Kenya’s rising star Job Ochieng announced himself on Spain’s grandest stage last weekend, and the reaction was instant and glowing. The Real Sociedad winger’s La Liga debut not only etched his name into Kenyan football history but also drew warm congratulations from Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy and former Arsenal full-back Nacho Monreal.
A Moment to Remember
Ochieng stepped off the bench in the 65th minute as Real Sociedad dismantled Elche 3–1 at home, becoming only the third Kenyan ever to appear in Spain’s top flight. The cameo was brief but electric—a snapshot of a young player finally arriving where dreams meet reality.
Messages from Mentors and Allies
The congratulations poured in. Benni McCarthy, who handed Ochieng his senior national team debut last September, posted a heartfelt message on Instagram: “Big congratulations, Job, proud moment for you and your family. Keep working away.” The words carried extra weight—McCarthy himself once graced La Liga with Celta Vigo and knows what the milestone means.
From the other side of Ochieng’s support network came Nacho Monreal, whose agency Global Ases represents the winger. Monreal celebrated the achievement with a simple, encouraging note: “One more step, you deserve it!! Great job, Job Ochieng.” The endorsement from a seasoned La Liga veteran underscored the significance of the moment.
Following in Great Footsteps
Ochieng joins an elite Kenyan lineage in Spain. He follows McDonald Mariga, who also wore the Real Sociedad shirt, and Michael Olunga, who featured for Girona. While those predecessors had relatively short spells, Ochieng’s patient climb through Real Sociedad’s ranks hints at the possibility of a longer, more sustained La Liga chapter.
From Youth Ranks to First-Team Spotlight
The winger’s rise has been methodical. After a 2022 trial with Las Palmas, Ochieng joined Real Sociedad and began in the C team, earning promotion to Real Sociedad B the following year. A two-year contract signed last May signalled the club’s faith in him and rewarded steady progress that eventually led to his national team call-up—even before his top-flight debut.
What Comes Next
Now, with his name on the La Liga scoresheet of experience, Ochieng will be eyeing more minutes and bigger stages. Real Sociedad face a high-stakes Basque Derby in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Athletic Club, and the young winger could find himself back in the mix for another explosive outing. For Kenyan fans, the debut is more than a stat—it’s a promise that the country’s talent can shine on Europe’s brightest stages.
