Some players are just born with a particular fate. A path that leads them away from the normal one of pathways and academies. The story of Nestory Irankunda has now come full circle with his scoring the opening goal for Australia in the country’s 2-0 win over Turkey on Saturday.
On the books of EFL Championship side Watford, the 20-year-old has gone the long way around to reach this landmark moment, a slice of history as he became the youngest goalscorer for the Socceroos.
It could’ve been all so different, but as he shone bright in the Vancouver night, he stated: "It is unreal and a dream come true.”
Of course, all players dream of these moments, but what makes this young superstar’s even more special is that it wasn’t too long ago that he was a refugee.
From Refugee To Professional Footballer
Born in Tanzania in 2006, his parents had fled a devastating civil war, and at an early age was moving across different landscapes to the country he now calls home. He was still a young child when they moved to the country he now represents on the biggest stage of world football.
Eventually, the young Irankunda was playing for Adelaide United, his raw talent being nurtured while scoring 16 times and assisting eight more, in the senior side in the A-League.
This led to an amazing opportunity in 2024 when Bayern Munich came along. Although he did not get to play first-team football, his football knowledge was expanded under their system and learning his craft from players such as England’s Harry Kane.
He did need game time, though, if he was to fulfil his ultimate goal of playing for Australia in this World Cup. A loan spell at Grasshoppers in Switzerland helped, and then after making his debut for the national side in a World Cup qualifying game, he enhanced his chances further when scoring against Palestine in his second game.
The Career Decisions That Led To The World Cup
Then, at a crossroads, he opted to go to Watford, in the second tier of English football. Leaving a club as big as Bayern was, of course, a difficult decision, but his chances of playing each week were slim, so being realistic, this choice was the more sensible one.
"It was a hard decision but obviously my biggest goal for me is to play at the World Cup," he told Sky Sports last summer. "The 2026 World Cup is around the corner and I have to play minutes, I wasn't playing minutes. It has always been a dream of mine to play in England."
He went on to play 42 games for his new club Watford, and scored four goals, and five assists, to gain a valuable seat on the plane for the World Cup. With history now made with his goal against the more favoured Turkish side, he can look forward to more highlights.
Playing With Freedom, Joy And Inspiration
Playing with freedom and joy, he often expresses himself with fun goal celebrations, famously putting on a white glove and doing a Michael Jackson dance after scoring against Curacao in March. This time, he chose to mimic his hero, Tim Cahill, with some shadow boxing at the corner flag.
"Timmy Cahill is my biggest inspiration when it comes to football. Him and Lionel Messi. Tim Cahill, Australia's greatest, in my opinion. I just thought if I scored, I'll do the same as him, and I got to do it." He exclaimed after the game.
Ange Postecoglou, former Socceroos boss believes the goal may have an impact on Irankunda's future career. Talking on ITV after the game, he said: "A massive moment. Sometimes in World Cups, you just need a good couple of weeks, and your whole world can change. Let's hope that is the start for him."
