Fascinating facts about Harambee Stars striker Ryan Ogam
By Luke Oluoch, April 1, 2026Harambee Stars’ latest sensation, Ryan Ogam, made himself the talk of Kenyan football in the past year and has continued to dominate football stories with his stellar performance in the concluded 2026 FIFA Series.
The Austrian-based attacker, with AC Wolfsberger, is proving to be the real deal.
On Monday, March 31, 2026, Ogam netted his ninth international goal as Kenya triumphed over Grenada to secure a third-place finish. Under the tutelage of head coach Benni McCarthy, Ogam has become an indispensable asset to the national squad.
The striker first caught international attention with standout performances during the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where he netted two goals, and in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Here are the fascinating facts you probably did not know about the man leading Kenya’s new golden generation.
1. The Stanley Okumbi & MYSA Connection
Ogam is not just a raw talent; he is a product of mentorship under the famed Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA) academy. Before his European breakthrough, he was a student of former Harambee Stars coach Stanley Okumbi.
His journey began in the trenches of the Mathare Youth Sports Association (MYSA), a famed academy that has produced some of Kenya’s greatest legends. He further honed his craft at Rainbow FC in the lower tiers, where he played under coach Okumbi, before the top flight came calling.
2. Football is in the DNA
Football is uniquely ingrained in Ogam’s family. Ryan is the son of David Rabok, a former defender who donned the green jersey of Gor Mahia in 2008. Alongside his mother, Mama Edith Atieno Rabok, the family has remained a pillar of support for the 22-year-old’s rapidly ascending career.
3. Ogam’s defensive roots
In a twist of irony, Ogam did not start out hunting goals, he was busy preventing them. Following in his father’s footsteps, he began his career as a defender.
The life-changing transformation occurred at Tusker FC, where coaches noticed his attacking instincts and moved him up the pitch. The gamble paid off: in the 2024/25 season, he exploded for 15 league goals, missing out on the Golden Boot by a glimmer.
4. Off the Market?
Ogam’s success isn’t just limited to the pitch. As his move to Austria beckoned, the striker took to Instagram to share a glimpse of his personal life, confirming he is in a committed relationship. While he has kept her name private, he revealed an aspect of his private life most people in the public eye never dare to share.
5. Harambee Stars goals in Numbers
Since making his debut in the Mapinduzi Cup in January 2025—where he scored against Tanzania, Ogam has been clinical. In just over a year, he has racked up 9 goals for the national team. His synergy with Benni McCarthy’s tactical system has made him one of the most lethal attackers in the region.
His tally of four goals during the 2026 World Cup qualifiers campaign saw him talked about in the company of African great strikers.
6. Learning from the “Engineer”
Despite his “hotshot” status, Ogam remains grounded. Ogam who first earned his national team call-up in November 2024, considers his striking partner and captain, Michael Olunga, as his ultimate mentor. Both are left-footed, and with Olunga recently equaling Dennis Oliech’s record of 34 goals, Ogam knows he is learning from the best.
“I am eager to learn under his shadow; his positioning and finishing prowess are amazing. He is directing me well,” Ogam recently shared.