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Rodney Strasser
Rodney Strasser
Rodney Strasser
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Rodney Strasser (born 30 March 1990) is a Sierra Leonean professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder.[2]

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

AC Milan

[edit]

Born in Freetown, Strasser began his career at local club Kallon, before moving to Italy to join AC Milan in 2007.[3] During his time in Milan's youth system, he was a member of the under-20 side, who won the 2009–10 Coppa Italia Primavera.[4] He made his first-team debut on 21 December 2008, in a 5–1 win against Udinese, coming on as a substitute for Kakha Kaladze in the 82nd minute.[5][6]

Genoa

[edit]

On 20 July 2010, Milan announced that half of the rights to Strasser had been purchased by Genoa for €2.25 million,[7] as part of the deal that saw defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos move to Milan.[8] Strasser, however, would stay at Milan on loan,[9] joining the first-team squad permanently. His first appearance of the season was in a UEFA Champions League group stage 2–0 win against Auxerre – which also marked his debut in European club competition – on 23 November.[10] He went on to score his first professional goal in a 1–0 league win over Cagliari, on 6 January.[11]

Milan return

[edit]

In May 2011, his co-ownership was dissolved in favour of Milan for the same price and renewed his contract to June 2016.[12][13] (with Papastathopoulos moved back to Genoa),[14] but Strasser subsequently joined Lecce on loan.[15] He appeared in 13 games and scored one goal for his new team, before suffering a broken ankle in a game against Juventus on 9 January and subsequently being called back to Milan to undergo rehabilitation.[16] He made his return on 10 April, coming on as a substitute in the second half of a game against Chievo, which Milan won 1–0.[17] At the start of the following season, Strasser sustained another injury which would rule him out for three months.[18] After recovering he struggled to get playing time, making only one Coppa Italia appearance before being loaned out to Parma during the January transfer window.[19]

Genoa return

[edit]

On 27 July 2013, Strasser joined Genoa on a permanent deal for €3.5 million, as part of Kévin Constant's co-ownership resolution in favour of Milan for €6 million.[20] Strasser was loaned out to Serie B team Reggina in August 2013.[21] As of January 2019, Strasser played for the Serie D team Villafranca.[1]

International career

[edit]

Strasser made his international debut for the Sierra Leone national team on 5 September 2010, in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualification game against Egypt.[3][22]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 27 July 2013[23][24]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League Cup Continental[a] Other Total
Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
AC Milan 2008–09 1 0 0 0 0 0 – 1 0
2009–10 1 0 0 0 0 0 – 1 0
2010–11 3 1 0 0 2 0 – 5 1
2011–12 1 0 0 0 0 0 – 1 0
2012–13 0 0 1 0 0 0 – 1 0
Total 6 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 9 1
Lecce (loan) 2011–12 12 1 1 0 – – 13 1
Parma (loan) 2012–13 2 0 – – – 2 0
Career total 20 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 24 2

International

[edit]
As of 3 October 2013[25]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Sierra Leone 2010 2 0
2011 4 0
2012 0 0
2013 2 0
Total 8 0

Honours

[edit]
Milan

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rodney Strasser

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rodney Strasser (born 30 March 1990) is a retired professional footballer who played primarily as a defensive . Born in , , Strasser began his career in the youth academy of local club Kallon before moving to in 2007 to join AC Milan's youth system. Strasser's senior career debuted with in during the 2008–2009 season, where he made six appearances and scored one goal over four seasons, including his sole goal for the club in a 1–0 victory over on 6 January 2011. He was loaned out to other Italian clubs, including (12 appearances, 1 goal in 2011–2012 ), (2 appearances in 2012–2013 ), Reggina (22 appearances in 2013–2014 ), and (2 appearances in 2014–2015 ). Later, he played abroad for in the Croatian 1. HNL (12 appearances in 2015–2016) and TPS in the Finnish (7 appearances in 2020), before concluding his playing career with FAVL Cimini in lower-tier Italian football until July 2024. Throughout his club career, Strasser accumulated over 60 appearances in top , known for his tenacity and ball-winning ability in midfield. On the international stage, Strasser represented the national team, known as the Leone Stars, earning 12 caps between his debut in a qualifier on 5 September 2010 and his final appearance, without scoring any goals. He contributed to 's efforts in African qualifiers during a period when the team aimed to qualify for major tournaments. Following his retirement from professional play in 2024, Strasser has remained involved in football through mentoring and community initiatives in . In May 2025, he visited the Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) academy to inspire young players, sharing his experiences from and expressing support for the national team's development under coach . His post-retirement efforts focus on promoting youth development and the growth of Sierra Leonean football.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Rodney Strasser was born on 30 March 1990 in , . He grew up in the capital during and in the years following the , which lasted from 1991 to 2002 and profoundly affected the country's social and economic landscape. Strasser was born into a family connected to football, with his late father, James Strasser, having been a player and elder statesman for the prominent Sierra Leonean club East End Lions. This familial link provided an early foundation for his interest in the sport, paving the way for his transition to structured youth training at Kallon F.C.

Youth career

Strasser began his organized football journey in by joining Kallon F.C., where he played for the youth and reserve teams during the 2006–07 season, gaining his initial competitive experience in local matches. In 2007, at the age of 17, he moved to to join the youth academy, specifically the Primavera under-20 team, where he adapted to the more structured and tactical demands of European football. During his time in Milan's youth system, Strasser contributed to the Primavera squad's success, including their victory in the 2009–10 Coppa Italia Primavera, a key achievement that highlighted his development as a defensive .

Club career

AC Milan

Strasser progressed through the youth academy after joining the club from Sierra Leonean side Kallon FC in 2007. He made his senior debut for the Rossoneri on 21 December 2008, substituting for in the 82nd minute of a 5–1 victory over Udinese at the . In July 2010, secured full control of Strasser's registration by resolving a co-ownership agreement with , allowing him to integrate permanently into the first-team squad under manager . During the 2008–2013 period, he accumulated six appearances and one goal for Milan, alongside two outings in the . His goal came on 6 January 2011, a late winner in a 1–0 league triumph against , marking a rare but impactful contribution. Positioned as a defensive midfielder, Strasser provided depth in rotations during his time at Milan, offering tactical discipline and energy in midfield under coaches Leonardo (2009–10) and Allegri (2010–11 onwards). His limited minutes highlighted a transitional phase from youth prospect to senior squad member, emphasizing defensive solidity in high-stakes matches.

Genoa

In July 2013, Rodney Strasser completed a permanent transfer to from for a reported fee of €3.5 million, as part of the co-ownership resolution that sent to for €6 million. The move marked the end of his long association with , where he had primarily served as a defensive in the youth and reserve setups before limited senior exposure. Strasser signed a five-year contract with , extending his commitment through to 2018 and establishing him as a prospective long-term squad member despite his youth international pedigree and raw potential. However, his integration into the first team proved challenging from the outset. During the 2013–14 season, Strasser recorded zero league appearances for , hampered by immediate assignments, persistent injuries—including a prior broken ankle from his Milan days—and intense competition for midfield positions under manager . This minimal involvement underscored 's strategy of developing him through external experience rather than direct immersion, though he remained on the club's books as a valued asset.

Loans from Genoa

Following his permanent transfer to Genoa from AC Milan in July 2013, Rodney Strasser embarked on a series of loans aimed at securing consistent first-team experience, moving across multiple leagues in Italy and eventually abroad. These moves highlighted his versatility as a defensive midfielder but also underscored challenges in establishing a regular role, with appearances varying significantly due to competition for places and tactical fits. Strasser's initial loan experience relevant to this period came earlier in the 2011–12 season with , where he made 12 appearances and scored 1 goal in , contributing to the team's efforts amid a tight relegation battle that ultimately ended in demotion. Although arranged under his prior contract during co-ownership with , it marked his push for senior minutes in top-flight Italian football. Shortly after finalizing his move, he was loaned to for the latter half of the 2012–13 campaign, featuring in just 2 matches without scoring, as the club fought its own survival concerns. In August 2013, Strasser joined side Reggina on loan from , where he found more opportunities, appearing in 22 league games without goals and helping stabilize the midfield during a mid-table season. Subsequent Italian loans reflected ongoing adaptation issues: a brief stint at in early 2015 yielded only 2 appearances in , limited by injury and squad depth, followed by a more productive spell at Lupa Castelli Romani in Lega Pro during the 2014–15 season, where he played 16 matches and netted 1 goal. Strasser's loans extended internationally in 2015–16, starting with in Croatia's top division from February to June, where he made 12 appearances without scoring, facing challenges adjusting to the physical style and earning inconsistent starts. The following season, 2016–17, saw him loaned to Portuguese club , registering 13 league outings and no goals, as the team battled relegation and Strasser's minutes remained sporadic amid midfield competition. Throughout these Genoa-affiliated moves, Strasser demonstrated resilience in diverse environments but struggled with sustained playing time, averaging under 15 appearances per loan.
Loan ClubSeasonLeagueAppearancesGoals
Lecce2011–12Serie A121
Parma2012–13Serie A20
Reggina2013–14Serie B220
Livorno2014–15Serie B20
Lupa Castelli Romani2014–15Lega Pro161
NK Zagreb2015–16Prva HNL120
Gil Vicente2016–17Primeira Liga130

Later clubs

In 2018, Strasser secured a free transfer to Villafranca Veronese in Italy's Serie D, where he featured in 14 matches during the 2018–19 season without scoring. His prior loan experiences across various leagues enhanced his adaptability to the demands of lower-division play. Strasser then moved to Finland's club TPS for the 2020–21 campaign, making 7 appearances in the top flight. Returning to , he joined Serie D side for 2021–22, where he recorded 6 league outings. In 2023, Strasser signed with FAVL Cimini in Italy's league, but his involvement was limited before the club released him at the end of the season. On 1 July 2024, at the age of 34, he entered free agency and has remained without a club since, signaling the conclusion of his professional playing career amid fewer opportunities at that stage.

International career

Early international career

Rodney Strasser, born in , , was eligible to represent the national team through his birthplace and became a key figure in their midfield during his early international . Strasser made his international debut on 5 September 2010, starting the match and playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw against during a qualification match in , where he played as a defensive . His promising form with Primavera and breakthrough appearances in the first team influenced his selection for the Leone Stars. Over the 2010–2012 period, Strasser accumulated six caps, primarily in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against opponents including , , and again. In these matches, he contributed to Sierra Leone's competitive showings, such as a 2–1 home victory over on 3 September 2011 and draws against , helping the team secure nine points in Group G despite ultimately finishing third and failing to qualify due to tiebreakers. As a defensive , Strasser played a vital role in providing stability to a side grappling with organizational challenges and inconsistent results amid broader national team struggles. Strasser's early international involvement extended into World Cup and additional Africa Cup qualifiers, earning him three more caps by 2015, including appearances in 2013 against and , and a 2014 win over , for a total of nine caps in this phase.

Later international career

Following his early international appearances, Strasser's involvement with the Sierra Leone national team diminished significantly from 2016 onward, reflecting both his fluctuating club form and the Leone Stars' organizational challenges, including FIFA suspensions and coaching changes. He did not feature in any matches during 2016, 2017, 2018, or 2019, despite Sierra Leone competing in AFCON qualifiers against opponents like and in Group F. Strasser's return came in late 2020 during the qualifiers, where he made two appearances against . On November 13, he substituted in at the 32nd minute during a 4-4 away draw ( vs. ), followed by starting and playing 56 minutes in the 0-0 home draw four days later. These were his first caps since , bringing his career total to 11 at that point, all without goals. In , Strasser added two more caps amid ongoing qualification campaigns. He started and played 80 minutes in a 0-0 qualifier away to on March 27, contributing to a solid defensive performance that mirrored his club role as a reliable holding . His final appearance came on November 13, substituting in at the 73rd minute during a 0-2 away friendly loss to . These two later caps concluded his international career at 13 total, underscoring his status as a dependable but underutilized defender for the Leone Stars, hampered by the national team's persistent inconsistencies in selection and preparation. No further call-ups followed after 2021, even as Strasser continued playing club football until his retirement in 2024.

Personal life

Family background

Rodney Strasser's father, James Ekundayo Hans Strasser, a former player for East End Lions in the who passed away in June 2020, played a pivotal role in introducing him to football from a young age, fostering his passion for the sport amid the local football culture in . Born on March 30, 1990, in , Strasser hails from a family deeply rooted in the city's vibrant yet challenging environment during the (1991–2002), a period that brought widespread hardship, displacement, and instability to many households, including those in the capital. Public information on Strasser's mother, siblings, or other immediate relatives remains scarce, with available records focusing primarily on his paternal lineage and its ties to Sierra Leonean football heritage. As of 2025, no details have emerged regarding a or children in credible reports.

Philanthropy

Following his professional football career with clubs like and the national team, Rodney Strasser established the Rodney Strasser Foundation to support youth development in his home country. The organization, active since at least early 2024, centers on youth football development and community mentoring programs aimed at empowering disadvantaged communities through sports, , and health initiatives. In June 2024, Strasser visited the Elite Goalkeepers Academy in , where he conducted training sessions for young players and donated equipment, drawing on his experiences from and Leone Stars to inspire the next generation. As of 2025, the foundation's activities continue to expand. In a January 2025 appearance on AYV , Strasser discussed plans to integrate sports and , including building multi-purpose sports centers in schools to enhance football access in underserved areas, emphasizing sustainable community impact through his professional background. He also paid a courtesy visit to UBA to explore potential partnerships for community empowerment and talent nurturing.

Career statistics and honours

Club statistics

Rodney Strasser amassed over 130 senior appearances and 3 goals across his club career, spanning elite Italian leagues like and , as well as lower divisions such as Lega Pro and Serie D, alongside stints in Portuguese and Finnish competitions from 2008 to 2024. His playing time was significantly impacted by recurrent injuries, including a 130-day absence due to a in 2012–13, a 91-day ankle injury in 2011–12, and a prolonged 215-day issue in 2014–15, which limited his opportunities at top clubs like and . He concluded his career with FAVL Cimini in lower-tier Italian football, becoming a in July 2024. The following table summarizes his club statistics by season and competition, focusing on domestic leagues and cups (excludes youth and friendly matches); totals reflect all verified senior outings.
SeasonClubCompetitionAppearancesGoals
2008–0910
2009–1010
2010–1131
20
2011–1210
(loan)121
2012–1310
(loan)20
2013–14Reggina220
2014–15 (loan)20
2015–16Lupa RomaLega Pro161
Prva HNL120
2016–17LigaPro120
2017–18Pro VercelliSerie C140
2018–19ASD Villafranca140
2020TPS70
Suomen Cup20
2021–2260
2022–23FAVL CiminiUnknown0
2023–24FAVL CiminiUnknown0
Total131+3

International statistics

Rodney Strasser earned 13 caps for the national team between 2010 and 2021, scoring no goals. His international appearances were limited to qualifiers for the (AFCON) and the , as well as one friendly match, with no participation in major tournaments. Strasser's early international career from 2010 to 2014 saw 9 caps, primarily during AFCON qualifiers against regional rivals like , , and , aligning with his peak club performances in Italy's . In the later period from 2020 to 2021, he added 4 caps amid AFCON qualifiers and a friendly, reflecting a return to the national setup after a hiatus. Sierra Leone consistently failed to advance beyond the preliminary stages of AFCON and World Cup qualifications during Strasser's involvement, often finishing low in their groups due to challenging draws and logistical issues. As a defensive midfielder, Strasser typically featured in anchoring roles, providing stability in midfield during these campaigns but unable to secure progression.
DateOpponentCompetitionResult
05/09/2010EgyptAFCON Qualifier1–1
10/10/2010South AfricaAFCON Qualifier0–0
27/03/2011NigerAFCON Qualifier1–3
04/06/2011NigerAFCON Qualifier1–0
03/09/2011EgyptAFCON Qualifier2–1
08/10/2011South AfricaAFCON Qualifier0–0
23/03/2013TunisiaWorld Cup Qualifier1–2
07/09/2013Equatorial GuineaWorld Cup Qualifier3–2
30/05/2014EswatiniWorld Cup Qualifier1–0
13/11/2020NigeriaAFCON Qualifier4–4
17/11/2020NigeriaAFCON Qualifier0–0
27/03/2021LesothoAFCON Qualifier0–0
13/11/2021ComorosFriendly0–2

Honours

Strasser's primary team honour came during his youth career with , where he contributed to the under-20 team's victory in the , defeating Juventus 3–1 in the final; this remains his only major accolade at the youth level. At the senior level, Strasser was part of 's squad that clinched the title in the 2010–11 season, marking the club's 18th league championship and making him the first an player to win the Italian top flight. However, he did not secure any further senior team honours, such as additional league titles, domestic cups, or international trophies with , which has not won major continental competitions during his international tenure from 2010 to 2021. During his stint at from 2011 to 2012, the team mounted survival efforts in , finishing 16th in 2011–12 before relegation the following season, but no silverware was achieved. Beyond team achievements, Strasser has received recognition as a Sierra Leonean football legend through FIFA affiliations, notably as the first from his country invited to the 74th in 2024 as a FIFA Legend, honoring his contributions to the sport. As of 2025, he has not received any formal individual awards, such as nominations or national honours.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/rodney-strasser/profil/spieler/88712
  2. https://fbref.com/en/players/83eff74e/Rodney-Strasser
  3. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/39956/Rodney_Strasser.html
  4. https://independentobserver-sl.com/2025/05/24/rodney-strasser-inspires-next-generation-at-academy/
  5. https://www.transfermarkt.com/rodney-strasser/profil/spieler/88712
  6. https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/sierra-leone-civil-war-1991-2002/
  7. https://sierraloaded.sl/sport/rodney-strasser-foundation-east-end-lions-caf-confederation-cup/
  8. https://www.playmakerstats.com/player/rodney-strasser/51014
  9. https://www.footballdatabase.eu/en/player/details/55055-rodney-strasser
  10. https://www.uefa.com/news-media/news/0254-0d7cf857ddd5-3e7167c0d100-1000--strasser-in-the-limelight-for-milan/
  11. https://sempremilan.com/ex-milan-midfielder-reveals-stories-about-berlusconis-fixation-with-women-and-ibrahimovic
  12. https://allafrica.com/stories/201307161474.html
  13. https://allafrica.com/stories/201105101309.html
  14. https://www.transfermarkt.us/rodney-strasser/leistungsdaten/spieler/88712
  15. https://www.rossoneriblog.com/2010/07/12/newly-promoted-youngster-to-be-ambrosinis-back-up/
  16. https://allafrica.com/stories/201901090164.html
  17. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/23476538
  18. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12963/8842890/transfer-news-genoa-complete-rodney-strasser-signing-from-ac-milan
  19. https://africa.espn.com/football/team/transfers/_/id/3263/year/2013/sort/date
  20. https://www.africansportsmonthly.com/sports-news/rodney-strasser-joins-livorno-on-loan
  21. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/14236657
  22. https://www.fotmob.com/players/161682/rodney-strasser
  23. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8951959.stm
  24. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/africa/8613171.stm
  25. https://www.transfermarkt.us/rodney-strasser/nationalmannschaft/spieler/88712
  26. https://www.britannica.com/place/Sierra-Leone/Civil-war
  27. https://www.rodneystrasserfoundation.com/
  28. https://www.rodneystrasserfoundation.com/what-we-do
  29. https://theafricandreamsl.com/tag/rodney-strasser-foundation/
  30. https://owlpress-sl.com/rodney-strasser-trains-and-donate-football-to-elite-footballs-academy/
  31. https://www.facebook.com/ayvnewsCH33/videos/we-have-a-project-for-this-year-which-is-to-bring-sport-and-education-together-t/1941472296379494/
  32. https://www.ubasierraleone.com/2025/01/15/rodney-strasser-pays-courtesy-visit-to-uba-sierra-leone/
  33. https://a-zsl.com/rodney-strasser-meets-nsa-boss-on-mission-to-empower-young-people-2/
  34. https://www.transfermarkt.us/rodney-strasser/verletzungen/spieler/88712
  35. https://www.transfermarkt.us/rodney-strasser/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/88712
  36. https://www.transfermarkt.us/rodney-strasser/erfolge/spieler/88712
  37. https://sierraloaded.sl/sport/rodney-strasser-honored-fifa-legend-invitation/
  38. https://sierraloaded.sl/sport/rodney-strasser-sierra-leone-2024-fifa-congress-bangkok/
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