Nestory Irankunda talks his career-changing move to Portugese giants Sporting CP, how he bounced back from a difficult period in his career, and why the A-League deserves more respect.

Plus, future Aussie stars to watch, how Turkiye fired up the Socceroos with their World Cup antics and what can be done to nurture more home-grown talent.

One of Australia's most exciting football prospects ever gives OlanTekkers a glimpse into life as a footballer at the very top. The failed footballer interviews the successful one. Enjoy
Follow the Failed Footballer: https://www.instagram.com/failedfootballerpod/
Follow Olan on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/olantekkers/
Follow Olan on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@olantekkers?lang=en

The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. 

So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. 

All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world.

Nestory Irankunda talks his career-changing move to Portugese giants Sporting CP, how he bounced back from a difficult period in his career, and why the A-League deserves more respect.
Plus, future Aussie stars to watch, how Turkiye fired up the Socceroos with their World Cup antics and what can be done to nurture more home-grown talent.
One of Australia's most exciting football prospects ever gives OlanTekkers a glimpse into life as a footballer at the very top. The failed footballer interviews the successful one. Enjoy
<ul>
<li>Follow the Failed Footballer: https://www.instagram.com/failedfootballerpod/</li>
<li>Follow Olan on Instagram:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/olantekkers/">https://www.instagram.com/olantekkers/</a></li>
<li>Follow Olan on TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@olantekkers?lang=en">https://www.tiktok.com/@olantekkers?lang=en</a></li>
</ul>
The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. 
So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it.&nbsp;
All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world.

He may have failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some icons of the game past and present - who've actually made it - he gives you bold takes on the Premier League, A-League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League and beyond.

How do you actually make it as a pro footballer? The Failed Footballer gives you everything you need to know from football's top leagues around the world: news, goals, player stories and more. 

This is your front‑row seat to all the action from football around the world - the goals, results and most shocking stories. You’ll also get insight from emerging talent, analysis of tactics, coaching decisions, and hear what it really takes to avoid the dreaded 'failed footballer' tag.

He may have failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some icons of the game past and present - who've actually made it - he gives you bold takes on the Premier League, A-League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League and beyond.
How do you actually make it as a pro footballer? The Failed Footballer gives you everything you need to know from football's top leagues around the world: news, goals, player stories and more.&nbsp;
This is your front‑row seat to all the action from football around the world - the goals, results and most shocking stories. You&rsquo;ll also get insight from emerging talent, analysis of tactics, coaching decisions, and hear what it really takes to avoid the dreaded 'failed footballer' tag.

The Failed Footballer

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup.

This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond. 

The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There’s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia’s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You’ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.

New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen.

Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation.

If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you’ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice.

This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

He failed as a footballer, but luckily you don't need to have made it to have an opinion. OlanTekkers knows football, and with some expert guests he takes you through the biggest stories, the best goals and all the results from this year's World Cup.
This is your front‑row seat to all the action from Canada, Mexico and the US, as we follow Australia (and England) through the group stage and beyond.&nbsp;
<hr><hr>
The Failed Footballer covers all the essentials football fans are searching for, including World Cup analysis, football match recaps, tactical breakdowns, and reactions to the biggest results. There&rsquo;s a strong focus on the Socceroos, tracking Australia&rsquo;s journey on the world stage, alongside key coverage of England and other international heavyweights. You&rsquo;ll also get insight into emerging talent, football tactics, coaching decisions, and the storylines driving global conversation, making it a go-to football podcast for both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
New episodes drop twice a week, keeping you up to date with every major development across the World Cup and the wider football world, perfect for staying across results, analysis and talking points as they happen.
Each episode features a rotating lineup of former and current players, football legends, pundits and iconic voices from the game. These expert guests bring firsthand experience, unique insights and strong opinions, adding depth and credibility to every conversation.
If you enjoy football podcasts like The Rest Is Football, Football Weekly, Suited and Booted, or anything that blends match analysis with personality and strong takes, you&rsquo;ll feel right at home here. OlanTekkers delivers the same mix of insight, humour and fan-driven energy, with his own unmistakable voice.
This show is not affiliated with FIFA or Football Australia

Nestory Irankunda on following in Ronaldo's footsteps, THAT World Cup goal & why the A-League is underrated

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/84316e18-c2d5-4b65-8f10-b4b3005a1c4a/transcript

There was VAR Chaos in the Manchester derby - should Haaland's goal have stood? Should Bruno Fernandes have been sent off too?
Lucas Harrington's Premier League breakout season continues as Hull hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw. How are they doing so well?
Mohamed Touré's scoring run continues: how's he doing it?
The Men's and Women's NPL Grand Finals delivered on the drama and the goals
And it's the big NPL vs A-League debate: where should young players be aiming to get to?

The Manchester Derby delivered on the drama once again. OlanTekkers and Kat Haddad debate whether Michael Carrick can finally solve Manchester United's post-Ferguson problems, and vent about another VAR controversy after officials admitted a mistake in City's win.

They also check in on two Socceroos flying overseas, with Lucas Harrington helping Hull continue their dream Premier League start and Mohamed Touré's incredible scoring run continuing.

Back home, the NSW NPL Grand Finals delivered drama, stunning goals and massive crowds, sparking a bigger conversation about the role of NPL football in Australia. Are young players better off chasing the A-League pathway or building careers through the NPL? What are the financial realities facing Australian footballers? And are clubs doing enough to benefit from the success of players they develop before they're sold overseas?

 

Host: OlanTekkers

Host: Kat Haddad

 

In this episode: 

00:00 Manchester Derby Chaos & Michael Carrick's United

03:07 Red Card Controversy Sparks Debate

04:32 VAR Admits Haaland Goal Error

06:11 Hull's Dream Premier League Start

08:51 Mohamed Touré Can't Stop Scoring

11:31 NPL Women's Grand Final Goes to 120 Minutes

14:57 One of the Best NPL Goals You'll Ever See?

16:10 Why Sydney United's Fans Are Different

17:31 NPL vs A-League: Which Means More?

18:20 Is the NPL Australia's Version of the MLS?

19:55 Why Some Players Choose NPL Over A-League

22:06 The NPL Stories We Need More Of

23:50 Are Australian Clubs Missing Out on Transfer Money?

24:25 The MLS Pathway for Young Aussies

25:23 Nestor Irankunda's Transfer Fee Explained

26:12 Did Brisbane Roar Miss Out on Millions?

27:32 How Australian Football Can Benefit from Future Transfers

28:04 Should Young Players Choose the A-League or NPL?
Follow the Failed Footballer on Instagram: @failedfootballerpod
Follow Olan on Instagram: @olantekkers
Follow Olan on TikTok: @olantekkers

The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world.

<ul dir="ltr">
<li>There was VAR Chaos in the Manchester derby - should Haaland's goal have stood? Should Bruno Fernandes have been sent off too?</li>
<li>Lucas Harrington's Premier League breakout season continues as Hull hold Chelsea to a 2-2 draw. How are they doing so well?</li>
<li>Mohamed Tour&eacute;'s scoring run continues: how's he doing it?</li>
<li>The Men's and Women's NPL Grand Finals delivered on the drama and the goals</li>
<li>And it's the big NPL vs A-League debate: where should young players be aiming to get to?</li>
</ul>
The Manchester Derby delivered on the drama once again. OlanTekkers and Kat Haddad debate whether Michael Carrick can finally solve Manchester United's post-Ferguson problems, and vent about another VAR controversy after officials admitted a mistake in City's win.
They also check in on two Socceroos flying overseas, with Lucas Harrington helping Hull continue their dream Premier League start and Mohamed Tour&eacute;'s incredible scoring run continuing.
Back home, the NSW NPL Grand Finals delivered drama, stunning goals and massive crowds, sparking a bigger conversation about the role of NPL football in Australia. Are young players better off chasing the A-League pathway or building careers through the NPL? What are the financial realities facing Australian footballers? And are clubs doing enough to benefit from the success of players they develop before they're sold overseas?
&nbsp;
Host: OlanTekkers
Host: Kat Haddad
&nbsp;
In this episode:&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=36s" aria-label="36 seconds">00:00</a> Manchester Derby Chaos &amp; Michael Carrick's United
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=187s" aria-label="3 minutes, 7 seconds">03:07</a> Red Card Controversy Sparks Debate
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=272s" aria-label="4 minutes, 32 seconds">04:32</a> VAR Admits Haaland Goal Error
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=371s" aria-label="6 minutes, 11 seconds">06:11</a> Hull's Dream Premier League Start
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=531s" aria-label="8 minutes, 51 seconds">08:51</a> Mohamed Tour&eacute; Can't Stop Scoring
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=691s" aria-label="11 minutes, 31 seconds">11:31</a> NPL Women's Grand Final Goes to 120 Minutes
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=897s" aria-label="14 minutes, 57 seconds">14:57</a> One of the Best NPL Goals You'll Ever See?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=970s" aria-label="16 minutes, 10 seconds">16:10</a> Why Sydney United's Fans Are Different
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1051s" aria-label="17 minutes, 31 seconds">17:31</a> NPL vs A-League: Which Means More?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1100s" aria-label="18 minutes, 20 seconds">18:20</a> Is the NPL Australia's Version of the MLS?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1195s" aria-label="19 minutes, 55 seconds">19:55</a> Why Some Players Choose NPL Over A-League
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1326s" aria-label="22 minutes, 6 seconds">22:06</a> The NPL Stories We Need More Of
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1430s" aria-label="23 minutes, 50 seconds">23:50</a> Are Australian Clubs Missing Out on Transfer Money?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1465s" aria-label="24 minutes, 25 seconds">24:25</a> The MLS Pathway for Young Aussies
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1523s" aria-label="25 minutes, 23 seconds">25:23</a> Nestor Irankunda's Transfer Fee Explained
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1572s" aria-label="26 minutes, 12 seconds">26:12</a> Did Brisbane Roar Miss Out on Millions?
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1652s" aria-label="27 minutes, 32 seconds">27:32</a> How Australian Football Can Benefit from Future Transfers
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A102Tnzv2oQ&amp;t=1684s" aria-label="28 minutes, 4 seconds">28:04</a> Should Young Players Choose the A-League or NPL?
<ul dir="ltr">
<li>Follow the Failed Footballer on Instagram: @failedfootballerpod</li>
<li>Follow Olan on Instagram: @olantekkers</li>
<li>Follow Olan on TikTok: @olantekkers</li>
</ul>
The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world.

Man Utd v Man City: red card and VAR drama in the derby. And is the A-League still the peak of Aussie football?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/8f119150-bcd8-4f57-8896-b4c50077732b/transcript

What's it like getting to the highest levels of football but then falling back down the pyramid? Alou Kuol went from winning trophies with the Central Coast Mariners and signing for Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, to the Mariners again, and finally to the NPL. He opens up about the highs of making it in Europe, the setbacks that followed, and what keeps him chasing the top level.

Plus, advice for young players who are trialing at top clubs, life in Germany and how the top-flight in Europe compares to the A-League.

OlanTekkers also breaks down Australia's shock failure to qualify for the U20 2027 Asian Cup, the Aussie stars lighting up Europe, and whether the next generation can take Aussie football forward. 

What's it like getting to the highest levels of football but then falling back down the pyramid? Alou Kuol went from winning trophies with the Central Coast Mariners and signing for Bundesliga side VfB Stuttgart, to the Mariners again, and finally to the NPL. He opens up about the highs of making it in Europe, the setbacks that followed, and what keeps him chasing the top level.
Plus, advice for young players who are trialing at top clubs, life in Germany and how the top-flight in Europe compares to the A-League.
OlanTekkers also breaks down Australia's shock failure to qualify for the U20 2027 Asian Cup, the Aussie stars lighting up Europe, and whether the next generation can take Aussie football forward.&nbsp;

He went from the NPL to the A-League to the Bundesliga - then fell back down again. Alou Kuol tells his story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/82f80ff5-e2d4-464f-a1ca-b4be0070aa9d/transcript

OlanTekkers wraps up the performances of our Aussie footballers playing abroad. Mo Toure is on fire 3 games into the EFL Championship season - scoring a brace for Norwich City. Lucas Herrington got 30 minutes in the Premier League for Hull City against Coventry, and Patrick Beach pulled off a worldie of save in Ligue 1 for Troyes. The future looks bright for Aussie football - the 2030 World Cup is going to be interesting.

Plus, an interview with 20 year-old Macarthur Bulls midfielder Oliver Randazzo. Hear how he made it to the top of Aussie football, and what it takes to stay there.

The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. 

Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. 

Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. 

All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world.

OlanTekkers wraps up the performances of our Aussie footballers playing abroad. Mo Toure is on fire 3 games into the EFL Championship season - scoring a brace for Norwich City. Lucas Herrington got 30 minutes in the Premier League for Hull City against Coventry, and Patrick Beach pulled off a worldie of save in Ligue 1 for Troyes. The future looks bright for Aussie football - the 2030 World Cup is going to be interesting.
Plus, an interview with 20 year-old Macarthur Bulls midfielder Oliver Randazzo. Hear how he made it to the top of Aussie football, and what it takes to stay there.
The Failed Footballer is an iHeart podcast. 
Watch, listen and discover more podcasts, playlists and live radio on the FREE iHeart App. 
Olan may have failed as a footballer. So do 99.9 of players who try and make it, but how many of them can say they got a podcast out of it? Here you'll get unqualified takes from Olan, and expert commentary from football legends who actually made it. 
All the goals, all the drama, all the ammo for your group chat from football's biggest leagues around the world.

Aussie footballers are taking over the world - is the A-League the key to fostering talent?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/6625c9fa-09af-4e78-8712-b4b7008ac7dd/transcript

Nestory Irankunda on following in Ronaldo's footsteps, THAT World Cup goal & why the A-League is underrated

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