40 Facts About Nestory Irankunda

Early Life and Background

Nestory Irankunda's journey from a refugee camp to professional football is truly inspiring. His early life was marked by significant challenges, yet he emerged as a beacon of hope and talent.

1. Nestory was born in a refugee camp in Tanzania after his parents fled Burundi due to civil war.
2. His parents, Gideon and Dafroza, were originally from Burundi but moved to Tanzania to escape the conflict.
3. When Nestory was just three months old, his family moved to Perth, Western Australia, and later to the northern suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia in 2013.
4. Nestory grew up in a Christian home, which has played a significant role in his upbringing and values.

Discovering Football

Nestory's love for football began at a young age, playing with his older brothers. This passion would soon lead him to his first football club and beyond.

5. He discovered his love for football while playing with his older brothers in the yard of his home.
6. At the age of eight, Nestory played for his first football club at Parafield Gardens after being spotted by the under-10s coach of the local club.
7. During his junior years, he played with Northern Wolves and Parafield Gardens before being scouted and signed by National Premier Leagues (NPL) side Adelaide Croatia Raiders.

Rise to Professional Football

Nestory's talent did not go unnoticed. His journey through various clubs and youth squads eventually led to his professional debut.

8. Airton Andrioli, the head of youth for A-League side Adelaide United, caught his attention while he was playing for Adelaide Croatia Raiders. Andrioli invited him to trial for the youth squad, which led to a permanent spot after a couple of weeks.
9. Nestory initially played with the reserves and later started featuring for Adelaide United NPL side, accumulating 26 appearances and 12 goals in total for both the senior and reserve squad.
10. On September 27, 2021, Nestory signed a scholarship contract (his first professional contract) with Adelaide United.
11. On January 8, 2022, at the age of 15 years and 333 days, Nestory became the sixth youngest player in A-League history and made his league debut for Adelaide United.
12. He scored his first league goal just a couple of weeks after his debut, becoming the second youngest goalscorer in the competition.

Achievements and Records

Nestory's rapid development and impressive performances have earned him numerous accolades and records.

13. By the end of the 2021-22 season, Nestory had made 60 appearances for Adelaide United, scoring 16 goals and cementing his status as one of the top young players in the A-League.
14. In June 2024, Nestory made his senior international debut for Australia, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in international football.
15. In June 2024, Nestory joined Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, breaking the A-League transfer record in the process.
16. Nestory’s father, Gideon, was a rideshare driver who had always dreamed of playing football in Europe. This dream has been fulfilled through Nestory’s success, and he has stated that he owes a lot to his father for his inspiration and support.
17. Nestory has seven siblings, and his older brothers have always supported him and been his inspiration. He used to watch them train and play when he was younger, which motivated him to pursue his own football career.

Playing Style and Skills

Nestory's playing style is dynamic and exciting, characterized by his speed, agility, and shooting technique.

18. Nestory is known for his unique goal celebrations, which include a backflip. This tradition started when his older brothers and cousins practiced backflips in the garden, and he followed suit.
19. Nestory is a dynamic winger known for his speed, agility, and shooting technique. He excels in transition play, often using his pace to create scoring opportunities for his team.
20. Despite his many strengths, Nestory still needs to improve his crossing ability. His success rate with crosses is one of the worst in the league, but he continues to work on this aspect of his game.
21. Nestory is not heavily integrated into his team’s passing or build-up play. Instead, he focuses on pulling defenders outwards to create space for his teammates to progress the ball into the final third.
22. Nestory is incredibly fast, reaching top speeds of over 37km/h. This speed allows him to threaten the defensive line and create scoring opportunities with his pace and dribbling skills.
23. Nestory’s shooting technique is one of his biggest strengths. He uses only two touches after receiving the ball, preparing it for a shot with his first touch and clinically finishing it with a powerful shot into the top-right corner.

Transition to Bayern Munich

Joining Bayern Munich marked a significant milestone in Nestory's career, bringing new challenges and opportunities.

24. By the time he left Adelaide United, Nestory had scored nine goals in the A-League, eclipsing the record set by Toure (seven) before turning 18. He also became the joint-most goalscorer before turning 20 in the history of the competition alongside Nathan Burns.
25. Nestory was named the best young player in the Australian A-League, a testament to his outstanding performances and rapid development.
26. Nestory is the poster boy of Adelaide United’s youth program, which was established by Airton Andrioli 14 years ago. The program has produced a remarkable line of talent, with Nestory being one of its most notable successes.
27. Airton Andrioli, who discovered Nestory, emphasized the importance of a sound technical base and street smarts in football. He noted that Nestory had these qualities naturally, which made him stand out from other players.
28. Before joining Adelaide United, Nestory played for Adelaide Croatia Raiders in the NPL. This experience helped him develop his skills and catch the attention of scouts, including Airton Andrioli.
29. Initially, Nestory played with the reserves for Adelaide United before moving to the senior team. This experience helped him adapt to the physical and mental demands of senior football.
30. In June 2024, Nestory made his senior international debut for Australia, marking a significant milestone in his career. He was called into the Socceroos squad as a train-on player in March 2024, further indicating his rapid rise to prominence.
31. Bayern Munich showed significant interest in Nestory, and he eventually signed for the club in June 2024. The decision was influenced by his father’s sympathy for the club, as well as the interest from several Premier League teams.
32. After joining Bayern Munich, Nestory expressed his excitement about the new challenge and his desire to prove himself in the Bundesliga. He has been settling into the team and has had his first training sessions with the reserves.
33. Nestory’s family was delighted by his decision to join Bayern Munich, though they were initially shocked by the news. His family and friends are now very happy about the decision he made.
34. Nestory has started learning German again since arriving in Munich. Although he had learned some German at school, he has forgotten most of it and is now relearning the language.
35. Nestory has been enjoying his time in Munich, noting that the city is not as loud as Adelaide and that the traffic is different. He is looking forward to his time at the club and exploring the city further.
36. Nestory has been able to soak up some of the atmosphere at the Euros, observing the fans in the city and seeing how happy the tournament makes his teammates. He finds it great to experience the excitement of the tournament.
37. Nestory’s short-term goal at Bayern Munich is to prove himself and show why the club brought him in. Playing a Bundesliga game for Bayern would be a significant achievement for him.
38. Nestory feels most at home on the wing, where he can utilize his speed and agility to create scoring opportunities. He also knows how to score goals and set up his teammates effectively.
39. Initially, Nestory preferred playing in defense to attack. However, coaches recognized his attacking potential and deployed him further forward in the team. This change has been beneficial for his career, allowing him to showcase his assertiveness and shooting skills.
40. Nestory Irankunda’s journey from a refugee camp to becoming one of the top young players in the world is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and natural talent. His legacy extends beyond his on-field achievements, inspiring countless young footballers around the world with his story of perseverance and success.

Nestory Irankunda's Inspiring Journey

Nestory Irankunda's story is nothing short of remarkable. From a refugee camp in Tanzania to playing for Bayern Munich, his journey is a testament to hard work, talent, and family support. Born in a challenging environment, he moved to Australia as an infant, where his love for football blossomed. His early years at local clubs and the Adelaide Croatia Raiders paved the way for his professional debut with Adelaide United. Scoring goals and breaking records, Nestory quickly became a standout player. His move to Bayern Munich in 2024 marked a significant milestone, showcasing his potential on an international stage. With his speed, agility, and shooting prowess, Nestory continues to inspire young footballers worldwide. His legacy is not just about his on-field achievements but also his perseverance and dedication. Nestory Irankunda is a name to watch in the world of football.