Super Eagles forward Cyriel Dessers entered the professional scene later than usual and began his career at mid-level clubs in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Dessers, aged 29, only began to gain significant recognition after joining Genk in 2020. His career took off further during a successful loan period at Feyenoord, where he emerged as the leading scorer in the Europa Conference League for the club.
The team made it to the final of the tournament but narrowly missed out on victory, resulting in Dessers receiving a runner-up medal as Roma triumphed over the Dutch club in the final.
Cyriel Dessers faced criticism from the Ibrox fans during Michael Beale's tenure after his £4.5 million transfer from Serie A's Cremonese.
However, under Philippe Clement, he has managed to prove some of his doubters wrong, kickstarting his Scottish Premiership journey.
Dessers has emerged as a vital player for Rangers, scoring six goals since the winter break and propelling the team to the top of the league table.
The Nigerian, born in Belgium, confessed that he wasn't considered a “major talent” during his ascent to success. However, he is now resolute in his determination to create something “remarkable” with Rangers.
Cyriel Dessers opens up about his rise to stardom with Rangers
In a candid interview, Dessers revealed, “I was never regarded as a big, big talent. This path has made me stronger and who I am now.” Expressing his enthusiasm for joining Rangers, he emphasised, “I was incredibly happy to sign here. With the incentive to build something beautiful.”
Reflecting on the team's journey this season, he remarked, “It was a really difficult start for us this season but you see that we turned it around the last months. Then you can see when this club is in full force then you really realise how big Rangers is and it’s massive. It’s unbelievable.”
After contributing significantly to Rangers' triumph in their Europa League group, Dessers aims for further success as they prepare to take on Benfica.
His prowess in European competitions was evident during his time at Feyenoord, notably scoring twice against Marseille to propel the Dutch team to the Conference League final.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career, Dessers added, “In hindsight those were the goals that got us to the final so this was probably the most beautiful game of my career until now. There are so many good football players in the world but how many of them can say ‘I played in a European Final?”
Has Cyriel Dessers ever featured for the Super Eagles?
Born to a Belgian father and Nigerian mother in Belgium, Dessers made the decision to represent Nigeria at international level in December 2019.
Despite previously being called up to the Belgium under-21 national team, where he remained an unused substitute, Dessers received a call-up from Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr on 4 March 2020, for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Sierra Leone.
He made his debut for the Super Eagles in a friendly match against Tunisia on 13 October 2020, and has since earned four caps for the team, scoring a goal.
