Michael Olunga: career, salary, market value and more

Since completing his move to Al Arabi SC in 2025 after four highly successful years at Al-Duhail SC, Kenyan striker Michael Olunga has continued to demonstrate his value as one of the most consistent and respected African forwards playing in Asia. Known for his physical presence, clinical finishing, and leadership qualities, Olunga remains a key figure for both club and country.

Blessed with height, strength, aerial dominance and a striker’s instinct inside the box, Olunga is widely regarded for his work rate, intelligent movement, and ability to convert chances under pressure.

Over a career that has taken him across multiple continents, he has built a reputation as a reliable, prolific goalscorer — a blend of athletic power and professional discipline.

Salary

According to publicly available reporting, during his time at Al Arabi SC Olunga earned an estimated annual salary in the range of $2.0 million per year.

While the exact financial terms of his deal at Al Arabi SC have not been officially disclosed, it is widely assumed that he remains among the higher-paid players in the Qatar Stars League, reflecting his established goalscoring record, experience, and importance to the squad.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Al Arabi SC | النادي العربي (@alarabi_club)

Market value

Throughout his career, Olunga’s market value has fluctuated, shaped by his performances, age, goal output, and changes in league or club environments.

His peak valuation came during his prolific spell in Japan’s J1 League and early years in Qatar, when a combination of form, age, and consistent scoring placed him among the most valued strikers outside Europe.

By 2025, factors such as age, league competitiveness, and contract status have contributed to a more moderate valuation. Still, Olunga continues to command respect in the transfer market due to his experience, leadership, professionalism, and proven record as a high-output centre-forward.

CAREER

Michael Olunga’s senior club career path:

• Gor Mahia FC (Kenya) — Emerged as one of the league’s most promising forwards.

• Djurgårdens IF (Sweden) — First move to Europe, gaining experience in a competitive league.

• Guizhou Zhicheng (China) — Brief spell in the Chinese Super League.

• Girona FC (Spain, loan) — Became the first Kenyan to score a hat-trick in La Liga.

• Kashiwa Reysol (Japan) — Breakthrough years, becoming J1 League top scorer and MVP.

• Al-Duhail SC (Qatar, 2021–2025) — Prolific period, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer.

• Al Arabi SC (Qatar, 2025–present) — Continues to lead the line as a key attacking figure.

On the international stage, Olunga has been a cornerstone of the Kenya national team since his debut in 2015, earning numerous caps and scoring consistently. His presence brings goals, experience, and leadership to the Harambee Stars.

His reputation is built not on flashy skill moves, but on physicality, tactical intelligence, aerial strength, and commitment — traits that have kept him performing at a high level across several leagues around the world.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by OGADA MICHAEL OLUNGA HSC (@ogadaolunga)

ACCOLADES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

• J1 League Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player (Kashiwa Reysol).

• First Kenyan to score a La Liga hat-trick (Girona FC).

• Top scorer of the AFC Champions League (Al-Duhail SC).

• Qatar Stars League champion, and Al-Duhail’s all-time top scorer.

• Consistent goalscorer and standout performer for the Kenya national team over many years.

Even as he moves past his peak years, Olunga’s experience, goalscoring reliability, physical qualities, and leadership make him a valuable asset for Al Arabi SC and an influential figure in Kenyan football.