Alexander Isak has been central to Newcastle United's success since joining the club but, in one growing community in the city, his impact has stretched beyond the pitch.
For members of the Eritrean diaspora, seeing someone who shares their heritage succeed on football's biggest stage is profoundly inspiring.
In local parks and training grounds across the area a quiet transformation is under way, with young Eritreans driven by the striker's story lacing up their boots with renewed ambition.
"I love football now because of Alexander," a 13-year-old boy of Eritrean origin told BBC Tigrinya.