# Tolu Arokodare Emerges as Ajax's Beloved Top Scorer

The Nigerian striker finds redemption and joy in Amsterdam after a difficult Premier League stint.

- **Source:** [NOS Sport](https://nos.nl/sport)
- **Published:** 2026-11-08
- **Topic:** [sports](https://brifing.si/c/sports)
- **Original article:** <https://nos.nl/l/2638520>
- **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/7625d4ac-d9e4-4234-9a05-5358f32a3d82

## Rise to Fan Favorite

Standing at 1.97 meters, Tolu Arokodare has quickly become a central figure at Ajax. With twelve goals scored this season, he currently leads the team as their top scorer. Beyond his physical presence on the pitch, his infectious personality and humor have made him a beloved figure among the Amsterdam supporters.

## Unique Coach Relationship

Ajax manager Míchel Sánchez affectionately labels Arokodare as the special one due to his positive influence on teammates. Their relationship is built on a foundation of tough love, characterized by playful banter and mutual respect. After intense moments on the field, the pair frequently reconcile with laughter, hugs, and genuine emotional support.

## Supportive Team Dynamics

Arokodare actively prioritizes team cohesion over individual competition. He frequently displays shirts honoring injured colleagues like Kasper Dolberg and offers public encouragement to struggling teammates such as Marcos Leonardo. He believes that players should support each other during difficult phases rather than viewing one another solely as rivals for starting positions.

## Journalistic Recognition

Sport journalist Willem Vissers recently praised Arokodare for his rare humility in the competitive world of professional football. Vissers noted that while many players focus on self-promotion, Arokodare stands out for his kindness and fatherly attitude toward teammates. This genuine demeanor has earned him respect from both the media and fans.

## Finding Joy in Football

For the 25-year-old striker, the stadium serves as a sanctuary where he feels truly happy. He views his role as a form of ministry, spreading love and peace through his actions on the pitch. This spiritual perspective helps him maintain a grounded approach to his professional career and his interactions with others.

## Overcoming Past Struggles

His current success contrasts sharply with his previous season at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Despite a 26 million euro transfer, he struggled with confidence and scored only three times in the Premier League. He described those physical battles with English defenders as show-wrestling, noting that his lack of goals significantly impacted his mental well-being.

## Early Career Challenges

Arokodare's journey began in 2019 when he moved to Latvia to play for Valmiera FC at age eighteen. The subsequent global pandemic caused him significant isolation, as he remained separated from his family in Nigeria for two years. These early hardships shaped his resilient character and his current appreciation for team environments.

## Message of Positivity

Known for his heartfelt public messages, Arokodare often uses his platform to remind others of their inherent value. Whether addressing cameras after matches or through social media, he emphasizes that people are loved and enough. This philosophy remains central to his identity, both as a professional athlete and as an individual.

## Sources covering this story

- https://nos.nl/l/2638520 — 

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_Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._