New Burundian Bayern Munich star born in Tanzania is about to make his debut - for Australia
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 06.06.24. | 12:33
Nestory Irankunda, 18, is set for his maiden Socceroos appearance after he publicly threatened them that he'll switch nationality if he doesn't get a call-up
Football Houdini, Australian Bellingham, new Messi...
Those are just a few nicknames used to describe Nestory Irankunda's unique talent and skills. The 18-year-old Burundian forward of Adelaide United, who will become a new Bayern Munich player on July 1, is surely one of those guys who can be labelled 'the next big thing'.
Born in Kigoma, Tanzania, Irankunda moved with his parents to Australia when he was a child. There, he started his professional career upon signing a scholarship contract in September 2021.
Wouldn’t surprise me at all if Nestory Irankunda produced a thunderbastard like this for the #Socceroos on debut.pic.twitter.com/LQznsLGHVL
— Sacha Pisani (@Sachk0) June 6, 2024
He scored his first league goal the same year, becoming the second youngest goalscorer in the competition. Irankunda was announced to join Bayern Munich in July 2024 for an undisclosed fee, probably over €3 million, breaking the A-League transfer record.
His choice of Bayern Munich has much to do with his father's long-standing support of the Bavarians. He influenced his son's decision to sign for the German club despite the fact that young Nestory is a Barcelona supporter.
Future Bayern Munich baller Nestory Irankunda is some player… 🤯🔥
— Rising Ballers (@RisingBallers_) January 5, 2024
His highlight reel is out of this world 😮💨👏🏼
pic.twitter.com/h6fWeeBNwZ
Still, Irankunda's choice of the country he'll represent has been much more controversial. After making several appearances for Australia's youth teams, the 18-year-old stated a few weeks ago that he would consider playing for either Burundi or Tanzania if the Socceroos' boss, Graham Arnold, continues to exclude him from the squad.
After such comments - one would say even a sort of a subtle blackmail - Arnold called up Irankunda to the Australian national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against Bangladesh and Palestine. He expressed that he was "surprised by Irankunda's consideration to play for other national teams" but praised his "maturity".
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