English forward Dapo Afolayan is eagerly anticipating the chance to compete against the likes of Harry Kane and Bayern Munich next season following his historic promotion with St Pauli.
Afolayan, 26, has had a remarkable first full season in Germany’s second tier, joining St Pauli from Bolton for £500,000 in January 2023. He played a crucial role in helping the club secure the Bundesliga 2 title, scoring 10 goals in 34 appearances.
St Pauli topped the table, fending off Holstein Kiel and Fortuna Düsseldorf, winning 20 and drawing nine of their 34 league matches. This triumph means the Hamburg-based outfit will play in the Bundesliga for the first time in 13 years.
Speaking to Mirror Football, Afolayan expressed his pride: “It has been amazing from start to finish. We set our targets at the beginning of the season based on what we knew we could achieve. Saying it [winning it] is one thing, but going out there and doing it is another. It’s a remarkable achievement and I am really proud.”
Afolayan’s most significant contribution came when St Pauli secured promotion to the top flight. Earlier this month, he scored twice and assisted another goal in a 3-1 victory over Osnabrück, sparking wild celebrations. Including a pitch invasion at Millerntor-Stadion.
Reflecting on the match, he said: “I went into the game wanting to help the team as best as I could. The ball dropped to me twice in good positions and I put them away. It has been a nervy couple of months because we knew we were close. After that, I was lucky as I had quite a lot of family over there as well. For everyone to witness that with the pitch invasion was so special.”
Now, Afolayan and St Pauli are set to face the elite of German football, including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Bayer Leverkusen. When asked about the upcoming challenges, Afolayan replied: “The easy answer is Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, or Bayer Leverkusen. Those games are going to be special because of their history and achievements this season. I think I am looking forward to testing myself and the team against some of the best in Europe.”
Afolayan, born in Harrow, London, joins a growing list of English players who have made successful moves to the Bundesliga. Following in the footsteps of Jadon Sancho, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane. His decision to swap Bolton for St Pauli raised eyebrows, but Afolayan is grateful for the opportunity. “It has been a good opportunity to broaden my horizons and understand European football. The level here is quite high, closer to top European football. Now, we are going to get the chance to experience that in the Bundesliga.”
Afolayan’s journey has been unique, starting his senior career in Canada with Toronto FC before moving back to England to study civil engineering and play non-league football. After spells at Solihull Moors, West Ham, Oldham, and Mansfield, he found his stride at Bolton before making the leap to St Pauli.
Reflecting on his unusual path, Afolayan said: “It’s hard for me because very rarely do I look back and say ‘I have come so far’. I have worked as hard as I can to get to this position and that is all I want to keep doing. My family and friends sometimes mention how far I have come, but I try to keep myself in the present.”
At 26, Afolayan still has plenty of time to achieve his dream of playing in the Premier League. “Playing in the Premier League has been a dream of mine and it’s something that one-day I want to achieve. For now, I see myself playing for St Pauli.”
With his sights set on new challenges and opportunities, Afolayan’s journey in football continues to inspire.
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