Who is Nestory Irankunda? The Bayern-bound 'Australian Messi'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 17 Apr 2024 19:26 BST
• 5 min read

There is a solid argument to be made that Nestory Irankunda is the biggest talent Australia has ever produced.

The Adelaide United youngster has already signed for Bayern Munich for what is believed to be a record fee and will join the Bundesliga giants in the summer of 2024.

His Australian farewell tour has been nothing short of sensational and Irankunda looks destined to light up Europe in the not-too-distant future. So who is Nestory Irankunda and how good is he really?

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What position does Irankunda play in?

Irankunda is primarily a right-winger, though he can also play on the left.

STATS

N. Irankunda

AM (RL), M (R)

Adelaide United

N. Irankunda

AM (RL), M (R)

Adelaide United

All Tournaments

2023/24

• 23

  Games

• 8

  Goals

• 6

  Assists

View all stats

How good is Irankunda?

Born in a refugee camp in Tanzania to Burundian parents, Irankunda grew up in Perth and Adelaide in Australia, the country he also represents at the international level. The 18-year-old's rise to prominence has been exceptionally rapid. Irankunda made his senior debut for A-League Men side Adelaide United in early 2022 at just 15 years of age.

In his first season of senior football, the tricky winger netted three goals despite his tender years. In 2022/23, he netted five times and recorded two assists and this term, he boasts eight goals and six assists at the time of writing. Irankunda has become an indispensable part of Adelaide's side and he will leave the domestic Australian league as one of its biggest stars.

Irankunda is yet to feature for the Socceroos, his country's senior men's national team, but he did make the bench for Australia's two matches against Ecuador in March 2024. One only needs to watch the teenager for a few minutes to realise that he is a truly special talent. Despite his youth - or perhaps because of it - Irankunda is almost impossible to stop when he has the ball at his feet.

His pace and technical ability are frightening and he is already a very composed finisher for an 18-year-old, though he did recently miss a penalty. But the fact that a teenager is even allowed to step up and take spot kicks is impressive in itself. His proclivity for spectacular goals and his trademark acrobatic celebration make him a proper highlight reel player.

Irankunda's low centre of gravity means that he is an absolute nightmare to deal with for defenders as his quick movements are impossible to predict and stop. Despite being right-footed and mostly playing on the right wing, Irankunda likes to drift centrally and get into the box or lurk just on the edge from where his excellent shooting technique can prove devastating.

Bayern Munich snapped up the youngster in November 2023 for what is believed to be an A-League record fee well in excess of €3 million. The Aussie will join the Bavarians in the summer of 2024 and will likely either feature for the reserves initially or be sent out on loan to a team playing at a good level.

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What clubs are interested in Irankunda?

Irankunda is yet to join up with Bayern Munich and is therefore not subject to transfer speculation.

When does Irankunda's contract expire?

The exact length of Irankunda's Bayern contract is not known, though it is believed that he penned a four-year deal until June 30, 2028.

How old is Irankunda?

Irankunda was born on February 9, 2006, making him 18 years old.

What is Irankunda's Instagram?

Irankunda's Instagram is @nestory._ and has 87k followers as of April 2024.