Famous footballers who share birthday with Raila

By Peter Ochieng

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, born on January 7, 1945 is celebrating his 80th birthday as he steps up campaigns for the next African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship.

Elections will be held in February in Addis Ababa Ethiopia, with Odinga among the front runners.  

His followers and admirers took to social media to wish him a long and successful life, more so best of luck during the AUC polls.

“As the new year unfolds, we pause on this special day to celebrate Baba's birthday! Happy birthday, Jakom! May this year bring you boundless joy and abundant blessings,” said Homabay governor Gladys Wanga.

“Happy birthday Baba. Cheers to another trip around the sun! Keep shining. Wishing you great health and a long life,” stated Embakasi East MP Paul Obgili, alias Babu Owino.

Odinga was born in Maseno, Kisumu to Mary Juma Odinga and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga.

His father served as Kenya’s first Vice President. Odinga went to Kisumu Union Primary, Maranda primary in Bondo and Maranda High School where he studied until 1962, when he was transferred by his father to Germany.

He shares a birthday with two famous footballers.

1. Eden Hazard

The Lille, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Belgium national football team legend was born on January 07, 1991 which means he has just turned 34.

Known for his dribbling and creativity, he is regarded as one of the best players of his generation.

Hazard began his senior career with Ligue 1 club Lille in 2007 at the age of 16 and soon became an integral part of the Lille team under manager Rudi Garcia.

After making over 190 appearances and scoring 50 goals for Lille, Hazard signed for Chelsea in June 2012. He won the UEFA Europa League in his first season and the PFA Young Player of the Year in his second.

He joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2019.

However, injury woes, subpar performances, and a lack of fitness led to him only playing a limited number of games, departing the club in June 2023 and retiring from professional football four months later.

His list of accolades includes one Ligue 1 title with Lille, two English Premier League titles and two Europa League titles with Chelsea, and two Lal Liga titles and one Champions League title with Real Madrid.

2. Jan Oblak

The Atletico de Madrid and Slovenia goalkeeper was born on January 07, 1993, which means he is now 32 years old.

He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world today.

Oblak signed for Portuguese club Benfica at the age of 17, and was part of the team that won the domestic treble in the 2013–14 season.

In 2014 he moved to Atlético Madrid for a fee of €16 million, becoming La Liga's most expensive goalkeeper at the time.

With over 450 appearances for Atlético Madrid, Oblak has won four trophies with the club, including the 2020–21 La Liga title.

He made his senior international debut for Slovenia in 2012, and has been named Slovenian Footballer of the Year on eight occasions.