Michy Batshuayi’s story is one of resilience and determination, where he constantly defied those who misunderstood him. From a young age, Michy was often criticized for his style of play—some labelled him selfish for making long runs without passing. But his parents, Viviane Leya Iseka and Pino Batshuayi, who are of African descent, always knew the potential he had. Despite the doubts, Michy silenced his critics by excelling on the field, earning recognition like the prestigious Ebony Shoe Award. Scouts from various clubs soon saw his unique talent, recognizing that there was much more to him than what others perceived.
This article delves into Michy Batshuayi’s journey—from his childhood days in Brussels and the challenges he faced as a youth, to overcoming obstacles and rising through the ranks of professional football. It’s a story of perseverance, proving naysayers wrong, and achieving success against all odds.
Michy Batshuayi Childhood Story – Early and Family Life:
For those new to his story, Michy Batshuayi Atunga was born on October 2, 1993, in Brussels, Belgium. His parents, Viviane Leya Iseka and Pino Batshuayi, both have roots in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They moved to Belgium in hopes of creating better opportunities for their future children.
Growing up in Brussels, Young Batshuayi had the support of his sport-loving parents, who encouraged him and his sibling Aaron Leya Iseka (also a footballer) to develop and practice the sport they had a passion for.
Their support was particularly enhanced by the fact that Batshuayi displayed energetic footballing prowess, which did not only make him stand out among his peers.
But rubbed off on his little brother, who also picked up and developed an interest in football.
It wasn’t long before Batshuayi’s parents gave a boost to his passion for football by enrolling him at a youth academy, RFC Evere, the first among four youths’ clubs where he began his career.
Michy Batshuayi Biography – Career Buildup:
A footballing trait that Batshuayi was identified with during his youth club endeavours was his tendency to make long runs with the ball without passing, a trait which made his teammates consider him selfish.
Nevertheless, he found favour with scouts from other clubs who saw beyond his perceived selfishness.
Notable among his numerous youth career was his move to Anderlecht youth club in 2007, where he played in the capacity of a centre-forward and delivered goals.
This Belgian club first accepted Amadou Onana when he travelled to Belgium from Senegal as an 11-year-old kid.
His top form didn’t go unnoticed by rival club Standard Liège, who secured his services in 2008.
Batshuayi carved a niche for himself at the club with his impressive performances and was promoted to the senior team when he was aged 18.
Michy Batshuayi Bio – Rise To Fame:
Batshuayi was not one to lose progress in a career he had a passion for. His maintained top-form saw him score 21 goals during the 2013/2014 season for Standard Liège.
The feat, among many others, made him win the Ebony Shoe Award, which was given in recognition of the best African players in Belgium’s division teams. Other notable winners in the past include Romelu Lukaku (CF), Youri Tielemans (CM), and Paul Onuachu (CF).
Batshuayi continued his scoring artistry at Marseille, a French club he signed for in 2014.
It was at Marseille that his goalscoring form caught the interest of top English teams, including Chelsea FC and Westham. The rest, as they say, is history.
FIFA Issue:
Michy is among players who really care about his ratings in EA Sports’ hugely popular football game.
Seemingly inappropriate Expression:
While Batshuayi was at Chelsea, he came under heavy fire after footage of a decisive match appeared to catch him laughing at his fellow teammate Alvaro Morata for losing a penalty.
The incident happened during Chelsea’s shootout defeat to Arenal in the finals of the 2017 Community Shield. Batshuayi was replaced with Morata during the 74th minute of the game for failing to impress.
The game was deadlocked with a 1-1 draw, leaving penalties to decide the winner. Alvaro Morata, together with Thibaut Courtois, missed a penalty kick that saw Arsenal win the match. What got fans enraged was when footage appeared to show Batshuayi laughing behind Morata, who was obviously pained by the loss.
However, Batshuayi went on Twitter moments later to correct what he took as a mistaken notion by noting that:
“Wow lol some people really believe I laughed at my teammate and/or us losing ? Sorry to disappoint but I wasn’t”
Michy Batshuayi Biography Facts – Love for comics:
Batshuayi has a penchant for watching and following cartoon series. The activity, which is one of his pastime activities, has far-reaching effects beyond entertainment as it dictates his sense of fashion.
Notable among his favourite cartoon characters is Sponge Bob, and he never seems to have enough Sponge Bob cartoons.
In addition, he was once spotted wearing a boxer under it kit. The boxer (pictured below under transparent shorts) depicts the deep sea character under his kit. Indeed, his love for cartoons knows no bounds.
Big Kid at Heart:
Batshuayi is one who never seems to act his age, as evidenced by his collection of toys. The 25-year-old has a large collection of toys, which he describes as his personal museum.
The “personal museum” features a large glass cabinet filled with miniature collectable toys.
Not just small toys, Batshuayi seems to have found a big toy that seemingly matches his age. It’s a full-size statue from the popular cartoon Dragon Ball Z.
Reasons Behind Michy Batshuayi’s Nickname:
Because of his love for comics, Batshuayi got the nickname ‘Batsman’.
This is a character he likes and also defines him. The Batman character is regarded as one that comes from the dark to do the unthinkable.
Batshuayi comes from the bench and still does the magic of producing goals.
Speaking of goals, Michy’s FIFA 2018 World Cup goal celebration tactics once failed him as he once saw the ball he shot to the goal post backfiring to his face.
Personality:
Michy Batshuayi is one who loves what he does and radiates comic relief even when things don’t go the way he plans. Nevertheless, works hard and tries his possible best to make his achievements look effortless. In addition, He is sociable, has a sense of diplomacy, and tries his possible best to avoid confrontations.
Fact Check:
Thank you for taking the time to learn about Michy Batshuayi’s journey. Although he’s a fierce competitor, he maintains that there’s no rivalry between him, Victor Osimhen, and Mauro Icardi in his Galatasaray team. We’re dedicated to providing you with accurate and unbiased stories about Belgian football.
You might also enjoy reading about the lives of Tessa Wullaert and Loïs Openda. If you notice any inaccuracies in this article, feel free to leave a comment or get in touch with us!