Togolese forward Denkey Kevin has made a notable mark in this season’s UEFA Conference League, finishing among the competition’s top ten scorers despite an early departure from the European scene.
The 23-year-old began the tournament in fine form while playing for Belgian side Cercle Brugge, netting four goals before transferring to FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer.
His performances in the group stages left a lasting impression, making him the only African player to feature in the upper ranks of the competition’s scoring chart.
Denkey’s early-season exploits helped Cercle Brugge progress in the competition and earned him recognition beyond Belgium’s borders. His ability to find the net consistently in continental play drew the attention of international scouts and eventually led to his move to the United States.
Now plying his trade in the MLS, the Lomé-born striker continues to develop in a league that has become a popular destination for emerging international talents.
While Denkey’s Conference League campaign ended prematurely due to his mid-season transfer, his four goals were enough to keep him among the tournament’s top scorers heading into the final.
His achievement stands out in a competition that has provided a platform for less-heralded players to showcase their abilities on the European stage.
Slovenian midfielder Svit Sešlar of NK Celje currently tops the scoring list, having registered six goals in the tournament. However, his side failed to reach the final stages, leaving room for others to potentially leapfrog him.
Chelsea’s Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernández remain in the hunt for the golden boot, both having scored five times ahead of tonight’s final against Real Betis. A goal from either player in the decisive match would see them tie with or overtake Sešlar, depending on the result.
The clash between the English and Spanish clubs is expected to be a high-intensity affair, with both sides eyeing silverware and individual players eager to leave their mark.
Sancho, revitalised under new leadership at Chelsea, has been instrumental in the club’s run to the final, showcasing pace and creativity in the attacking third.
Fernández, on the other hand, has contributed not just with goals but through commanding midfield performances that have dictated the tempo of several matches.
Real Betis, meanwhile, have relied on a collective effort to reach the final, with no individual player dominating the goal charts.
Their progress has come through a balance of solid defence and opportunistic finishing — a strategy that will be tested against Chelsea’s dynamic attack.
Despite the final’s spotlight being fixed on the remaining contenders, Denkey Kevin’s presence in the top scorers’ list remains a testament to his early brilliance.
His inclusion alongside players from top-tier European clubs reflects the diversity and reach of the Conference League, a competition increasingly serving as a stepping stone for talented players from less globally renowned football nations.
As the tournament concludes, Denkey’s name stands proudly among Europe’s emerging stars — a reminder of how even a brief spell in continental competition can elevate a player’s career and put African football talent in the spotlight.
