NESTORY IRANKUNDA is ready to moonwalk through the World Cup with Australia — fuelled by his love for Michael Jackson.
The 20-year-old Watford star uses the King of Pop for inspiration and to beat his pre-match jitters.
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Australia and Watford rising star Nestory Irankunda celebrates scoring for his country by putting on a glove to mimmick his hero Michael Jackson Credit: Getty
Michael Jackson’s dance moves and music have inspired Nestory Irankunda Credit: Sony Handout
He is so obsessed with the music legend he even glides around his own kitchen impersonating the iconic dance from Billie Jean after cooking dinner.
In an exclusive interview with JattvibeSport, Irankunda said: “I can’t help myself. Every time I’m out there I start doing the moonwalk while listening to his music.
“For me I love the rhythm — and there’s always great beats to his songs.
“His voice was unreal and nobody will ever make music like he did.”
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The winger went viral in March, mimicking his idol after scoring against Curacao.
Irankunda pulled on a sequinned glove thrown by pal and top Aussie sports photographer Nic Marinoni — aka “Shot by Nic.”
He said: “Nic messaged me a day or two before the game and told me, ‘I’ve bought a Michael Jackson glove because I’m aware you’re a huge fan. I’ll bring it along.’
“So I scored and after doing my trademark signature backflip celebration I saw him and ran over to do a little dance.
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“He’s chucked me the glove, which I managed to catch and put on my right hand, before doing an MJ move. It was great to do something like that.”
Hooked since hearing his mum play Jackson’s hits, Irankunda’s pre-match playlist is strictly dedicated to the late superstar to help him explode or stay calm.
He said: “Before games I listen to Smooth Criminal a lot. That’s the one that gets me going.
“Will You Be There is right up there for me too. Usually you have nerves before a match, so that does calm me down because it’s such a relaxing song.”
But behind Irankunda’s flashy dance moves lies a story of incredible family sacrifice.
Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp after his parents fled civil war in Burundi, the family relocated Down Under to Perth when he was three, later moving to Adelaide.
Having an Adelaide park kickabout with his brothers, Irankunda was spotted by a scout who told his parents his world-class talent needed fast-tracking into the club system.
But his parents lacked the financial resources to support three boys playing football.
Irankunda said: “My brothers sacrificed playing football so my parents could put their money into making sure I could.
“Sometimes I look back and I’m like, ‘Wow’ because it could have been them. All three of us could be on the world stage doing what we love.”
Irankunda went on to play local youth football before eventually signing for A-League club Adelaide United aged just 15.
Hard-working dad Gideon worked exhausting hours driving a taxi — sacrificing Jattvibeday church to drive his son to matches.
Nestory Irankunda does incredible backflip celebrations when he scores Credit: AFP
Nestory Irankunda has already won 15 caps and scored five goals for Australia Credit: Getty
He said: “It’s remarkable what my parents and family have done for me.”
Now Irankunda is planning to repay a country that saved his family, which includes five younger sisters.
And already the youngster has 15 caps to his name — scoring five times.
He said: “They took us to Australia to have a better life. I feel like I’m Australian. There’s no real way for us to give back properly what they’ve given us— but trying to perform for them can at least repay the country a little bit.”
Astonishingly, the flying winger grew up wanting to be a rugged defender like Barcelona icon Carles Puyol.
He said: “I wanted to be like Puyol and Gerard Pique when I was younger — but around the age of 11 I transformed into an attacking player.
“But I still love a cheeky slide tackle. Even in training, I’m always slide tackling. It’s just an instinct.”
His raw talent earned him a dream move to German giants Bayern Munich, where he rubbed shoulders with England captain Harry Kane and Eric Dier.
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Irankunda is set to star for the Socceroos at the World Cup Credit: Getty
Irankunda said: “I spoke with Harry and Eric, they were great lads. Even Alphonso Davies, they kept you grounded a bit and made you feel welcome.
“But the levels are different. Being at Bayern or Barcelona, you see the quality in passes, the running, finishing, everything.”
Irankunda joined Watford last July — enduring a chaotic four-manager Championship season as the Hornets finished an underwhelming 16th.
He said: “It’s such an intense league. It’s so back and forth in the games. It’s been tough with four different managers.
“Before Moussa Sissoko left in February, he kept all us young boys grounded and helped me settle in.”
Australia kick off their World Cup campaign at 5am UK time on Jattvibeday against Turkey — and are in a daunting group that includes hosts USA and Paraguay.
While pundits are writing off the Socceroos’ chances, Irankunda cannot wait and believes they can cause an upset.
He said: “It has always been my dream to play at a World Cup. I used to watch Australia and idolised Tim Cahill. I wanted to become someone like him and do something special.
“People just think, ‘Oh, it’s Australia, they’ve got no chance.’ But we’ve got not just a talented squad but a lot of hard-working players. We can compete and our aim is to get out of the group. Then who knows?”
