure from the club with my head held high, and I am moving forward in search of a new future. I truly gave my utmost effort to this great club and achieved many accomplishments.”
Speculation and hope—what’s next for Olunga?
The question on every fan’s lips: Where will Michael Olunga play next? The rumors swirl like the desert wind. Football journalist Kevin Teya drew links to Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds, AFC Champions League winners in 2022, suggesting a possible reunion with the J1 League—where Olunga previously starred, scoring 61 goals in 78 appearances and claiming 2020 MVP honors with Kashiwa Reysol.
But Japan isn’t the only possible destination. Reports suggest he has admirers in South Africa and the English Premier League, stirring up the dreams of fans longing to see Olunga test himself once more on European soil. Still, for a striker with such a strong profile, the options—while tantalizing—remain a matter of speculation.
Former Kenyan international Titus Mulama, speaking with palpable pride, weighed in: “He was a player with great potential. If he hadn’t left Europe, I think he would’ve made it big because he was a great goalscorer, you could depend on. He left with an incredible record, a great reputation and also left a good reputation for Kenya. The team have achieved big things with Olunga.”
Mulama’s hope, one shared by many Kenyans, is that Olunga continues at the highest level. For Kenya’s Harambee Stars, their captain remains central—not just for his scoring prowess, but for his example and inspiration. As Mulama added, “I just hope he continues playing because the national team needs him; he is a good striker.”
A time of transition for Al Duhail
Olunga’s departure isn’t the only change swirling around Al Duhail. His farewell comes just a day after coach Christophe Galtier stepped down, thrusting the club into a period of renewal. Polish striker Krzysztof Piatek has already been unveiled as Olunga’s replacement: a new era is dawning in Doha, built on the foundations laid by the Kenyan marksman.
The value of legacy
For fans and pundits alike, Olunga’s journey offers lessons in resilience and excellence. From humble beginnings in Nairobi to relentless seasons in Sweden, China, Spain, Japan, and then Qatar, his story underscores the global nature of football and the unique power of sport to unite—and sometimes to surprise.
As Al Duhail prepares for its future and Olunga considers his next chapter, both club and player do so buoyed by mutual respect and cherished memories. The final goal may have been scored, the last match played—for now—but for Michael Olunga, the adventure is far from over.
