Michael Kayode

Michael Olabode Kayode (born 10 July 2004) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Premier League club Brentford.

Early life Kayode was in Borgomanero, Italy, and is of Nigerian descent.

Club career

Gozzano The son of Yoruba parents, Kayode started his youth career at the academy of Juventus, where he remained for seven years until 2018. He played the 2020–21 season with Serie D club Gozzano, with which he scored two goals along with two assists in 34 matches, and gained promotion to Serie C with the club. On 26 February 2024, he scored his first goal in a 2–1 win over Lazio. By the end of the season, Kayode had become a regular in Fiorentina's first team with his performances reportedly attracting international attention from clubs around Europe, featuring heavily in Serie A and in the squad that reached the final of the UEFA Conference League.

Brentford On 24 January 2025, English club Brentford announced that they had signed Kayode on loan for the remainder of the 2024–25 season, with an option to make the deal permanent. Brentford signed Kayode permanently in May 2025, on a contract lasting until 2030. He scored his first Premier League goal for the club in a 2–2 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers on 16 March 2026. Later that year, on 3 July, he extended his contract until 2032.

International career In July 2023, Kayode's 19th minute goal decided the final of the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, which Italy won 1–0 against Portugal. He has been noted for his long throws, frequently creating chances from throw-ins.

Career statistics

Honours Fiorentina U19 Supercoppa Primavera: 2021–22, 2023–24 Coppa Italia Primavera: 2021–22

Fiorentina UEFA Europa Conference League runner-up: 2023–24

Individual Best Italian Player Under 21: 2024