Victor Wanyama remains one of Kenya’s most iconic footballers, yet his humility has always set him apart. Despite playing at the highest levels of world football, Wanyama has never allowed fame and fortune to cloud his personality.
The midfielder, who became the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League with Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, also enjoyed a successful stint at Celtic in Scotland and later in the MLS with CF Montreal. Along the way, he competed in the UEFA Champions League and rubbed shoulders with some of the greatest players of the modern era, including Lionel Messi.
However, Wanyama insists that his humility has been his greatest strength. For him, football may bring recognition, but it never makes one more important than others. He believes that respecting everyone, regardless of their status, is the key to enjoying life beyond the pitch.
“There is no difference between you and any other ordinary person,” he often emphasizes. “When you respect others, it becomes easier to live a normal life after football. But if you isolate yourself because of fame, it becomes difficult, and people may despise you once your career ends.”
This mindset, according to Wanyama, is what keeps him grounded even after years of top-flight football. He has seen many athletes lose their way once the spotlight fades, and he is determined not to follow the same path. Instead, he focuses on building meaningful relationships, maintaining discipline, and preparing for life after football.
At this stage in his career, Wanyama is in the twilight years but still attracts interest from teams thanks to his professionalism and experience. Recently, he concluded a short-term stint at Scottish side Dunfermline Athletic. While he remains a free agent, he is pursuing coaching courses and working on long-term projects such as his football academy in Busia, Kenya.
For Wanyama, the journey is about more than just personal glory. It is about paving the way for the next generation, ensuring they have opportunities he never had while growing up. His humility, therefore, is not just about personality it is a philosophy that defines his career and future ambitions.
