HOW African footballers can make it in Europe

Johanna Omolo is one of over 2,000 Africans currently playing in European football. But for every one of these players that has made it, there are countless more who didn’t. We trace Omolo’s journey from Kenya to Cercle Brugge in the Belgian first division and his recent transfer to Erzurumspor in Turkey, as well as his efforts to develop the soccer infrastructure back home to help improve the chances for the next generation of footballers.
Thank you to Common Goal (www.common-goal.org) for collaborating on this project.
Report by: Matthias Frickel
Edit: Cem Bahadir Mete
Camera: Jan Bartholomeeusen (Belgium), Edwin Gikonyo Kariuki (Kenya), Sivan Görer (Turkey)
▸ subscribe: goo.gl/Y799RK
▸ help us create subtitles: goo.gl/fz2L61
▸ our channel: / dwkickoff
More football stories here:
Facebook: / dw.kickoff
Twitter: / dw_sports
Website: dw.com/sports

[@muthiithevoiceofficial6335]

From Kenya. We love you Omollo. Kudos to DW

[@youngzzaz5407]

Baaasss🎉

[@mahdisaad5041]

Give us more .. DW you’re the people’s channel

[@dwkickoff]

💪 come by for new stuff every week!

[@mahdisaad5041]

@@dwkickoff yes looking forward

[@vibesmaker6482]

👍

[@mediacenterman8583]

@@dwkickoff 8:22 Research fail. Argentina lost to Cameroon, but still progressed to the World Cup Final vs West Germany in 1990. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_FIFA_World_Cup_Final

[@chukwunonsoezeagabu8997]

Group stage

[@niloydas8540]

Alessandro Maina (The young academy player) is so matured compared to his age. I hope he also gets successful someday & repay his debt to the struggling community. Btw, thanks DW, your contents are full of life, Love from Bangladesh.

[@dwkickoff]

We hope so too. And thanks for watching!

[@luckyluke1076]

Don’t forget about African Birth Certificates (not players’ faults). Lukaku looked like a father to his Belgian classmates.

[@kamandenjuguna5103]

Being Kenyan and just seeing how Omollo articulates issues is amazing. As an amateur footballer, I can really relate to everything he's talking about football back home. I really appreciate the time and effort he's taken to make sure that the kids back home get an opportunity to develop their talent. As always, DW continues to create quality content while giving a voice to the voiceless. Thank you.

[@Bootngoals]

I am an African footballer, this is a fantastic content.

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks a lot Victor!

[@Aboki1]

Omo naija

[@liebah4885]

Am football player experience the same in Europe Germany,I got the talent but get to the right channel to reach were I want as every agent ask for money

[@allymwadama510]

I too grew up in Dandora and I will make it 🤲🏾...God bless omollo

[@upthereds4939]

Seriously though guys, how good are these documentaries from DW. Top content. Keep up the great work :)

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks, and spread the word!

[@kubilaysahin5253]

It was surprising for me that the story continues in Erzurum :) I hope he and his team succeed in Süper Lig after losing against Galatasaray this saturday :)

[@bluemedusa9858]

Today Erzurumspor won in Denizli with a decisive pass from Omolo for the winning goal ! Keep it up!

[@jebalimaher8066]

good job for the DW kick offs team, this is a really deep topic to discuss, from Tunisia

[@joelratemo1752]

Our very own Omolo. Love from Kenya!

[@_silvar_3o0_31]

I could see it in his eyes, he wanted to call out his nation's government for all its flaws but he knew that what would follow wouldn't be kind on him, his family or his foundation... We need change in Africa as a whole.

[@cheruiyotkoech5059]

proud of you Johanna what you are doing in Dandora motivates me as a Kenyan

[@myamwezmyamwez8669]

"It breaks my heart because it means we still have a long way to go", the most real thing said in a while.

[@awemanyfit]

I'm a Nigerian, I'm also looking to play in Europe before this year ends. I train personally and with my academy's team. So help me God

[@dwkickoff]

We've got our fingers crossed for you!

[@Nikola46]

God won't help you succeed, he is your supporter behind! You must help yourself as much as possible to succeed!

[@mrmxyor7861]

Are you in Lagos bro let's link up for training

[@awemanyfit]

@@mrmxyor7861 yes,Surulere Lawanson,close to Ojuelegba

[@chilldude30]

Good luck

[@kripeshpoudel4588]

African players in general are humble❣️they know where they come from and knows the meaning of struggle✌️

[@WillMiall]

What a lovely man, setting an example to not only African players but also all of us about giving something back. Best of luck to the little lad too, seems very focused and humble.

[@abdirahmannur4221]

In the vedio there is a somali brother whom we used to play football together back in in the days in Nairobi, His name is salaa

[@zahran3738]

African players are so down to earth,But everyone has got huge responsibities by having ball at their feet

[@yanoishmael7865]

You hating isn't the world we need

[@davidnix717]

He isn't hating. Just renforces the point of the show. I couldn't imagine the pressure that being able to make your way in life, and to be able to positivly effect the lives of my family and community by doing the thing you love, would be an almost joyous burden. I live where the chances of playing professionally are near as slim but the consequences of not doing so are not life altering. I play for the fun of it and hope that my body will hold out long enough so that I can share the pitch with my boy. That is a completely different animal and it is inspiring for me to see people that can make a huge difference in a shared passion, that for me doesn't bare the same consequences

[@zahran3738]

@@davidnix717 💯💯 True brother

[@dajjukunrama5695]

@David Nix he was speaking to someone else who deleted their comment

[@londonboy6866]

Courage brother and keep up the good work, inspiring and developing young Africans 👏

[@csg2165]

Amazing glimpse into just one persons life . The joy in the boys eyes playing football is so fun to see.

[@joshuazulu1899]

Bro ive been looking for something like this for a long time! We need more🙏

[@faizanvlog5910]

DW should be a first notification from KZbin in everyone phone what an inspiration i barely give up my career because of opportunities but i do love football upto know

[@khatibonlinetv6392]

I think this channel will give me hope ... thanks DW...I am young still working hard in football

[@derekchesterton5645]

Have loved DW since my childhood. Will continue to love it for all time. Keep being great!!! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@lukeoj7164]

This Channel deserves more recognition. The story is uplifting. One 'Tosh' 🙌🙌

[@evanswaweru9082]

Good piece keep it up I'm from Kenya and life here is hard and omollo is doing a great job

[@speakup18]

DW kick off danke schön für alles, deise Documentary ist wunderbar..

[@Random-troy.]

Great content.. thanks DW kudos you doing a fantastic job.

[@flipflop1591]

Seems like a lovely bloke! Living the dream, well done fella 🍻

[@muhammedshuhaib8648]

One of the best KZbin video I've seen in a while 💛

[@sunnycriti9809]

Great video bro. Hopefully we will see more top professional leagues in Africa giving the kids more chances to make it in Africa and Europe

[@AmazinJ89]

Really great video, definitely a topic that needs more attention

[@antonymainakamau3775]

Good job Dw....Johanna omolo may almighty continue guiding you

[@shishibenterfa]

This was a very wonderful piece.

[@timothyumeme1521]

Good to see you my good friend Omollo ..from Dandora to the world.. football made us what we are ..keep pushing and always Remember home..Congratulations sana

[@saikoutouray2435]

Is a great documentary it saw you how African player's struggle to be in the top flight leagues in Europe

[@dwkickoff]

Thanks Saikou!

[@workinginthewell3498]

Everyone struggles to be in a top league in Europe, doesn't matter where you are from. 99.9% of the kids won't make it.

[@annaj1148]

Good work Johanna . may God fulfill your desire to help others. I have watched most of the games you play for your country and clubs,you really play nice and skillful football .keep it up

[@shimaarnaud1120]

this gives me more confidence as an African .... thank you so much DW kick off

[@alajohnterry9601]

Very inspirational content... Thank you

[@mamborobert95]

I needed to watch this to uplift my football spirit. ✊🏼💯

[@ilregnoregno6697]

This is really helpful brother Thanks for sharing

[@younesskira1921]

Best channel to bring us close to the world Thank you

[@bachiandirangu9819]

Top top content DW... all the best to my countryman Omolo.

[@jabezronn7191]

I'm a Kenyan too and will like to play abroad someday.... I have much hope

[@yahyaismail4418]

Big up omollo form 254 absolute baller ⛹️‍♀️👊🏻

[@kingaufswag]

I'm Kenyan and I've personally never heard of him until now. But I hope that he inspires more Kenyans to make it in Europe even though it's not gonna happen for every aspiring player

[@bandeano3870]

i think there are enough african players in europe already. Africa needs to develop their own continent so that players can earn good wages there

[@Rlnd19]

Underrated channel, keep posting mate

[@DinoBoscoRIK]

This is why I love this channel

[@hoksokhan6684]

Great content from DW. Love it 😍

[@hunterjourney2609]

Great goal from omollo in afcon vs tanzania.

[@jmustardb382]

from Tanzania , omollo and wanyama you be my idols

[@elonfrvr6074]

This touched my heart

[@jerryderamoa9865]

That's so inspiring..leave to your dream bro..

[@kluivertmatu2587]

As African football agent here in Africa this footage will boost more hope to my clients

[@francishenshaw33]

My email is [e-mail] Hope to hear from you

[@gamehardy]

Awesome then you can Exploit that hope

[@gustianopamukir6150]

African footballers : did something to improve their neighborhood African governments : corruptions is life

[@jonathanmwandawiro9049]

Such an Inspiration...God bless you for what you are doing sir

[@awemanyfit]

This is true and it is painful

[@awemanyfit]

This is true and it is painful

[@_silvar_3o0_31]

This just makes me sick....African Governments are just useless

[@Groove23]

👌💯💯

[@yourlandladysson6395]

Cool calm and collected. Nice man

[@remmiotieno5897]

Johanna omolo our golden midfielder much respect from Kenya

[@carlosvg2286]

As a South American living in Europe I have the same sensations. The only contingent who is at full potential is Europe. I would like to see all this support to athletes in other parts of the world too

[@rorikho3634]

Hey Fellow south African here.. I'm also contemplating leaving here to follow my dreams. Do u think we could talk?

[@mosesmuchoki4362]

Fantastic piece, All the best to any Young African aspiring to be a footballer. Also *Dandora is not a suburb in Nairobi, Its a slum. That's what makes Omollo's story unique.

[@relaxaid8398]

Dandora isn’t the worst place in Kenya. At least dandora is located in Nairobi which is the capital of Kenya. I was born and grow up in the refugee camps in north eastern part of Kenya, and I truly believe the camps are the worst places to live in Kenya. I’m fortunate to move to a US to start a new life and ofc football is in every African kid’s blood 😀 hope to go pro one day 🤞🏽 and thanks DW for the great content.

[@mokumgunner]

respect brother

[@edwinotieno9189]

You know nothing about Dandora

[@willykamau9744]

You know nothing of dandora bro its another iraq

[@jasonirwin2947]

Good luck man never give up love from Ireland 🇮🇪

[@first9_yt]

Why is this channel so underrated..

[@flamboyantfootball5511]

This channel is actually brilliant

[@mohamedadriss5599]

Really nice documentary 👌

[@nakurusportschannel4211]

Am from Kenya ,a great nation of famous Athletes and proud of what Johanna has accomplished as a footballer right from the slums🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@riopribadi1022]

Love DW Kick Off.. just subscribe today

[@Gods_Child001]

Very talented player, just watch the goal. He scored against Tanzania in the AFCON 2019

[@gerics]

African government must make their citizens to believe on the continent. Only in South Africa soccer players don’t travel to Europe for breakthrough in soccer...we must change our perspective to grow our local economies

[@sonofamun8122]

can't wait to see this kid in the top 5 leagues

[@bigmoneyscratcher5575]

this guys have great heart

[@giancarlotorres3520]

Very underrated channel. Quality and quantity great balance! Also, 8:21, Cameroon beat Argentina in the group, didn’t eliminate them.

[@abouhafs2891]

Asante DW hata mkoloni wetu muengereza haezi tuangazia tukasonga mbele barikiwa Johanna Omollo...🇰🇪 mzalendo

[@mathewomolo]

this was great

[@bitkamp9215]

This channel deserves sub and I subbed👍🏽

[@denniskamash348]

True idol on and off the pitch

[@stevenjagi3764]

Tumetrain pamoja apo D..tumeplay pamoja tukiwa primo bana..tomboya primary..so proud of you

[@davidstewart9665]

African footballers are an inspiration to us all

[@nelsyea824]

Asante Sana mchezaji

[@cactitiger]

Interesting as always

[@dwkickoff]

As always, thank you!

[@ericmunene688]

Awesome 👏 😊

[@nicksonmumbuna1006]

This has touched my heart I will make it in Europe no matter what it takes.

[@gaudenzerjemosbei4670]

Hey...can we be in touch ?

[@mnkwazi]

We can all learn from him, class act!

[@kenkariuki9855]

May God bless you brother

[@MNA-di8hy]

Went to Africa a week ago, week ago...

[@kuroazrem5376]

Cameroon didn't eliminate Argentina, they won the match in the group stages. However, they went on to have a great World Cup anyway. Anyhow, good documentary, and thanks for sharing these amazing stories.

[@mediacenterman8583]

Yep. Argentina lost to Cameroon, but still progressed to the World Cup Final vs West Germany in 1990. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_FIFA_World_Cup_Final

[@fitsumbulcha8178]

❤️❤️❤️ from your neighbor Ethiopia 🇪🇹......

[@alexkaranja3443]

Thank you for this DW Kick Off we need people to be inspired by such stories and not only gloom and doom especially now.

[@adebagussetyonugroho]

Very inspiring documentary.

[@vibesmaker6482]

I Love this Chanel

[@salmanxs.n.2078]

I'm from Pakistan, That's a good content for every footballer

[@bryanmigot4547]

Johanna Omolo , one of our own , AmProudly a Kenyan

[@adebayosamuel1072]

I'm a Nigerian I also want to play football outside Africa, tho have not been playing with any academy lately, but i train personally, I wish I can and become one of a great footballer

[@matildawanga]

What a great...remember Kisumu as well

[@duckbizniz663]

Johanna Omolo asked, "... why can't I have all this in Kenya, in Dandora?" You can have it Johanna. But Kenyans have to build a society like Belgium, Netherland, France, Germany, Italy, England, ... You have to build a republican government (based on the European Enlightenment) where the representatives are elected by the people. You have to build a free-market capitalistic trading system. You have to build a society where the rule of law is supreme. You have to build a society where its people can make a decent living and the property they create belongs to them and no one can take it away from them like they do in a kingdom, communist, or socialist system. It is not just football. You have to build a society with the right structure. Many people say to me, "We cannot do that. That is the culture of Western Europe." No it is not culture. It is logic and reason. If you want a good life then you have to solve real world problems with reason and logic. You cannot do it alone. Football cannot do it alone. The Kenyan people have to build that society together. All African people have to build that society that civilization together. What Western Europe has build, Kenya can build. But you have to change. It cannot go on as it is. That is what the Europeans did. They changed themselves. The French changed Europe. Thank you Johanna. We all have a long way to go.

[@chaitanyadandale4569]

Thanks dw this needs discussion and my country sane case 😕

[@freiza_7860]

Let's make this ...FAMOUS!!!

[@NuncaSeMeOcurreUnNik]

8:23 WTF are you saying? Cameroon did not eliminate Argentina in the 1990 World Cup (in fact Argentina played the final of that tournament against Germany).

[@dwkickoff]

Sorry for the wrong wording. They didn't eliminate them, they beat them. 1-0

[@kelvintosh1132]

I pray that i make it too, and change my society

[@ifugulaefraim998]

I also want to become a pro footballer and i am determine that i can make it to the big stage and i am not giving up

[@HarcusCGTV]

A brilliant documentary... however, people, especially aspiring African players, should understand fully that there ARE children in Europe who go hungry, who have no shoes, he do not attend school. Those children have the same fire and desire to play football and they are already here. As great as Johanna is, he is till very naive to Europe and knows very little about the people of the many countries that make up Europe. You cannot say "Europe" because you know one to two countries, in the same way, you cant say Africa, because you know South Africa and Morocco. Good luck to his football school.

[@rid172]

Not having a meal and missing a meal really touch me