Nigerian-eligible forward Ademola Ola-Adebomi has expressed heartfelt appreciation after receiving Kylian Mbappé’s jersey following a high-profile pre-season friendly between WSG Tirol and Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old striker, who recently joined Austrian side WSG Tirol on a free transfer from Crystal Palace, took to social media to thank the French superstar for the memorable gesture.
Ola-Adebomi Thanks Mbappé for “Unforgettable” Gift
After sharing the pitch with one of football’s global icons, Ola-Adebomi successfully swapped shirts with Mbappé—a moment that clearly meant a lot to the young forward. The Real Madrid No.10 shirt, worn by Mbappé during the match, was proudly shown off by Ola-Adebomi on his Instagram Story, captioned:
“Thanks for the shirt Kylian Mbappe.”
Who is Ademola Ola-Adebomi?
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Ola-Adebomi—nicknamed “Mola” by teammates—spent over a decade at Crystal Palace, joining the club’s academy at the age of eight. He signed his first professional contract in April 2022 and was involved in several senior matchday squads during the 2023/24 Premier League season, although he did not make a first-team appearance.
He also had short loan spells at Burton Albion in League One, where he scored once in 14 appearances, and later with Belgian side Beveren. His move to Tirol in July 2025 marks a fresh start in his career.
The friendly match against Real Madrid—his first major appearance for Tirol—was already a career highlight. The opportunity to play against Mbappé and walk away with his shirt made it even more special for the 6’4″ centre-forward.
Emotional Farewell to Crystal Palace
Upon leaving Crystal Palace, Ola-Adebomi shared a touching farewell message to the club and fans on Instagram:
“It’s hard to find the right words to express how much Crystal Palace means to me. From the age of 7, this club has been my home, my family, and my life. I’ve grown up here, both as a player and as a person… It’s with a heavy heart that I’m announcing my departure. Crystal Palace will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Meanwhile: Lesley Ugochukwu Joins Burnley
In related news, another Nigeria-eligible talent, Lesley Ugochukwu, has completed a move from Chelsea to Burnley, signing a five-year deal with the Premier League side. The 21-year-old joins the Clarets as they aim to strengthen their squad for the upcoming season.
