Michael Olabode Kayode (born 10 July 2004) is an Italian professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Premier League club Brentford and the Italy national team.
Early life Kayode was born on 10 July 2004, 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. He cited his experience in Serie D as "a step backwards to make two forwards".
Fiorentina Kayode joined Fiorentina after his spell in Serie D during 2021, and was integrated into their youth sector. With Fiorentina, he won one Coppa Italia Primavera and one Supercoppa Italiana Primavera.
On 19 August 2023, Kayode made his Serie A debut for Fiorentina in a 4–1 away victory over Genoa. 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 Kayode represented Italy at U18, U19 and U21 levels.
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.
On 17 October 2023, he made his debut with Italy U21, in the qualifying match won 2–0 against Norway in Bolzano.
Kayode was called up with the Italy national team by head coach Roberto Mancini in September 2026. On 28 September, Kayode scored his first goal for the Italian national team on his international debut, which came in a 4–1 away win over Turkey in the Nations League.
Style of play Predominantly a right-back, at Fiorentina, Kayode also played as a left-back or in a double pivot as a third centre-back. He has been noted for his long throws, frequently creating chances from throw-ins.
Career statistics Club
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsGozzano2020–21Serie D342————342Fiorentina2023–24Serie A26140—60103712024–25 Serie A5000—70—120Total31140—13010491Brentford (loan)2024–25Premier League120————120Brentford2025–26Premier League3713040——4412026–27Premier League 510020——71Brentford total5423060——632Career total11957060130101465
International
+ Appearances and goals by national team and yearNational teamYearAppsGoalsItaly202631Total31
Scores and results list Italy's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kayode goal.
+ List of international goals scored by Michael KayodeNo.DateVenueCapOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 28 September 2026 Centennial Atatürk Stadium, Bursa, Turkey 1 3–0 4–1 2026–27 UEFA Nations League A
Honours Fiorentina U19 Supercoppa Primavera: 2021–22, 2023–24 Coppa Italia Primavera: 2021–22
Fiorentina UEFA Europa Conference League runner-up: 2023–24
Italy U19 UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2023
Individual Best Italian Player Under 21: 2024
References
External links