Michael Kayode
Right-back · Brentford · Italy
About Michael Kayode
Michael Kayode is an Italian right-back of Nigerian descent born in Borgomanero. He started in Juventus's academy before Fiorentina developed him into a Serie A player. He scored the winning goal in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final, which Italy won 1-0 against Portugal. Brentford (ENG) signed him on loan in January 2025 before making the move permanent for £14.7m.
Michael Kayode's story
Juventus Academy & Fiorentina
Born in Borgomanero on 10 July 2004 to Nigerian parents, Kayode spent seven years in the Juventus academy before joining Fiorentina in 2021 via a season with Serie D club Gozzano. He made his Serie A debut for Fiorentina on 19 August 2023 in a 4-1 win over Genoa (ITA).
U19 European Champion
Kayode's defining youth moment came when he scored the 19th-minute winner in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final, as Italy beat Portugal 1-0. The goal made him a hero in Italy and sparked intense interest from Premier League clubs.
Brentford
Brentford (ENG) brought Kayode to England on loan in January 2025, with an option to make the deal permanent. After impressing in 31 Premier League appearances, Brentford (ENG) activated a £14.7m option in May 2025, signing him until 2030. He has committed his international future to Italy despite also being eligible for Nigeria.
Did you know?
- 🏆 Kayode scored the only goal in the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship final as Italy beat Portugal 1-0, making him an instant hero for Italian youth football.
- 🇮🇹 Despite being eligible for Nigeria through his parents, Kayode publicly committed to representing Italy, stating: 'I will always give priority to Italy — I grew up wearing the Azzurri shirt.'
- ⚡ Kayode joined Brentford's academy system at Juventus aged just five and spent seven years there before Fiorentina eventually developed him into a Serie A first-teamer.
Honours
- UEFA U19 European Championship: 2023 — Italy
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