Trabzonspor forward Kazeem Olaigbe has opened up about the footballers who have inspired his career

The Southampton academy graduate is on the longlist of dual-national players being monitored by Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria looks to expand its pool of talent.

Olaigbe’s career has seen him wear the colours of multiple clubs across Europe, including RSC Anderlecht, Southampton, Ross County, Harrogate Town, Cercle Brugge, and Rennes, before joining Trabzonspor during the summer transfer window on a five-year contract.

While he has yet to score for the Turkish club, Olaigbe has already established himself as a key figure under manager Fatih Tekke, making ten starts in the Super Lig this season.

When asked about aspects of the game he dislikes, he told Trabzonspor's official magazine, via Fanatik: "There aren’t many".

Olaigbe also revealed the footballing idols who have shaped his career. 

Portugal and Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo, his childhood hero, remains a major influence, while Brazilian superstar Neymar and former Chelsea forward Eden Hazard also inspire his approach to the game. 

Born in Brussels to Nigerian parents, Olaigbe has played for his country of birth Belgium at U15, U16, U17, U19, U20 and U21 level.

By featuring in a European U17 Championship qualifier against Liechtenstein in October 2019, the former De Jonge Duivels captain became provisionally cap-tied to Belgium. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit: trabzonspor.org.tr