Cyriel Dessers: The Belgian-Nigerian striking sensation blazing a trail in Scotland

Raise your hand if you are the number one striker! Nigeria's Cyriel Dessers is in the form of his life at Rangers. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL Cyriel Dessers: The Belgian-Nigerian striking sensation blazing a trail in Scotland

Cyriel Dessers: The Belgian-Nigerian striking sensation blazing a trail in Scotland

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 06:50 - 24.05.2024

All you need to know about Nigeria and Super Eagles star Cyriel Dessers.

Cyriel Dessers is a Super Eagles striker who has made waves with his prolific goal-scoring exploits that have taken him to some of Europe’s best leagues. 

This comprehensive article delves into the story of Dessers, tracing his journey from his humble beginnings to his current status as the main man for one of Scottish biggest clubs.

Early Life and Career Beginnings 

Born Cyriel Kolawole Dessers on December 8, 1994, in Leuven, Belgium, to a Belgian father and a Nigerian mother. From a young age, he exhibited a natural talent for the game, honing his skills in the youth academies of local clubs like Oud-Heverlee Leuven and Lokeren.

 Dessers' breakthrough moment came when he joined the senior squad of Lokeren in 2015. He quickly established himself as a first-team player,  netting seven goals in his debut season. 

Cyriel Dessers is PulseSports30 #26

This impressive form caught the attention of Dutch club NAC Breda, who signed the soon-to-be Nigeria international in 2017.

Thriving in the Eredivisie

Dessers' move to the Netherlands proved to be a turning point in his career as he established himself as a reliable goalscorer ar NAC.

Dessers scored ten goals to help Feyenoord reach the UECL final.
Dessers scored ten goals to help Feyenoord reach the UECL final.

At Breda, he flourished, becoming one of the most prolific strikers in the Eredivisie with 29 goals and 11 assists in his debut season. Dessers earned moves to FC Utrecht and Heracles thereafter before a move back to Belgium saw him join giants Genk in the 2020/21 season.

After two years at Genk, the talented striker made a quick return to the Eredivisie at giants, Feyenoord, in the 2021-22 season, when he fired the club to the final of the Europa League, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances to finish as the top scorer.  

Dessers celebrates in Cremonese colours.

International Exploits

Dessers' impressive performances at the club level soon led to international recognition. In 2020, he received his first call-up to the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. 

Since then, he has only managed five more appearances for Nigeria, three in 2022 and two in 2024 under the interim guidance of Finidi George.

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Current Status and Prospects

Cyriel Dessers' meteoric rise has not gone unnoticed by the top clubs in Europe. In 2022, he joined Italian club Cremonese, where he has continued to showcase his goal-scoring prowess. 

Dessers has now taken his combination of pace, technical ability, and eye for goal to Scottish giants, Rangers, where he has contributed to 22 goals and seven assists in a remarkable debut campaign for the Gers.

In-form Cyriel Dessers celebrates again for Rangers.

The now 29-year-old is widely tipped to make an even bigger impact in the coming years, starting with making a return to the Super Eagles under Finidi George, who is now the permanent coach ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifiers next month.

Personal Life

At the time of writing this report, Cyriel Dessers is unmarried and seems to keep his relationship private as there were no pictures of him and any lady spotted on his socials except for a picture of his family, mother Sophie Bakry, and sibling, Emile.

Market Value

According to Transfer Market, the striker has a market value of 4 million euros and has cost his clubs an excess of 15 million euros in transfer fees.

Conclusion

Cyriel Dessers has scored 22 goals for Rangers this season.
Cyriel Dessers has scored 22 goals for Rangers this season.

Cyriel Dessers' story is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and unwavering belief in one's abilities. From his humble beginnings in Belgium to his current status, Dessers has carved out a path that inspires and captivates.

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