While Rangers fell short in their quest for the Scottish Premiership title, Cyriel Dessers’ individual achievement as the league’s top scorer stands as a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent campaign.
The Nigerian striker’s 18-goal haul, secured in 35 appearances, highlights his perseverance amid criticism and fluctuating form.
Dessers’ journey at Ibrox has been far from smooth. Since joining the club two seasons ago, he has faced scrutiny over his finishing, with critics pointing to his 22% conversion rate as evidence of inconsistency. Yet, his work rate and physicality never wavered, earning him the admiration of fans even during difficult spells.
This season, under new manager Barry Ferguson, Dessers found renewed confidence, cementing his place in the starting lineup during the crucial final stretch of the campaign.
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His Golden Boot win, however, comes with mixed emotions. In a social media post, Dessers acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the achievement, calling it a “wee reward for never giving up” while lamenting Rangers’ failure to secure the league title.
His words reflect the duality of personal success in a team sport—individual accolades can feel hollow when collective ambitions remain unfulfilled.
Dessers’ career has been defined by resilience. Before his move to Scotland, he excelled in the Netherlands, topping the Eredivisie scoring charts with Heracles Almelo in the 2019–20 season.
He later shone in Europe, finishing as the UEFA Europa Conference League’s top scorer with Feyenoord in 2022. These past successes underscore his ability to deliver under pressure, a trait that ultimately propelled him to the Premiership’s Golden Boot.
Cryril Dessers
For Rangers, Dessers’ form presents both promise and a dilemma. While his goal-scoring prowess is undeniable, questions linger over whether he can maintain the consistency needed to lead the line in a title-challenging side.
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As the club regroups for next season, his performance will be pivotal in determining whether Rangers can reclaim dominance in Scottish football.
For now, Dessers can take pride in silencing doubters and proving his worth—a small consolation in a season that promised more, but a reminder of his enduring quality.
