Stefano Okaka

Roma

Born in Castiglione del Lago, Umbria, Italy to Nigerian parents who later obtained Italian citizenship, Okaka joined the Roma youth system in 2004. He was part of the team that won the U-20 national title in 2005 and scored goals against Juventus in the semi-final and Atalanta in the final. On 29 September 2005, at the age of 16 years, 51 days he made his debut with the first team in the UEFA Cup, playing against Aris. He thus became the youngest footballer to debut in an international competition for an Italian team. Okaka scored his first goal for Roma in a Coppa Italia match against Napoli on 8 December, with a powerful run from midfield and a precise shot to the left of the goalkeeper, making him the youngest goalscorer in the competition at the age of 16 years, 121 days. He made his Serie A debut with the club later that month, on 18 December, at the age of 16 years and 125 days, in a 1–1 away draw against Sampdoria. Okaka scored his first Serie A goal on 17 September 2006, concluding a 3–1 win over Siena, just 38 days after his 17th birthday, after coming on as a substitute for Francesco Totti. He made his debut in the UEFA Champions League ten days later, in a 2–1 away loss to Valencia, aged 17 years, 49 days. Okaka was subsequently loaned to Serie B side Modena for the 2007–08 season in order to gain some first team experience. He scored seven times in 33 appearances. After returning to Roma, he signed a new contract which lasted until 30 June 2012. As a…

After gaining Italian citizenship in 2007, Okaka was selected for the Italian Under-19 side. He made his debut for the Italy U-20 team in 2008, scoring two goals. On 17 November 2009, he made his debut with the Italy U-21 squad in a match against Luxembourg. In April 2014, Okaka revealed he was in talks with the Nigeria Football Federation about the possibility of him switching allegiance to his parents' country and play with the Nigeria national football team already at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. However, Okaka was included in the Italy squad for their friendly against Albania on 18 November 2014 by manager Antonio Conte. He made his debut as a substitute, replacing Sebastian Giovinco in the second half, and scored the only goal of the match in the victory at Sampdoria's home ground, the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Club

As of match played 8 May 2023

International

As of match played 15 November 2020

Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first.

Okaka's twin sister, Stefania Okaka, is also a professional sportsperson. A volleyball player, she plays for Béziers Volley of the French first division and the Italy national team.