Job Nguono Ochieng made his first start for Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, capping a remarkable journey that began in Nairobi. The 22-year-old was named in Paolo Matarazzo's lineup against Real Madrid, fulfilling a dream that seemed distant when he was 17.
His story started in Kenya, where he grew up watching Cristiano Ronaldo play. With financial support from his parents, relatives, and neighbors, who crowdfunded his trip, Ochieng left his homeland for Maspalomas in Gran Canaria. There, a football academy offered him a chance to make it in Europe for a fee of 1,200 euros per month, a huge sum for his family.
How did Ochieng overcome his early hurdles?
The European adventure nearly ended before it began. The agency that arranged his move left him on the street with his belongings after a payment delay. The intervention of several people prevented his return to Kenya. Ochieng managed to trial at Maspalomas, where Javi Martel, a former UD Las Palmas player, brought him into his youth team. Martel quickly spotted his talent and promoted him to the first team, then coached by Carlos Gaumet.
Gaumet contacted agent Mikel Aramaio, who arranged his move to Real Sociedad. However, just before traveling to San Sebastián for trials at Zubieta, Ochieng suffered a significant injury. He still got on the plane and showed up to train. The club, instead of sending him home, decided to take him in and help with his recovery, a process that lasted about five months.
What has his path through the academy been like?
Once fit, Ochieng integrated into the Juvenil Honor Division. His progression was steady: he moved through the C team and then to Sanse, the reserve side. Last season he was a key part of Sanse's promotion to the Second Division, even scoring a chipped goal on his debut in the category. His development is an example of the academy's work, which you can follow on our squad page.
Manager Paolo Matarazzo's trust has been rewarded. Ochieng has shown a quick adaptation to the first team, adding versatility in midfield. His case highlights the club's commitment to giving opportunities to promising youngsters, a policy that has made Real Sociedad a benchmark for youth development.
What does this milestone mean for his future?
The Bernabéu debut is not just a personal chapter, but a sign of his consolidation. Ochieng is under contract with Real Sociedad until June 2029, according to our verified data. His performance will be closely watched, especially with a competitive schedule that includes LaLiga and the Copa del Rey, whose draws you can check on our fixtures calendar.
The club values his physical and technical growth. At 22, he has gained muscle mass and improved his reading of the game, vital aspects for competing in LaLiga. His story of overcoming adversity already inspires many youngsters at the Zubieta academy. The next challenge is maintaining consistency and taking every minute Matarazzo gives him in a team fighting for European spots, as reflected in the standings.
