{{short description|Kenyan footballer}} {{Use dmy dates|date=May 2021}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Michael Olunga | image = | image_size = | caption = | fullname = Michael Olunga Ogada<ref>{{cite web|title=Michael Olunga|url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe407033/michael-olunga/|website=worldfootball.net|access-date=14 January 2018|archive-date=29 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729072050/https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/michael-olunga/|url-status=live}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1994|3|26|df=y}} | birth_place = Nairobi, Kenya | height = 1.93 m<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Olunga |url=https://www.duhailsc.qa/player/michael-olunga/ |website=Duhail Sports Club |access-date=2 August 2022 |archive-date=2 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221002223432/https://www.duhailsc.qa/player/michael-olunga/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | position = Striker | currentclub = Al-Arabi | clubnumber = 14 | years1 = 2012–2016 | clubs1 = Liberty Sports Academy |caps1 = ? |goals1 = 32 | years2 = 2013 | clubs2 = → Tusker (loan) |caps2 = 18 |goals2 = 2 | years3 = 2014 | clubs3 = → Thika United (loan) |caps3 = 26 |goals3 = 9 | years4 = 2015 | clubs4 = → Gor Mahia (loan) |caps4 = 27 |goals4 = 19 | years5 = 2016 | clubs5 = Djurgårdens IF |caps5 = 27 |goals5 = 12 | years6 = 2017–2018 | clubs6 = Guizhou Zhicheng |caps6 = 9 |goals6 = 2 | years7 = 2017–2018 | clubs7 = → Girona (loan) |caps7 = 14 |goals7 = 3 | years8 = 2018–2021 | clubs8 = Kashiwa Reysol |caps8 = 72 |goals8 = 58 | years9 = 2021–2025 | clubs9 = Al-Duhail |caps9 = 88 |goals9 = 79 | years10= 2025– | clubs10= Al-Arabi |caps10= 11 |goals10= 6 | nationalyears1 = 2015– | nationalteam1 = Kenya |nationalcaps1 = 69 |nationalgoals1 = 34 | club-update = 17 January 2026 | nationalteam-update = 23:30, 14 October 2025 (UTC) }}
'''Michael Olunga Ogada''' (born 26 March 1994) is a Kenyan professional footballer who plays as a striker and captains Qatar Stars League Side Al-Arabi and the Kenya national team.
==Club career==
===Early career and Gor Mahia=== While still a student at the Upper Hill School, Olunga began his career with the Liberty Sports Academy in the Nairobi County League. He scored 32 goals for the side during the 2012 season, helping them finish the season unbeaten and earn promotion to the Nairobi Provincial League.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/schoolas-mvp-heading-to-france |title=Schools' MVP heading to France |date=2 November 2012 |author=Patrick Korir |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304082628/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/schoolas-mvp-heading-to-france |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/promoted-liberty-embrace-the-challenge |title=Promoted Liberty embrace the challenge |date=29 November 2012 |author=Wilson Mathu |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304083415/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/promoted-liberty-embrace-the-challenge |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref> He made headlines when he scored seven goals in a single match helping his team to an 8–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Opiyo|first1=Vincent|title=Olunga rakes in millions from Djurgardens deal|url=http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/olunga-rakes-in-millions-from-djurgardens-deal|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114020741/http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/olunga-rakes-in-millions-from-djurgardens-deal|archive-date=14 January 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Initially reported to be attending trials in France, Olunga signed for Kenyan Premier League side Tusker on a one-year loan deal from Liberty on 19 December 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/liberty-loans-schoolsa-mvp-to-tusker |title=Liberty loans Schools' MVP to Tusker |date=19 December 2012 |author=Patrick Korir |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304063430/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/liberty-loans-schoolsa-mvp-to-tusker |archive-date=4 March 2016 }}</ref>
After finishing the 2013 season with two goals for Tusker, Olunga was loaned to fellow Premier League side Thika United for another year,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/thika-united-sign-michael-olunga |title=Thika United sign Michael Olunga |date=31 January 2014 |author=Mercy Njueh |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150419100239/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/thika-united-sign-michael-olunga |archive-date=19 April 2015 }}</ref> before joining Gor Mahia ahead of the 2015 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/wafula-olunga-set-for-gor-move |title=Wafula, Olunga set for Gor move |date=7 January 2015 |author=Mercy Njueh |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150926074518/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/wafula-olunga-set-for-gor-move |archive-date=26 September 2015 }}</ref> He finished the season as the club's top scorer in the league with 19 goals to help the side win a record 15th league title without losing a single match, including the second goal in a 2–0 win over Muhoroni Youth on their final league match of the season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4523/kenya-premier-league/2015/11/01/16886072/gor-mahia-2-0-muhoroni-youth-unbeaten-kogalo |title=Gor Mahia 2-0 Muhoroni Youth: Unbeaten K'Ogalo |date=1 November 2015 |author=Seth Willis |publisher=Goal.com |access-date=1 November 2015 |archive-date=4 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104060041/http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4523/kenya-premier-league/2015/11/01/16886072/gor-mahia-2-0-muhoroni-youth-unbeaten-kogalo |url-status=live }}</ref>
===Djurgården=== On 17 February 2016, Olunga joined Swedish side Djurgårdens IF on a four-year contract, after joining the team's pre-season training camp on trial.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fotbollskanalen.se/allsvenskan/klart-ingenjoren-till-djurgarden---fyraarskontrakt-paskrivet/ |title=Klart: "Ingenjören" till Djurgården - fyraårskontrakt påskrivet |language=sv |date=17 February 2016 |publisher=Fotbollskanalen Europa |access-date=17 February 2016 |archive-date=20 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220004812/http://www.fotbollskanalen.se/allsvenskan/klart-ingenjoren-till-djurgarden---fyraarskontrakt-paskrivet/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35598506|title=Kenyan Olunga's Arsenal dream on hold after Sweden move|work=BBC Sport |date=17 February 2016|access-date=13 February 2018|archive-date=20 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120081333/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/35598506|url-status=live}}</ref> He scored his first two goals for Djurgården on 8 August 2016 against IFK Göteborg in a 3–1 win.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4525/kenyans-abroad/2016/08/08/26331372/finallyolunga-ends-goal-drought-in-sweden?ICID=HP_HN_1 |title=Finally…Olunga ends goal drought in Sweden |language=en |date=8 August 2016 |publisher=Goal Kenya |access-date=8 August 2016 |archive-date=10 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010232418/http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4525/kenyans-abroad/2016/08/08/26331372/finallyolunga-ends-goal-drought-in-sweden?ICID=HP_HN_1 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was also named man of the match<ref>{{cite web|last1=Opiyo|first1=Vincent|title=Olunga on a brace as Djurgardens thumps Gotenborg|url=http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/olunga-on-a-brace-as-djurgardens-thumps-gotenborg|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816005735/http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/olunga-on-a-brace-as-djurgardens-thumps-gotenborg|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> and Djurgården coach Mark Dempsey praised him for his match winning heroics.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Gacharira|first1=Samuel|title=Dempsey full of praise for Olunga|url=http://www.soka.co.ke/news/item/dempsey-full-of-praise-for-olunga|access-date=9 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816005132/http://www.soka.co.ke/news/item/dempsey-full-of-praise-for-olunga|archive-date=16 August 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the next match Olunga scored once again in the 2–2 draw versus IF Elfsborg at the Tele2 Arena.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/olunga-on-the-mark-again-as-elfsborg-hold-djurgardens |title=Olunga on the mark again as Elfsborg hold Djurgardens |access-date=15 August 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816004722/http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/olunga-on-the-mark-again-as-elfsborg-hold-djurgardens |archive-date=16 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4525/kenyans-abroad/2016/08/14/26513802/olunga-on-target-again-as-swedish-side-held?ICID=HP_BN_8 |title=Olunga on target again as Swedish side held |language=en |date=14 August 2016 |publisher=Goal.com Kenya edition |access-date=14 August 2016 |archive-date=10 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161010232421/http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4525/kenyans-abroad/2016/08/14/26513802/olunga-on-target-again-as-swedish-side-held?ICID=HP_BN_8 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 27 August, he scored the match-winning goal against Gefle IF with a volley in the 86th minute. In the last 12 games of the Allsvenskan Olunga scored 12 goals which earned him a fifth place in the Allsvenskan top scorer table.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fotbollsallsvenskan.se/allsvenska-skytteligan2016.asp |title=Klart: Skytteligan 2016 |language=sv |date=11 November 2016 |publisher=fotbollssvenskan.se |access-date=11 November 2016 |archive-date=11 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111194051/http://www.fotbollsallsvenskan.se/allsvenska-skytteligan2016.asp |url-status=live }}</ref> He was nominated for Newcomer of the year in Swedish football by a jury of Allsvenskan coaches and Swedish journalists as well as the coaches of the Swedish national teams. The award later went to Alexander Isak.
On 10 November 2016, Kenyan football site Soka reported that Djurgården had turned down offers on Olunga from La Liga side Betis, Lokeren, Belgian champions Club Brugge and Swedish champions Malmö FF.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/djurgardens-unwilling-to-let-go-off-olunga-despite-offers |title=Klart: Skytteligan 2016 |language=en |date=10 November 2016 |publisher=soka.co.ke |access-date=11 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170816011153/http://www.soka.co.ke/stars-abroad/item/djurgardens-unwilling-to-let-go-off-olunga-despite-offers |archive-date=16 August 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Guizhou Zhicheng=== In 2017, Olunga joined Chinese club Guizhou Zhicheng.<ref>{{cite web |title=OFFICIAL: Michael Olunga Has Signed For Chinese Side Guizhou Zhicheng |url=https://radiojambo.co.ke/michezo/2017-01-24-official-michael-olunga-has-signed-for-chinese-side-guizhou-zhicheng/ |website=Radio Jambo |language=en-KE |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421203938/https://radiojambo.co.ke/michezo/2017-01-24-official-michael-olunga-has-signed-for-chinese-side-guizhou-zhicheng/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
====Girona (loan)==== On 1 September 2017, Olunga was loaned to La Liga side Girona FC, for one year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gironafc.cat/noticia/olunga-completa-latac-del-girona-a-primera|title=Olunga completa l'atac del Girona|trans-title=Olunga completes the attack of Girona|publisher=Girona FC|language=ca|date=1 September 2017|access-date=2 September 2017|archive-date=2 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902093903/http://www.gironafc.cat/noticia/olunga-completa-latac-del-girona-a-primera|url-status=live}}</ref> On 13 January 2018, he made his La Liga debut against Las Palmas scoring a hat-trick in the span of 22 minutes during a 6–0 win, becoming both the first Kenyan player and the first Girona player to score a hat-trick in La Liga.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/michael-olunga-open-laliga-goal-account-with-a-hat-trick/7fn8pfc4my5t1msxvg6nkgoyr|title=Michael Olunga open La Liga goal account with a hat-trick {{!}} Goal.com|access-date=13 January 2018|language=en|archive-date=14 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114020158/http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/michael-olunga-open-laliga-goal-account-with-a-hat-trick/7fn8pfc4my5t1msxvg6nkgoyr|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Kashiwa Reysol=== On 10 August 2018, Olunga joined Japanese club Kashiwa Reysol.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michael Olunga joins Iniesta, Podolski, Torres at Kashiwa Reysol |url=https://dailysport.co.ke/2018/08/10/michael-olunga-joins-iniesta-podolski-torres-at-kashiwa-reysol/ |website=DAILY SPORT |date=10 August 2018 |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421203941/https://dailysport.co.ke/2018/08/10/michael-olunga-joins-iniesta-podolski-torres-at-kashiwa-reysol/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 24 November 2019, he scored eight goals for Kashiwa in a 13–1 victory over Kyoto Sanga.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50544793|title=Kenya's Michael Olunga scores eight goals in Japanese match|work=BBC Sport |date=25 November 2019|access-date=25 November 2019|archive-date=26 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191126084137/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50544793|url-status=live}}</ref> Olunga finished the season with 27 league goals as Kashiwa finished the J2 season as champions and won promotion to the first division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/olungas-kashiwa-reysol-conquers-j2-to-earn-j1-promotion/cpivwgncep161em8v5ttnrth7|title=Olunga's Kashiwa Reysol conquer J2 to earn J1 promotion|website=Goal|date=17 November 2019|access-date=4 August 2020|archive-date=29 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329075036/https://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/olungas-kashiwa-reysol-conquers-j2-to-earn-j1-promotion/cpivwgncep161em8v5ttnrth7|url-status=live}}</ref>
In J1 League play on 26 July 2020, Olunga scored a hat-trick against Vegalta Sendai; the match finished in a 5–1 victory.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jleague.jp/en/match/j1/2020/072606/live|title=Kashiwa 5:1 Sendai|website=J League|date=26 July 2020|access-date=4 August 2020|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913081001/https://www.jleague.jp/en/match/j1/2020/072606/live|url-status=live}}</ref>
Olunga finished as the top scorer in the 2020 Japanese J1 League with 28 goals,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jleague.jp/sp/en/stats/goal.html|title=Stats and Data 2020|website=J League|date=19 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020|archive-date=5 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105153041/https://www.jleague.jp/sp/en/stats/goal.html|url-status=live}}</ref> winning the Golden Boot and the J-League 2020 MVP. He is the first African player to win the J-league MVP award.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/12/22/soccer/j-league/reysol-michael-olunga-jleague-mvp/|title=Reysol's Michael Olunga named J. League MVP; Frontale packs Best XI with nine selections|website=J League|date=19 December 2020|access-date=19 December 2020|archive-date=10 November 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221110233605/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2020/12/22/soccer/j-league/reysol-michael-olunga-jleague-mvp/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Al-Duhail=== In January 2021, Olunga moved to Qatar Stars League champions Al-Duhail on a three-season contract,<ref>{{cite web |title=Olunga With Al Duhail For Three Seasons |url=https://duhailsc.qa/en/football/news/17295 |website=Al Duhail Sports Club |language=en-gb |date=16 January 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=16 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210116204652/https://www.duhailsc.qa/en/football/news/17295 |url-status=live }}</ref> for a reported transfer fee of €6 million.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Anene |first1=Geoffrey |title=Kenya: Olunga Is a Good Addition to the Team, Says Al Duhail Coach |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/202101180661.html |website=allAfrica.com |language=en |date=18 January 2021 |access-date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=14 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214015739/https://allafrica.com/stories/202101180661.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
He made his debut for the club on 12 January, in a 3–1 away loss against Al Sadd.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Abong'o |first1=Robert |title=Michael Olunga makes debut for Al Duhail in 3-1 defeat to Xavi's Al Sadd |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001399888/olunga-s-debut-for-al-duhail-ends-in-defeat |website=The Standard |language=en |access-date=12 January 2021 |archive-date=29 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230329075023/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/article/2001399888/olunga-s-debut-for-al-duhail-ends-in-defeat |url-status=live }}</ref> On 25 January 2021, Olunga scored a hat-trick in Duhail's 6–0 win against Al Ahli in the Emir of Qatar Cup.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Abong'o |first1=Robert |title=Michael Olunga scores hat-trick as Al-Duhail thrash Al Ahli Doha 6-0 in Emir Cup |url=https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/2001401309/olunga-scores-hat-trick-as-al-duhail-thrash-al-ahli-doha-6-0 |website=The Standard |language=en |access-date=28 January 2021 |archive-date=28 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128062202/https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/football/2001401309/olunga-scores-hat-trick-as-al-duhail-thrash-al-ahli-doha-6-0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Church |first1=Michael |title=Olunga's hat-trick moves Al Duhail into pole position |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-afcchampions-idUKKBN2C9018 |website=Reuters |date=22 April 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523181638/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-afcchampions-idUKKBN2C9018 |url-status=live }}</ref> Olunga finished as the top scorer of the 2021 AFC Champions League,<ref>{{Cite web|last=الشرق|first=جريدة|date=2021-11-24|title=مايكل أولونغا لاعب الدحيل يفوز بجائزة هداف دوري أبطال آسيا|url=https://m.al-sharq.com/article/24/11/2021/%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%84-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86%D8%BA%D8%A7-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%84-%D9%8A%D9%81%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%A8%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A2%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7|access-date=2022-02-08|website=جريدة الشرق|language=ar|archive-date=8 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208090626/https://m.al-sharq.com/article/24/11/2021/%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%8A%D9%83%D9%84-%D8%A3%D9%88%D9%84%D9%88%D9%86%D8%BA%D8%A7-%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%B9%D8%A8-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%84-%D9%8A%D9%81%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%A8%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%A6%D8%B2%D8%A9-%D9%87%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%AF%D9%88%D8%B1%D9%8A-%D8%A3%D8%A8%D8%B7%D8%A7%D9%84-%D8%A2%D8%B3%D9%8A%D8%A7|url-status=live}}</ref> but Al-Duhail crashed out of the competition after a 1–1 draw with team Al Ahli Saudi in late April.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Olobulu |first1=Timothy |title=Olunga scores, misses penalty as Al Duhail crash out of Champions League |url=https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/sports/2021/05/01/olunga-scores-misses-penalty-as-al-duhail-crash-out-of-champions-league/ |website=Capital Sports |date=1 May 2021 |access-date=23 May 2021 |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523181638/https://www.capitalfm.co.ke/sports/2021/05/01/olunga-scores-misses-penalty-as-al-duhail-crash-out-of-champions-league/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and Esteghlal qualified as group winners.
On 8 May 2023, Olunga and his club secured the 2022–23 Qatar Stars League title, scoring four goals in a 5–2 defeat of Al-Shamal.
==International career== Olunga made his debut for the Kenya national team in a friendly against Seychelles at the Stade Linité in Victoria on 28 March 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.futaa.com/football/article/seychelles-vs-kenya-nine-earn-senior-team-debuts |title=Seychelles vs Kenya; Nine earn senior team debuts |date=1 April 2015 |author=Vincent Opiyo |publisher=Futaa.com |access-date=1 November 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150909003154/http://www.futaa.com/football/article/seychelles-vs-kenya-nine-earn-senior-team-debuts |archive-date=9 September 2015 }}</ref> He scored his first goal for the ''Harambee Stars'' in a friendly against South Sudan which resulted in a 2–0 win. On 27 July 2019, during the 2019 AFCON Olunga scored a double to complete a comeback against Tanzania.
==Personal life== Olunga studied geospatial engineering at the Technical University of Kenya and pursued a Bachelor of Engineering degree. For this reason, he is regularly known as "The Engineer" by Kenyan football fans.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tukenya.ac.ke/tu-k-student-causing-ripples-2015-cecafa-challenge |title=TU-K Student Causing Ripples in 2015 CECAFA Challenge |work=The Technical University of Kenya |date=31 July 2015 |publisher=Technical University of Kenya |access-date=1 November 2015 |archive-date=28 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628215843/http://tukenya.ac.ke/tu-k-student-causing-ripples-2015-cecafa-challenge |url-status=live |author1=Fundiwamtandao }}</ref> He has stated that he looks up to Dutch striker Robin van Persie as a role model.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://tukenya.ac.ke/olunga-footballing-engineer |title=Olunga, the Footballing Engineer |work=The Technical University of Kenya |date=12 August 2015 |publisher=Technical University of Kenya |access-date=1 November 2015 |archive-date=16 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816021823/http://www.tukenya.ac.ke/olunga-footballing-engineer |url-status=live |author1=Fundiwamtandao }}</ref>
==Career statistics==
===Club=== {{Updated|match played 13 September 2025}}<ref>{{cite web |title=M. Olunga |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/ogada-michael-olunga/285335/ |website=Soccerway |access-date=8 March 2023 |archive-date=6 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106052950/https://int.soccerway.com/players/ogada-michael-olunga/285335/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes FKF President's Cup, Svenska Cupen, Copa del Rey, Emir of Qatar Cup}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes J.League Cup, Qatar Cup}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |Upper Hill School |2012 |National KSSSA |||5||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||||5 |- |Liberty Sports Academy |2012 |Nairobi County Champions |||32||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||||32 |- |Tusker |2013 |Kenyan Premier League |18||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0||colspan="2"|—||20||2 |- |Thika United |2014 |Kenyan Premier League |26||9||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||26||9 |- |Gor Mahia |2015 |Kenyan Premier League |27||19||||2||||5{{efn|Goals in Kagame Interclub Cup}}||2||0||||3{{efn|Goals in KPL Top 8 Cup}}||||29 |- |Djurgården |2016 |Allsvenskan |27||12||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||1||32||13 |- |Guizhou |2017 |Chinese Super League |9||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||9||2 |- |Girona (loan) |2017–18 |La Liga |14||3||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||16||3 |- |rowspan="4"|Kashiwa Reysol |2018 |J1 League |10||3||colspan="2"|—||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||3 |- |2019 |J2 League |30||27||0||0||3||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||29 |- |2020 |J1 League |32||28||colspan="2"|—||3||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||35||29 |- !colspan="2"|Total !72!!58!!0!!0!!6!!3!!0!!0!!0!!0!!78!!61 |- |rowspan="6"|Al-Duhail |2020–21 |Qatar Stars League |9||6||3{{efn|Appearances in Emir of Qatar Cup}}||5||2{{efn|Appearances in Qatar Cup}}||0||6{{efn|name=ACL|Appearances in AFC Champions League}}||9||2{{efn|Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup}}||0||22||20 |- |2021–22 |Qatar Stars League |20||24||4||2||0||0||5{{efn|name=ACL}}||4||colspan="2"|—||29||30 |- |2022–23 |Qatar Stars League |22||22||1||0||2||2||3{{efn|name=ACL}}||2||5{{efn|name=QSC|Appearances in Qatari Stars Cup}}||10||39||36 |- |2023–24 |Qatar Stars League |18||15||3||3||1||0||5{{efn|name=ACL}}||4||1||0||27||22 |- |2024–25 |Qatar Stars League |19||12||2||3||1||1||colspan="2"|–||2{{efn|name=QSC}}||1||24||17 |- !colspan="2"|Total !88!!79!!13!!13!!6!!3!!19!!19!!10!!11!!136!!125 |- |Al-Arabi SC |2025–26 |Qatar Stars League |4||2||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||colspan="2"|–||4||2 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !285+!!223!!16+!!15!!12!!12!!23!!19!!14+!!15!!350!!284 |}
{{notelist}}
===International=== :''Scores and results list Kenya's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Olunga goal.''<ref name="NFT">{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/59115/Michael_Olunga.html|title=Olunga, Michael|website=National Football Teams|access-date=9 February 2017|archive-date=16 November 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171116203637/http://national-football-teams.com/player/59115/Michael_Olunga.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ List of international goals scored by Michael Olunga |- !scope="col"|No. !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition |- | align="center"|1 || 7 June 2015 || Amahoro Stadium, Kigali, Rwanda || {{fb|SSD}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || Friendly |- | align="center"|2 || 30 May 2015 || National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka, Zambia || {{fb|ZAM}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–2 || 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |- | align="center"|3 || 7 October 2015 || Stade Anjalay, Belle Vue Maurel, Mauritius || {{fb|MRI}} || align="center"|5–2 || align="center"|5–2 || 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|4 || 13 November 2015 || Nairobi City Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|CPV}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|5 || 22 November 2015 || Addis Ababa Stadium, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia || {{fb|UGA}} || align="center"|2–0 || align="center"|2–0 || 2015 CECAFA Cup |- | align="center"|6 || 25 November 2015 || Awassa Kenema Stadium, Awassa, Ethiopia || {{fb|BDI}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || 2015 CECAFA Cup |- | align="center"|7 || 4 October 2016 || Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa, DR Congo || {{fb|COD}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || Friendly |- | align="center"|8 || 23 March 2017 || Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, Kenya || {{fb|UGA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || Friendly |- | align="center"|9 || rowspan="2"|26 March 2017 || rowspan="2"|Kenyatta Stadium, Machakos, Kenya || rowspan="2"|{{fb|COD}} || align="center"|1–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"| 2–1 || rowspan="2"|Friendly |- | align="center"|10 || align="center"|2–1 |- | align="center"|11 || 10 June 2017 || National Stadium, Freetown, Sierra Leone || {{fb|SLE}} || align="center"|1–2 || align="center"|1–2 || 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |- | align="center"|12 || 5 October 2017 || Basra Sports City, Basra, Iraq || {{fb|IRQ}} || align="center"|1–2 || align="center"|1–2 || Friendly |- | align="center"|13 || 27 March 2018 || Stade de Marrakech, Marrakesh, Morocco || {{fb|CAR}} || align="center"|2–3 || align="center"|2–3 || Friendly |- | align="center"|14 || 14 October 2018 || Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|ETH}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|3–0 || 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |- | align="center"|15 || 15 June 2019 || Centro Deportivo Santa Ana, Madrid, Spain || {{fb|COD}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || Friendly |- | align="center"|16 || rowspan="2"|27 June 2019 || rowspan="2"|30 June Stadium, Cairo, Egypt || rowspan="2"|{{fb|TAN}} || align="center"|1–1 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"| 3–2 || rowspan="2"| 2019 Africa Cup of Nations |- | align="center"|17 || align="center"|3–2 |- | align="center"|18 || 14 November 2019 || Borg El Arab Stadium, Alexandria, Egypt || {{fb|EGY}} || align="center"|1–1 || align="center"|1–1 || 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |- | align="center"|19 || 5 September 2021 || Nyamirambo Regional Stadium, Kigali, Rwanda || {{fb|RWA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|20 || 11 November 2021 || St. Mary's Stadium-Kitende, Entebbe, Uganda || {{fb|UGA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–1 || 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|21 || 15 November 2021 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|RWA}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|2–1 || 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|22 || 28 March 2023 || Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran || {{fb|IRI}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–2 || Friendly |- | align="center"|23 || rowspan=2|20 November 2023 || rowspan=2|Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium, Abidjan, Ivory Coast || rowspan=2|{{fb|SEY}} || align="center"|1–0 || rowspan=2 align="center"|5–0 || rowspan=2|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|24 || align="center"|2–0 |- | align="center"|25 || rowspan="2"|23 March 2024 || rowspan="2"|Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe, Malawi || rowspan="2"|{{fb|MWI}} || align="center"|1–0 || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"| 4–0 || rowspan="2"|2024 Four Nations Football Tournament |- | align="center"|26 || align="center"|2–0 |- | align="center"|27 || rowspan="3"|26 March 2024 || rowspan="3"|Bingu National Stadium, Lilongwe, Malawi || rowspan="3"|{{fb|ZIM}} || align="center"|1–1 || rowspan="3" style="text-align:center"| 3–1 || rowspan="3"|2024 Four Nations Football Tournament |- | align="center"|28 || align="center"|2–1 |- | align="center"|29 || align="center"|3–1 |- | align="center"|30 || 11 October 2024 || Japoma Stadium, Douala, Cameroon || {{fb|CMR}} || align="center"|1–2 || align="center"|1–4 || 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification |- | align="center"|31 || 20 March 2025 || Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, Ivory Coast || {{fb|GAM}} || align="center"|1–2 || align="center"|3–3 || 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|32 || 23 March 2025 || Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi, Kenya || {{fb|GAB}} || align="center"|1–2 || align="center"|1–2 || 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|33 || rowspan=2|9 September 2025 || rowspan=2|Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, Kenya || rowspan=2|{{fb|SEY}} || align="center"|4–0 || align="center" rowspan=2|5–0 || rowspan=2|2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |- | align="center"|34 || align="center"|5–0 |}
==Honours== '''Tusker''' *Kenyan Super Cup: 2013 *KPL Top 8 Cup: 2013
'''Gor Mahia''' *Kenyan Premier League: 2014, 2015 *Kenyan Super Cup: 2015 *KPL Top 8 Cup: 2015
'''Kashiwa Reysol''' *J2 League: 2019
'''Al-Duhail''' *Qatar Stars League: 2022–23 *Qatari Stars Cup: 2022–23, 2024–25 *Emir Cup: 2022
'''Individual''' * Kenyan Sportperson of the Year: 2021<ref>{{cite web |url=https://panafricanfootball.com/2021/02/21/olunga-caps-fine-year-with-another-big-kenya-award/ |title=Olunga caps fine year with another big Kenya award |publisher=Panafricanfootball |access-date=21 February 2021 |archive-date=21 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210421212449/https://panafricanfootball.com/2021/02/21/olunga-caps-fine-year-with-another-big-kenya-award/ |url-status=live }}</ref> * AFC Champions League Top scorer: 2021 * Kenyan Premier League Player of the Year: 2015 * J.League Player of the Year: 2020 * J.League Top scorer: 2020 * J.League Best XI: 2020 * Qatar Stars League Top scorer: 2021–22, 2022–23 * Qatar Stars League Player of the Month: October 2021, November 2021 * Qatari Starts Cup Top scorer: 2022–23<ref>{{Cite web |title=Table of top scorers Qatari Stars Cup 2023 |url=https://www.besoccer.com/competition/rankings/copa_de_las_estrellas/2023/top-scorers |access-date=2023-06-10 |website=www.besoccer.com |language=en}}</ref> *AFC Champions League Team of the Tournament: 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sports |first=Pulse |date=2023-05-29 |title=Michael Olunga nominated for AFC Champions League team of the season |url=https://www.pulsesports.co.ke/football/story/michael-olunga-nominated-for-afc-champions-league-team-of-the-season-2023052911271763901 |access-date=2023-09-29 |website=Pulse Sports Kenya |language=en}}</ref>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== * {{Soccerway}} * {{NFT player}} * {{J.League player}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20181129165148/http://dif.se/player/michael-olunga/ Michael Olunga] at Djurgårdens IF's official website {{in lang|sv}} * {{SvFF player|id=c87c3cca-5fb5-4f0d-962b-23739bb4776e|fid=917857|pid=8702}} * [https://web.archive.org/web/20170119104001/http://live.soka.co.ke/player/kenya-michael-olunga Michael Olunga] at soka.co.ke
{{Al-Arabi SC (Qatar) squad}} {{Kenya squad 2019 Africa Cup of Nations}} {{Navboxes |title=Awards |bg=gold |fg=black |list1= {{J.League MVP}} {{J1 League top scorers}} {{2020 J.League Team of the Year}} {{AFC Champions League top scorers}} {{Qatar Stars League top scorers}} }}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Olunga, Michael}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Nairobi Category:Kenyan men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Tusker F.C. players Category:Thika United F.C. players Category:Gor Mahia F.C. players Category:Djurgårdens IF Fotboll players Category:Guizhou F.C. players Category:Girona FC players Category:Kashiwa Reysol players Category:Al Duhail SC players Category:Al-Arabi SC (Qatar) players Category:Kenyan Premier League players Category:Allsvenskan players Category:Chinese Super League players Category:La Liga players Category:J1 League players Category:J2 League players Category:Qatar Stars League players Category:Kenya men's international footballers Category:2019 Africa Cup of Nations players Category:Kenyan expatriate men's footballers Category:Kenyan expatriate sportspeople in Sweden Category:Kenyan expatriate sportspeople in China Category:Kenyan expatriate sportspeople in Spain Category:Kenyan expatriate sportspeople in Japan Category:Kenyan expatriate sportspeople in Qatar Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Sweden Category:Expatriate men's footballers in China Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Japan Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Qatar Category:21st-century Kenyan sportsmen