Honest Ahanor, a 16-year-old rising star from Genoa, is already making waves in Italian football and catching the eye of top clubs. Born in Aversa, Campania, on February 23, 2008, to Nigerian parents, Ahanor is a versatile defender with a bright future ahead.
Calciomercato detail how Ahanor’s journey with Genoa began at the tender age of 5, and he has been steadily progressing through the club’s youth ranks ever since. His breakthrough came last season when he played a crucial role in Genoa’s Under-18 Scudetto victory, showcasing his talents as a left-sided player.
Standing at 184 cm tall, Ahanor possesses an impressive combination of physical strength and speed. While primarily a central defender, he has excelled as a left-back or wing-back, demonstrating his attacking prowess with 8 goals in 24 appearances during the 2022/23 season.
Ahanor’s playing style has drawn comparisons to Destiny Udogie, with many seeing a similar trajectory for the young Genoa star. However, Ahanor himself cites Paolo Maldini as his idol, aspiring to emulate the AC Milan legend’s versatility and excellence across the backline.
Genoa has moved quickly to secure Ahanor’s future, recently having him sign his first professional contract – a three-year deal running until June 30, 2027. This commitment hasn’t deterred interest from other clubs, with Juventus reportedly monitoring his progress for over a year.
The arrival of Michele Sbravati, Genoa’s former youth sector “wizard,” as Juventus’ new head of youth development, has only intensified the Bianconeri’s interest in Ahanor. Sbravati’s intimate knowledge of the player could prove crucial in any future transfer discussions.
As Ahanor continues to develop, there’s a possibility he could make his official first-team debut for Genoa under coach Alberto Gilardino in the near future.
