Michael Jackson’s music and iconic moves have helped introduce Australian football star Nestory Irankunda to his new club in one of the coolest football announcements we’ve seen!
Australian football sensation Nestory Irankunda has officially completed his move to Portuguese giants Sporting CP and the 20-year-old celebrated the life-changing transfer in true Michael Jackson style.
Sporting unveiled Irankunda with a spectacular video inspired by Michael Jackson’s iconic “Bad” era, putting the King of Pop right at the centre of the club’s creative announcement.
The forward, who previously played for English Championship side Watford and has represented the Australian national team, appears in the video stepping out of a sports car as Michael Jackson’s “Bad” plays in the background. Surrounded by imagery inspired by the song’s famous aesthetic, Irankunda then shows off his own dance moves before transforming into Sporting’s famous green-and-white colours.
And this isn’t simply a case of a football club choosing a Michael Jackson song for a flashy announcement. Irankunda is a genuine Michael Jackson fan and has regularly brought the King of Pop’s influence onto the football pitch.
The young star is known for incorporating Michael Jackson-inspired moves into his goal celebrations, with his trademark celebrations sometimes featuring choreography reminiscent of Michael. He has even been seen wearing a sparkled glove, another unmistakable nod to the King of Pop.
His love for Michael has also come up away from the pitch. During interviews, Irankunda has spoken openly about his admiration for Michael Jackson, famously saying:
“Everywhere I go, I listen to MJ.”
That makes Sporting’s choice of “Bad” for his unveiling even more perfect.
The transfer itself represents a huge moment in the young Australian’s career. Sporting have reportedly agreed a deal with Watford worth around $26 million, with the package potentially rising to approximately $29.5 million with add-ons.
The Portuguese club have also reportedly placed a huge $130 million release clause in Irankunda’s contract, underlining just how highly they rate the young star.
But while football fans are understandably excited about Sporting’s new signing, Michael Jackson fans have another reason to celebrate the announcement.
It’s not every day that one of Europe’s biggest football clubs chooses to unveil a major new signing through Michael Jackson’s music and imagery and Irankunda clearly looks like he was having plenty of fun with it.
And knowing that Michael is already such a big part of Irankunda’s personality makes the video even cooler. Sporting didn’t simply discover a Michael Jackson fan and add “Bad” to a promotional video; they found a player who already celebrates his goals with Michael’s moves, wears a sparkled glove and has openly spoken about listening to MJ wherever he goes.
The video is another reminder of how Michael’s influence continues to appear in unexpected places. Decades after the release of “Bad,” its music, attitude, choreography and visual identity remain instantly recognisable enough to become the inspiration for a major European football announcement.
For Michael Jackson fans who also follow football, seeing the King of Pop used to welcome a rising Australian football star to one of Portugal’s biggest clubs is certainly a fun crossover.
Welcome to Sporting, Nestory and keep those Michael Jackson moves coming!
