The forward returned to scoring for Ravenna in Serie C 962 days after his last goal: “Soccer is my life; I wanted to give my parents a better future. I was supposed to sign with Milan twice, but then…”
Stefano Okaka celebrated a goal again 962 days after his last one. With a header in the 97th minute, deep into stoppage time, he secured the victory for his team, Ravenna, in the away match against Pianese: “Scoring like that is even better. I hugged my teammates, and we celebrated in front of the visitors’ section. As I ran, I thought back on those two years away from the game and on my family’s love. It’s thanks to them that I started playing again.” The former Roma forward chose to restart his career in Serie C, getting back into the game by accepting the challenge from the Romagna-based club that had just returned to the professional ranks: “ I left Basaksehir in the summer of 2023. During that long time away from the field, I never thought about retiring. I’m 36 now; my career started very early—I was already in Serie A at 16. I felt the need to make up for lost time with my parents, my brother Carlo, and my sister Stefania. But soccer is like love—it always finds a way to come back.”
From Serie A to the Premier League, via the Champions League and Europa League. He’s played everywhere, but this is his first time in Serie C.
“I was abroad this summer, keeping up my training. My brother Carlo called me and told me about the Ravenna project. I met with President Cipriani and sporting director Davide Mandorlini, and together we decided to start training to try to make a comeback. I’d say it went well. Now, as a newly promoted team, we’re third in Group B, just one point behind Arezzo at the top.”
Did you miss soccer?
“It’s been my life since I was born. Over the past two years, I’ve kept myself in shape and watched games on TV. Enjoying time with the people I love helped me recharge my energy so I could return to work with passion and perseverance.”
Your last goal came in March 2023. Two and a half years later, you finally broke the drought. Do you have a special dedication for this goal?
“To my nephew Thiago and the rest of my family. They mean everything to me.”
His mom, Doris, and dad, Austin, have always been by his side, ever since his days at Roma.
“I dreamed of becoming a soccer player, but my goal was to give my parents a better future. They worked three jobs to support us kids. I joined Roma when I was 14—I was very young. I have to thank President Franco Sensi; he welcomed me to Trigoria and gave me the chance to live at the training center with them.”
His career, however, could have started at Milan.
“I was about to sign with the Rossoneri, but then Bruno Conti took me and my father to Trigoria. I was impressed by the training center, so I chose the Giallorossi.”
The first person to put his faith in you was Luciano Spalletti.
“He’s like a second father to me. When I was 16, in 2005, he brought me up to the first team, and I immediately scored in the Coppa Italia against Napoli. That’s where it all began.”
You mentioned the time the coach scolded you for showing up in an extremely expensive car when you were just 18. That probably wasn’t the only scolding…
“In 2007, I wasn’t playing much, and Spalletti sent me onto the field in the final minutes against Atalanta. I came on far from inspired. The first time I glanced toward the bench, he said to me, ‘See you later.’ He’d noticed. At the end of the game, I ran to the locker room, and he was chasing after me. The doping control saved me: I stayed locked in that room for over three hours so I wouldn’t get caught. How did it end? The next day I got a fine. Better that than another scolding from the coach.”
He joined a group of champions: from Totti to De Rossi, including Panucci, Perrotta, Chivu, and many others.
“I was close to Francesco and Daniele. I grew up at Trigoria; Roma has always been my family. My time with the Giallorossi will remain a fundamental part of my life. We talk often; our bond goes beyond friendship. It’s almost like a brotherly bond.”
Another former teammate with whom he’s remained very close is Antonio Cassano.
“He texted me right after the goal to congratulate me. He stood by me during a difficult period in my career, when I had a falling-out with the Parma club because they wanted to sell me. Thanks to Antonio, I went back to training with the team and gave 100%.”
The goals as a youngster, the fame, the fans’ expectations. How did you experience those years?
“It wasn’t easy to handle the pressure. You always have to prove you’re more mature than your age, even if you’ve just turned 18. I was the talented kid living in Trigoria with my parents—everyone was talking about me. Even today, at Roma, many more experienced players struggle to hit their stride right away.”
After loan stints with Brescia and Modena, in 2009 he made the leap to the Premier League with Fulham.
“I scored two goals there too, but it’s tough to score against English teams. Kompany is without a doubt the best defender I’ve ever faced. A fantastic player.”
Sampdoria and Udinese were the other two key stops in his career.
“I left my heart at Sampdoria. At Udinese, together with President Pozzo and technical director Marino, we reignited the fans’ enthusiasm. While I was at Sampdoria, I also got the call-up to the national team.”
It was Conte who wanted you on the national team.
“An absolute legend of Italian soccer—he’s a tremendous coach. Working with him helped me a lot. Playing for Italy was another dream come true. It’s a shame I wasn’t called up for Euro 2016.”
Did you think you’d make the squad?
“Yes, I was disappointed. I thought I was on the list, but unfortunately that wasn’t the case. The coach made different choices.”
Around the same time, you also came close to joining Milan (again) and Inter.
“In 2015, I’d already agreed to terms with the Rossoneri, but then Mancini’s Inter got involved in the negotiations. President Ferrero blocked the deal and prevented me from moving to the Nerazzurri. It was a missed opportunity.”
Abroad, he found consistency playing for Anderlecht, Watford, and Basaksehir.
“My experiences away from Italy shaped me and made me the player I am today. Now, looking back, I realize I’ve worn many important jerseys, and I’m proud of that.”
You’re an atypical soccer player: you don’t use social media.
“I’ve never felt the need to. I don’t criticize those who use it, but I’m fine without it.”
What makes you happiest about these twenty years in soccer?
“Not having left my family behind. I bought my parents a house by saving up my first paychecks. My brother, my sister, and I will never forget what they’ve done for us.”
Okaka, what’s your goal now?
“To keep enjoying myself on the field and scoring goals. I wouldn’t mind winning with Ravenna, either.”
