Michael Kayode: Bio, Salary, Net worth, Lifestyle, Club and International Career

Another Italian of Nigerian roots is making his name in European soccer. Michael Kayode has recently signed a contract with Brentford. The five-year deal will keep him at the Gtech Community Stadium for a few more years now. Kayode signed from Fiorentina in January, initially until the end of the season, and established his place at right-back in Thomas Frank's starting eleven for the final 6 Premier League games of the season.

The Italy Under-21 international made 12 appearances, assisting Yoanne Wissa's goal in the 4-3 win over Manchester United in April. His contribution to the club proved to be beneficial and he was rewarded as a result of it. Kayode, too, has enjoyed every minute at the club and said in an interview," I am so excited to extend my stay at Brentford. I have felt so welcome from the first day I arrived at the club, thanks to my teammates and the care the coaching staff have shown me. I've wanted to play in the Premier League since I was a child and it's been so good to do that here. “I can't wait for more next season and beyond”. Currently, the player is representing the Italy U21 side in the UEFA-organised U21 EUROS in Slovakia.

Michael Kayode Bio

Michael Kayode Family and Early Life

Kayode was born to Nigerian parents and grew up in Borgomanero, a small commune in the province of Novara with a population of around 21,300 people. Situated just under 70 miles north-east of Turin and 45 miles north-west of Milan, it was in the former city that he began his football education with European giants Juventus.

He started playing football at the age of four and enrolled in an academy at six. He describes that period as the hardest time in his life as he had to start school at 8 am and finish it by 1-2 pm. At 3 pm, he would have to get the bus from Borgomanero and arrive at the training ground at 5 pm.He would have training until 6.30 pm, and then at 8 pm, he would then get the bus back to Borgomanero and get back home at 10 pm or even 11 pm . That became his routine every day for seven years. Keep in mind that he was only six years old back then when he started it off.

Playing Style and Strengths

Michael Kayode primarily operates as a right-back in Fiorentina’s 4-2-3-1. He is capable of pushing alongside the double pivot and acting as a third centre-back. He has also shown flexibility as he can be deployed at right wing-back as well as left-back.

Kayode’s most valuable quality is his defensive acumen. Gifted with genetics, he possesses immense athleticism and brute strength. However, its not just unadulterated power for the former Juventus and Fiorentina youth player, he also shows great intelligence in stepping out of his position to intercept or counter-press opposition players.

Especially in 1v1 situations, he uses his broad, wide frame to cover space and close all angles for the opposition players. He’s also got excellent upper-body strength to hold off players who tend to get more physical.

Kayode also doesn't hesitate to go to ground if it comes to it. He’s got long legs, which allow him to win the ball with ease without any extra hassle. Besides having great positional awareness, his top recovery pace and athleticism give him an added weapon to his already loaded arsenal.

While in possession, Kayode is a neat passer of the ball. He demonstrates maturity and calmness with every pass, applying the perfect weight to them. He is comfortable carrying the ball out of pressure, often combining with the midfielders inside to build play. His ability to use his left foot means he’s an asset in central areas, opening him up to more angles.

Kayode’s long legs give him the edge defensively, but it also means he’s excellent at carrying the ball in large spaces, particularly in transitional situations. Pair this with his athleticism, and he can be an unstoppable asset in possession. He shows a great understanding of overlapping runs, often running into space if required. However, this is where his biggest weaknesses come in, which is his final third play.

Michael Kayode Net Worth

Michael Kayode net worth is not revealed publicly by any reputable sources, but his earnings have been stable since the 2023-24 to 2024-25 season, raking in 1.5 million. Kayode is one of the rising stars from Italy and as such, his stock prices are getting higher every passing day.

Michael Kayode Salary

Michael Kayode makes a weekly salary of 30,000 euros and an annual salary of 1,560,000 euros from his contract. His career trajectory predicts a big move in the coming years, which will significantly increase his earnings.

Michael Kayode Partner

Michael Kayode's romantic life isn't publicized, so it's hard to ascertain his relationship status as of now. Additionally, the player is focused on performing for the Italian U21 national team, which may open the door for the young gun to perform at a senior level for the country.

Michael Kayode Career

Michael Kayode’s career has seen him celebrate international glory, reach two European finals, win a league title, and secure a move to the Premier League. Still only 20, the full-back has joined Brentford on a permanent deal from Fiorentina with a strong desire to do big things in England's premier circuit. Now, here's a look at Kayode's career both at the club and international level.

Club Career

Kayode started his youth career at one of the most elite Italian clubs, Juventus, where he remained for seven years until 2018. He then went on to play the 2020–21 season with Serie D club Gozzano, with which he scored two goals and two assists in 34 matches, which helped them get promoted to Serie C.

Kayode joined Fiorentina after his spell in Serie D in 2021 and was integrated into their youth sector. Joining the “Viola” proved to be lucky for Kayode as he got his hands on two delectable titles. He won one Coppa Italia Primavera and one Supercoppa Italiana Primavera.

Kayode made his Serie A debut for Fiorentina on August 19 in a 4–1 away victory over Genoa. By the end of the season, Kayode had become a regular in Fiorentina's first team, with his quality displays garnering international attention from clubs around Europe. He started featuring heavily in Serie A and in the squad that reached the final of the UEFA Conference League.

On 24 January 2025, Premier League side Brentford announced that they had signed Kayode on loan for the remainder of the 2024–25 season. The sweetener on top was the option to make the deal permanent at the end of the term. So it happened as Brentford officially signed Kayode permanently in May 2025, in a deal that will keep him at the club till 2030.

International Career

Despite finding fame and fortune in the domestic league, Kayode is yet to make his debut for the senior Italian team. He has already been quite active in the youth setups the senior debut is yet to happen for the charismatic right-back.

Michael Kayode Awards and Achievements

Michael Kayode career has seen clubs that are not so good in their respective region, which has restricted Kayode from winning multiple honors in his name. With his recent form, the player can win numerous awards and achievements. Here's a look at the awards that Michael has won in his very young career so far.