Michael Kayode, Brentford’s long-throw weapon driving their European push | OneFootball

Brentford’s European bid has been powered by Michael Kayode’s extraordinary long throws, the 21-year-old right-back who joined on loan from Fiorentina in January 2025 before making the move permanent last summer.

Kayode has launched throws up to 45 yards and no Premier League player has taken more long efforts, at least 20 metres, than his 122. They have yet to bring him an official assist, but they have sparked goals against Liverpool, Newcastle United and Arsenal, while Brentford’s xG in the 10 seconds after throw-ins is a league-high 4.3.

“It’s amazing. The fans are crazy every game. They come every time to every away game,” Kayode said to The Athletic. “Brentford is a special team.”

“Let’s see what happens in the box,” he laughs. Away from matches, he went viral after a gender reveal at the Gtech Community Stadium, his shot triggering pink smoke to announce a girl.

One of his biggest ambitions is a senior Italy cap. “For every player, it’s a dream to be in the national team, especially now because of the qualifications for the World Cup.” “So I just think about Brentford and if I get the opportunity (with Italy), that’s it.”

Under Keith Andrews, Brentford sit seventh on 44 points with nine matches remaining as they chase Europe, and Kayode’s throws could yet help them eclipse their 2022-23 best of 59.

Source: NY Times