Latest news with #Nestory
The Advertiser
19-07-2025
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Boost for Socceroos as Irankunda signs five-year deal
English soccer fans can brace themselves for plenty of dazzling backflips with young Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda securing a five-year deal with Championship outfit Watford. The Hornets announced the signing on their website late Friday, with club sporting director Gian Luca Nani taking great pride in welcoming Irankunda. "Nestory was extremely sought after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential," said Nani. "Crucially, we were able to move quickly when opportunities like this arise and that's been the hallmark of our successful recruitment." The news is sure to delight Socceroos mentor Tony Popovic with next year's World Cup in mind. Irankunda is an unquestionable talent but struggled to get game time at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Popovic spoke of wanting to see the 19-year-old playing consistently and developing more, and at Vicarage Road he is set to get that chance. "Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here," said Nani. "He is exactly the sort of profile Paulo (coach Paulo Pezzolano) wanted in a winger. "The player wanted to come here as he sees the pathway, he has seen how we develop young players at Watford and the vision we have for this club. "We are absolutely delighted to have signed Nestory and he's added further to the huge feel-good factor around the training ground. "We're thrilled to have you with us, Nestory!" Named as one of 'top 50 wonderkids' in March last year, Irankunda was an unused substitute twice for Bayern - including in a UEFA Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk in December. The youngster, known for his exuberant backflips when celebrating a goal, made 15 appearances for the German side's second string and scored four goals before being handed the chance of top-flight football with a loan spell at Grasshopper Club Zurich. He played 19 times for the Swiss Super League side, scoring once. Irankunda first burst onto the scene at Adelaide United during the 2021/22 season, making his debut and scoring his first goal directly from a free-kick when he was just 15. He made 61 appearances for the club over three seasons, scoring 16 goals and jointly winning the A-League's Young-Player-of-the-Year award at the end of 2023/24. Irankunda has five Socceroos caps and scored his maiden international goal in the World Cup qualifier against Palestine in June last year under then coach Graham Arnold. English soccer fans can brace themselves for plenty of dazzling backflips with young Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda securing a five-year deal with Championship outfit Watford. The Hornets announced the signing on their website late Friday, with club sporting director Gian Luca Nani taking great pride in welcoming Irankunda. "Nestory was extremely sought after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential," said Nani. "Crucially, we were able to move quickly when opportunities like this arise and that's been the hallmark of our successful recruitment." The news is sure to delight Socceroos mentor Tony Popovic with next year's World Cup in mind. Irankunda is an unquestionable talent but struggled to get game time at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Popovic spoke of wanting to see the 19-year-old playing consistently and developing more, and at Vicarage Road he is set to get that chance. "Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here," said Nani. "He is exactly the sort of profile Paulo (coach Paulo Pezzolano) wanted in a winger. "The player wanted to come here as he sees the pathway, he has seen how we develop young players at Watford and the vision we have for this club. "We are absolutely delighted to have signed Nestory and he's added further to the huge feel-good factor around the training ground. "We're thrilled to have you with us, Nestory!" Named as one of 'top 50 wonderkids' in March last year, Irankunda was an unused substitute twice for Bayern - including in a UEFA Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk in December. The youngster, known for his exuberant backflips when celebrating a goal, made 15 appearances for the German side's second string and scored four goals before being handed the chance of top-flight football with a loan spell at Grasshopper Club Zurich. He played 19 times for the Swiss Super League side, scoring once. Irankunda first burst onto the scene at Adelaide United during the 2021/22 season, making his debut and scoring his first goal directly from a free-kick when he was just 15. He made 61 appearances for the club over three seasons, scoring 16 goals and jointly winning the A-League's Young-Player-of-the-Year award at the end of 2023/24. Irankunda has five Socceroos caps and scored his maiden international goal in the World Cup qualifier against Palestine in June last year under then coach Graham Arnold. English soccer fans can brace themselves for plenty of dazzling backflips with young Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda securing a five-year deal with Championship outfit Watford. The Hornets announced the signing on their website late Friday, with club sporting director Gian Luca Nani taking great pride in welcoming Irankunda. "Nestory was extremely sought after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential," said Nani. "Crucially, we were able to move quickly when opportunities like this arise and that's been the hallmark of our successful recruitment." The news is sure to delight Socceroos mentor Tony Popovic with next year's World Cup in mind. Irankunda is an unquestionable talent but struggled to get game time at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Popovic spoke of wanting to see the 19-year-old playing consistently and developing more, and at Vicarage Road he is set to get that chance. "Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here," said Nani. "He is exactly the sort of profile Paulo (coach Paulo Pezzolano) wanted in a winger. "The player wanted to come here as he sees the pathway, he has seen how we develop young players at Watford and the vision we have for this club. "We are absolutely delighted to have signed Nestory and he's added further to the huge feel-good factor around the training ground. "We're thrilled to have you with us, Nestory!" Named as one of 'top 50 wonderkids' in March last year, Irankunda was an unused substitute twice for Bayern - including in a UEFA Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk in December. The youngster, known for his exuberant backflips when celebrating a goal, made 15 appearances for the German side's second string and scored four goals before being handed the chance of top-flight football with a loan spell at Grasshopper Club Zurich. He played 19 times for the Swiss Super League side, scoring once. Irankunda first burst onto the scene at Adelaide United during the 2021/22 season, making his debut and scoring his first goal directly from a free-kick when he was just 15. He made 61 appearances for the club over three seasons, scoring 16 goals and jointly winning the A-League's Young-Player-of-the-Year award at the end of 2023/24. Irankunda has five Socceroos caps and scored his maiden international goal in the World Cup qualifier against Palestine in June last year under then coach Graham Arnold.
Perth Now
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Perth Now
Boost for Socceroos as Irankunda signs five-year deal
English soccer fans can brace themselves for plenty of dazzling backflips with young Socceroos star Nestory Irankunda securing a five-year deal with Championship outfit Watford. The Hornets announced the signing on their website late Friday, with club sporting director Gian Luca Nani taking great pride in welcoming Irankunda. "Nestory was extremely sought after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential," said Nani. "Crucially, we were able to move quickly when opportunities like this arise and that's been the hallmark of our successful recruitment." The news is sure to delight Socceroos mentor Tony Popovic with next year's World Cup in mind. Irankunda is an unquestionable talent but struggled to get game time at Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. Popovic spoke of wanting to see the 19-year-old playing consistently and developing more, and at Vicarage Road he is set to get that chance. "Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here," said Nani. "He is exactly the sort of profile Paulo (coach Paulo Pezzolano) wanted in a winger. "The player wanted to come here as he sees the pathway, he has seen how we develop young players at Watford and the vision we have for this club. "We are absolutely delighted to have signed Nestory and he's added further to the huge feel-good factor around the training ground. "We're thrilled to have you with us, Nestory!" Named as one of 'top 50 wonderkids' in March last year, Irankunda was an unused substitute twice for Bayern - including in a UEFA Champions League game against Shakhtar Donetsk in December. The youngster, known for his exuberant backflips when celebrating a goal, made 15 appearances for the German side's second string and scored four goals before being handed the chance of top-flight football with a loan spell at Grasshopper Club Zurich. He played 19 times for the Swiss Super League side, scoring once. Irankunda first burst onto the scene at Adelaide United during the 2021/22 season, making his debut and scoring his first goal directly from a free-kick when he was just 15. He made 61 appearances for the club over three seasons, scoring 16 goals and jointly winning the A-League's Young-Player-of-the-Year award at the end of 2023/24. Irankunda has five Socceroos caps and scored his maiden international goal in the World Cup qualifier against Palestine in June last year under then coach Graham Arnold.
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Australia winger Irankunda completes Watford switch from Bayern Munich
HERTFORDSHIRE: Australia international Nestory Irankunda has joined Watford on a five-year deal from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, the English Championship club announced on Friday. The highly-rated 19-year-old, who made his debut for the Socceroos last June, made the switch for an undisclosed transfer fee. "Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here, with us," said Watford sporting director Gian Luca Nani. "Nestory was extremely sought-after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential." Irankunda made his professional debut as a 15-year-old for Adelaide United during the 2021/22 season and came to prominence with an eye-catching performance playing for an A-League select side against Barcelona. Born in Tanzania to parents from Burundi who moved to Australia when he was three months old, Irankunda chose to represent Australia at international level and was given his first cap by former coach Graham Arnold in June 2024. He scored his first goal for the country later that month against Palestine in his second appearance for the Socceroos before completing a move to Bayern Munich in an A-League record deal. He made his fifth appearance for Australia in a 3-1 win over China in October last year during Asia's World Cup preliminaries but has not been selected since by current coach Tony Popovic.
Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Australia winger Irankunda completes Watford switch from Bayern Munich
Australia international Nestory Irankunda has joined Watford on a five-year deal from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich, the English Championship club announced on Friday. The highly-rated 19-year-old, who made his debut for the Socceroos last June, made the switch for an undisclosed transfer fee. "Nestory can be a very special player and we believe he can realise his potential here, with us," said Watford sporting director Gian Luca Nani. "Nestory was extremely sought-after and thanks to our established scouting network and connections we were able to be ahead of others in the race to sign players of this potential." Irankunda made his professional debut as a 15-year-old for Adelaide United during the 2021/22 season and came to prominence with an eye-catching performance playing for an A-League select side against Barcelona. Born in Tanzania to parents from Burundi who moved to Australia when he was three months old, Irankunda chose to represent Australia at international level and was given his first cap by former coach Graham Arnold in June 2024. He scored his first goal for the country later that month against Palestine in his second appearance for the Socceroos before completing a move to Bayern Munich in an A-League record deal. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore A deadly cocktail: Easy access, lax attitudes driving Kpod scourge in S'pore Singapore 'I thought it was an April Fool's joke': Teen addicted to Kpods on news that friend died World Trump administration moves to release Epstein case transcripts amid public scrutiny Singapore 'May you find rainbows in your skies': Outpouring of support for Jetstar Asia staff as closure looms Singapore New auto pet wash service in Buona Vista draws flak, but firm stands by its safety Singapore 314 suicides reported in Singapore in 2024, remains leading cause of youth deaths Asia 'Guardian angels': Taiwan's dementia-friendly village promotes ageing in place Life US tech firm launches probe into Coldplay 'kiss cam' couple after clip goes viral He made his fifth appearance for Australia in a 3-1 win over China in October last year during Asia's World Cup preliminaries but has not been selected since by current coach Tony Popovic. REUTERS
News.com.au
26-05-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Adelaide United appoint Airton Andrioli as replacement for Carl Veart
New Adelaide United coach Airton Andrioli is set to 'honour the legacy' of his predecessor Carl Veart with an attacking brand of football driven by South Australian talent. The Reds on Monday confirmed the appointment of Andrioli, previously an assistant to Veart and head of the club's youth program, on a two-year deal. News Corp Australia revealed on April 10 – the same day that the Reds announced that Veart's contract would not be renewed for next season – that Andrioli was the favourite to be the club's next coach. The 60-year-old Brazilian has strong links with South Australian football. Andrioli played for West Adelaide in the old National Soccer League from 1994 to 1996 and was Football South Australia's technical director from 2010 to 2020 before linking with the Reds. 'I'm incredibly honoured and humbled to be given the opportunity to lead Adelaide United's A-League Men's side,' he said. 'This is a very special moment in my life and something I won't take for granted. 'I've always believed in doing the hard work, especially when no one is watching, and leaving the rest in God's hands. 'To be able to lead the best football club in Australia, at Coopers Stadium – arguably the best football stadium in the country – in front of the most passionate and loyal supporters, is something I can't wait to experience.' Reds technical director Ernest Faber said Andrioli had 'already played a significant role' in the club's recent progress, having helped develop the likes of Nestory Irankunda, Luka Jovanovic, Ethan Alagich Giuseppe Bovalina and Alex Popovic 'Airton knows this club very well,' Faber said. 'He's the architect of our youth program, which is the lifeblood of Adelaide United. 'He'll continue the great work he's been doing but in a different capacity – backing young players, playing attacking football, and building a strong team culture. 'We believe Airton will help us grow steadily while staying true to the identity of Adelaide United.' In a prepared statement, the Reds said Andrioli was 'known for his attacking philosophy' that 'aligns closely' with the club's 'style' of 'fast-paced, direct football with an emphasis on speed, quick transitions, and structured movement'. The club said Andrioli would 'blend' that with 'tactical discipline and the ability to adapt based on each match's demands'. The Reds – who were knocked out in the first week of the A-League finals series earlier this month – also declared that Andrioli was 'determined to honour Carl Veart's legacy while carving his own path forward', and a 'commitment to South Australian talent' would 'remain a cornerstone' of the club's 'football identity'. Andrioli will continue to lead the Reds' youth team in the NPL South Australia competition until the end of next month before the start of the A-League team's pre-season training program on July 1, by which time Andrioli's coaching staff will be confirmed.
