At just 18 years old, Stanley Wilson is already making waves in European football, having recently embarked on his professional career with Swedish club AIK. The highly regarded Kenyan midfielder has wasted no time in setting his ambitions high, openly expressing his dream of playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League. Wilson hopes to follow in the footsteps of his compatriot, Victor Wanyama, who became the first Kenyan to play in England’s top flight.
Wilson’s journey to professional football has been a long-awaited one. AIK had to be patient, as FIFA regulations prohibit the international transfer of players under the age of 18, with only a few exceptions. As a result, the Swedish side waited for seven months before they could officially sign Wilson, who turned 18 in August. The club’s faith in the young talent was immediately rewarded when Wilson made his debut just a day after signing his first professional contract.
On August 31st, in a match against Värnamo in Sweden’s top division, Wilson made his first appearance for AIK. Despite his youth, he did not look out of place, contributing to the team’s 1-0 victory. This early exposure to first-team football has only strengthened Wilson’s resolve to achieve his dream of playing for Arsenal, a club he has admired from a young age.
In an interview with Fotboll Direkt, Wilson shared his aspirations: “For me, playing for Arsenal in the Premier League would be a dream come true. It’s something I’ve always envisioned, and I’m working hard every day to make it a reality.”
Wilson’s rapid rise has not gone unnoticed, particularly back home in Kenya. In September 2023, he earned a call-up to the Harambee Stars provisional squad for an international friendly against Qatar. Although still early in his career, Wilson’s potential is evident, and he is seen as one of the future stars of Kenyan football.
His journey with AIK began earlier this year in February when he joined the club’s training sessions during Sweden’s harsh winter. For Wilson, who had never experienced snow before, adjusting to the cold was a significant challenge.
“The Swedish winter was one of the craziest experiences I’ve ever had. It was incredibly cold—something I had never felt before. Training with snow all around me was surreal. I had to wear extra layers, gloves, and even a neck warmer just to stay warm during the sessions,” Wilson recalled.
ALSO READ
- Firat Boldly Turns to Omalla as Olunga’s Injury Threatens Kenya’s Qualifier Hopes
- Sudan’s Dominant Victory Highlights a Day of Draws in AFCON Qualifiers
- Sudan Dominates Group F Despite Civil War Challenges in AFCON Qualifiers
Despite the initial shock, Wilson has adapted well to life in Sweden. He has found the country to be welcoming, though he has noticed cultural differences compared to his home in Kenya.
“Sweden is a really cool place. The AIK community has been very welcoming, and I’ve felt at home here. The people in Sweden are a bit more reserved compared to Kenyans, but they are also very kind and honest,” Wilson observed.
As Wilson continues to adjust to the Swedish way of life and football, his focus remains on improving his game and solidifying his place in the AIK squad. He is determined to build on his debut and make an even greater impact in the upcoming matches.
One such opportunity will come on September 15th, when AIK is set to face Malmö, the most successful club in Swedish football history. Wilson is hopeful of earning his first start in this high-profile clash, which would mark a significant milestone in his young career.
Looking ahead, Wilson knows that achieving his dream of playing in the Premier League will require hard work and perseverance. However, with his talent and determination, he is well on his way to making that dream a reality.
For now, the young midfielder is focused on making his mark in Sweden, continuing to learn and grow with each passing game. Whether it’s dealing with the cold or adapting to a new culture, Stanley Wilson’s journey is just beginning, and the football world will be watching closely as he takes the next steps in his promising career.
