NOAH OKAFOR: OUR FOCUS

From an opponent to a Rossonero. Noah Okafor and AC Milan, whose paths crossed during the Champions League group stage, are now heading in the same direction until 2027. The Swiss striker is the latest addition to Stefano Pioli’s squad and will provide a further option in attack following the arrival of Christian Pulisic. Just like the American, the former FC Salzburg player has previously faced AC Milan, against whom he found the net in the Rossoneri’s opening European fixture in 2022/23. It’s an evening that has remained in the memory of the AC Milan fans, who will now get to admire the Binningen native in a Rossoneri shirt.

Noah Okafor was born to a Nigerian father and Swiss mother on 24 May 2000. After taking his first steps as a player at FC Arisdorf, he came through the prestigious youth ranks of FC Basel before making his first-team debut against FC Luzern on 19 May 2018. His first goal arrived the following season as he found the net away to Neuchâtel Xamax. It was a campaign that saw him lift his first trophy - the Swiss Cup - and make his Switzerland debut (in the Final Four of the Nations League). He remained at FC Basel until January 2020, when he was signed by FC Salzburg.

The Austrian side brought him in to replace a big name in Erling Braut Håland. In the remaining half of the season, Noah scored three goals in eleven appearances as Die Roten Bullen won the league title and the Austrian Cup. The following campaign saw him bag six times in 18 matches, but it was in 2021/22 that he really did prove his worth. It was a campaign where he found the net 14 times (nine in the Austrian Football Bundesliga), including his first three goals in the Champions League, a competition he had already played in as an FC Basel player. His most important finish came on 8 December 2021 when he netted the winner against Sevilla. As a result, FC Salzburg became the first Austrian side to reach the knockout stages.

During the 2021/22 season, he also scored his first two goals for Switzerland. He bagged the first against Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying as the Swiss emerged victorious to secure their spot at the tournament (in which he then took part). He also reached double goalscoring figures in 2022/23 thanks to a seven-goal haul in the league and three strikes - including the above-mentioned goal against AC Milan - in the Champions League. Furthermore, he won the Austrian Football Bundesliga for the fourth time. After three and a half seasons in Austria, it’s time for a new adventure at AC Milan, where he’ll look to display his qualities under Coach Pioli. Capable of playing anywhere in a front three, he is well known for his pace, physical stature (he’s 185 cm tall) and versatility. These are characteristics that will make him a valuable addition to the squad.

The AC Milan PUMA Away Kit for 2023/24 is available: buy it now!