Oliver Antman could kick a ball before he could say his own name. Football was in his family, and the game has been his life ever since. Now, after years of chasing his dream across Europe, the Finland international has arrived at Rangers, ready to light up Ibrox.

Antman’s story began in Helsinki, but it didn’t take long before his talent was noticed far beyond Finland’s borders. At just eight years old, Barcelona invited him for a trial, with coaches at La Masia impressed by his raw ability and sharp football brain. But fate intervened. A FIFA ban on signing underage players meant the move collapsed, and Antman’s shot at a boyhood dream slipped away.

Instead, he honed his craft the hard way. He spent time in Spain’s youth systems with Cornellà and CF Damm before returning to Finland, then broke through with FC Nordsjælland in Denmark. His career gathered pace with a loan to FC Groningen in the Netherlands and, later, a transfer to Go Ahead Eagles. It was there, in the 2024/25 campaign, that Antman truly announced himself — producing 15 assists, dazzling defenders with his dribbling, and helping the club lift the KNVB Cup.

That form caught the eye of Rangers boss Russell Martin, who was searching for creativity on the flanks. A deal worth around £3.5 million was struck this summer, and Antman wasted no time repaying the faith. On his debut in a Champions League qualifier against Viktoria Plzeň, he won a penalty and set up a goal in a 3–0 win.

For Rangers, it was a statement signing. For Antman, it was vindication — proof that the boy once blocked from Barcelona had finally found a stage big enough for his talent. As he put it himself: “You don’t get an opportunity like this too often in life. I feel at home already.”

At Ibrox, the story of the prodigy who could kick before he could speak is ready for its next chapter.