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| Pic1. Raphael Leai |
Raphael Leai is a Solomon Islands professional footballer, born on October 20, 2001. He grew up in the Solomon Islands, a country known for its passion for football. Leai started playing football at a young age, and his talent was noticed by local coaches and scouts.
In 2018, at the age of 16, Leai made his debut for the Solomon Islands national football team, during the Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu. He quickly became one of the standout players of the team, showcasing his skills and scoring crucial goals. He continued to impress in the following years, playing in various international tournaments, such as the OFC U-19 Championship, the OFC Nations Cup, and the FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
In January 2023, it was announced that Leai had signed a professional contract with a top Bosnian football club, FK Željezničar. The news was met with excitement in the Solomon Islands and among football fans worldwide. Leai had become the first Solomon Islander to sign a professional contract with a European club, marking a significant milestone for football in the country.
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| Pic2. Leai on contract signing |
Leai's signing was the result of his impressive performances and hard work on and off the pitch. He had caught the attention of European scouts during the OFC U-19 Championship in 2022, where he was the top scorer of the tournament and helped his team win the title.
Leai's journey to Europe was not easy, as he faced numerous challenges and obstacles along the way. He had to overcome financial and logistical barriers, as well as the lack of exposure and resources for football development in the Solomon Islands. However, Leai remained determined and focused on his goal, and his dedication paid off.
As of March 2023, Leai is still playing for FK Željezničar in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he is continuing to hone his skills and make a name for himself in the European football scene.
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References:
1. https://m.solomontimes.com/news/leai-signs-professional-contract-with-european-club/12393
2. https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/solomon-islands-striker-signs-for-top-bosnian-football-club/
4.https://www.abc.net.au/pacific/programs/pacificbeat/sols-soccer/101925954
5. https://khelnow.com/football/2023-03-world-football-unearthing-raphael-leai
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