There’s something deeply satisfying about watching talent receive its due recognition, even if it arrives fashionably late.
Victor Boniface stood at the BayArena this week, UEFA Europa League Golden Boot trophy finally in hand, a glittering reminder that the 25-year-old Nigerian isn’t just hype, he’s hardware.
The award, delayed but not diminished, officially places him among Europe’s elite strikers for the 2022/23 campaign where he matched Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford with six clinical goals.
)
When underdogs bite
This wasn’t a Golden Boot earned in the spotlight of a European giant.
Boniface carved his name into continental history while wearing Union Saint-Gilloise colours, leading the Belgian underdogs on an unforgettable quarter-final run that announced his arrival to the bigger clubs.
Six goals. Ten appearances. Ruthless efficiency wrapped in raw power.
Victor Boniface was in great form for Royale Union Saint Gilloise
Victor Boniface was in great form for Royale Union Saint Gilloise
The defining moment? A brace against Union Berlin in the Round of 16 that showed everything scouts had been whispering about, pace, positioning, and that predatory instinct that separates good strikers from game-changers. Bayer Leverkusen saw enough to make their move, and the rest became Bundesliga history.
From Belgian Breakout to German Destroyer
Since landing in Germany, Boniface transformed into one of the Bundesliga’s most feared attacking forces.
)
Victor Boniface | Imago
The physical dominance that terrorised Europa League defenses now batters German backlines weekly. But this Golden Boot, officially presented years after he earned it, serves as a critical reminder: before he was a Bundesliga nightmare, he was a continental executioner.
Sharing the award with Rashford, who was tearing through Europa League opposition for Manchester United during that same campaign, only amplifies the achievement.
)
Marcus Rashford won the Sir Matt Busby and Manchester United Players’ Player of the Year award in 2023 (Credit: Instagram)
Two strikers, different trajectories, identical output. One went to Old Trafford glory. The other went to Leverkusen and built something equally formidable
For Boniface, currently working his way back from injury after his loan spell at Werder Bremen, this award arrives at a crucial psychological moment.
)
Victor Boniface
Individual silverware has a way of reigniting hunger, especially for a striker whose career trajectory suggests he still has the potential to climb.
For the Super Eagles faithful watching his rehabilitation closely, the message is clear: Nigeria’s centre forward isn’t just talented, he’s proven. Golden Boot winners don’t fade quietly. They return sharper.
Boniface scored twice for USG in their Europa League clash against Union Berlin
Genk vs Royale Union Saint-Gilloise end with Boniface in excellent form again.
The boot is golden. The future looks brighter.