FC Bayern Nabs Rising Star Irankunda
Eager to bolster their roster, FC Bayern Munich has secured the signing of a promising youngster. Announced on Tuesday, the German powerhouse will welcome Nestory Irankunda from Adelaide United on July 1, 2024, on a lengthy contract. Irankunda, a talented 17-year-old wing-back, has been drawing interest from European clubs.
"It's been on our radar for quite some time that we wanted to bring Nestory here. We're thrilled to have reached an agreement with him and Adelaide United to bring him to Munich next summer," said Jochen Sauer, Director of Youth Development. "He's an incredibly quick and agile wing-back with exceptional dribbling skills and a relentless drive for goals. We're confident in his potential and believe he'll continue growing with us."
Currently an Australian U17 international, Irankunda has already earned a call-up to the senior national team. To date, he's played 39 professional games for Adelaide, scoring nine goals and setting up two assists. Sauer expects the experience he gains from the next few months in the A-League will contribute positively to his growth.
Pursuing Talent Beyond Borders
In addition to Irankunda, FC Bayern isn't ruling out acquiring young talents from other Bundesliga clubs. Despite local rivalries, the club might explore possibilities in the future.
Born in Kigoma, Tanzania, Irankunda began his football journey in Adelaide, Australia, playing for Adelaide Croatia Raiders before joining Adelaide United in 2021. After signing his initial pro contract in September 2021, he broke records, debuting in the A-League at just 15 years and 333 days, becoming the league's sixth-youngest debutant at the time.
During his time with Adelaide, Irankunda proved himself as a talented young player, scoring his first goal at 15 years and 355 days, breaking another record. He bagged a hat-trick in the 2023-24 season and was named the A-League Men's Young Footballer of the Year.
After agreeing to join Bayern, Irankunda first trained with the reserve team before making his competitive debut against Wacker Burghausen in July 2024. He also registered an assist and scored in a friendly against FC Rottach-Egern. Subsequently, he joined Grasshopper Club Zurich on a six-month loan in January 2025, where he made four appearances and provided an assist before getting injured.
As Irankunda progresses in his football journey, his unique style of play – characterized by his explosive pace, agile dribbling, and uncanny knack for scoring – captures the imagination of fans worldwide. As a testament to his growth and potential, his signing by FC Bayern Munich marks a significant milestone in his career.
