Cyriel Dessers

**Cyriel Dessers: Biography** Cyriel Kolawole Dessers (born December 8, 1994) is a professional footballer who primarily plays as a striker. Known for his technical ability, pace, and clinical finishing, he has represented the Nigerian national team and played for several prominent clubs across the top leagues in Belgium and the Netherlands. **Early Life and Education** Dessers was born in Leuven, Belgium, to a Belgian father and a Nigerian mother, making him eligible to represent both nations internationally. He began his football education in Belgium, joining the youth academy of Oud-Heverlee Leuven (OH Leuven). His mixed heritage and upbringing in Belgium provided a foundation for his early football career. **Career Progression** Dessers initiated his professional career with **OH Leuven** in 2014 before moving to **Lokeren** in 2016. It was during his time in the Dutch Eerste Divisie (second tier) with **NAC Breda** (2016–2017) that he first gained significant attention, becoming the league's top scorer and helping the club achieve promotion to the Eredivisie. His strong performance earned him a transfer to **Utrecht** in 2017, where he continued to develop as a reliable forward. Dessers achieved a career breakthrough after signing with **Heracles Almelo** in 2019. He became one of the most prolific strikers in the Eredivisie during the 2019–2020 season, sharing the Golden Boot award for being the league's joint top scorer with 15 goals before the season was prematurely ended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2020, he moved to **Genk** in the Belgian Pro League. His career subsequently featured a successful loan spell at **Feyenoord** during the 2021–2022 season, where he achieved notable continental success. Following a transfer to **Cremonese** in Italy's Serie A, Dessers returned to Scotland, signing with **Rangers FC** in 2023. **Major Achievements and Notable Works** Dessers' most significant achievements include being the **Eredivisie joint top goalscorer** for the 2019–2020 season. His most notable "work" is his performance in the inaugural **UEFA Europa Conference League** during his loan spell at Feyenoord (2021–2022). Dessers finished the tournament as the competition’s **top scorer** with 10 goals, playing a crucial role in Feyenoord reaching the final. He also secured the **Belgian Cup** with Genk in 2021. Internationally, Dessers opted to represent the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles. He made his senior international debut in 2020 and has since contributed to the team in various matches and qualification campaigns. **Current Status** As of the current period, Cyriel Dessers is a key attacking player for **Rangers FC** in the Scottish Premiership. He continues to feature prominently in league and cup competitions, maintaining his role as an impactful goalscorer in European football.