When Antonio Conte persuaded the Napoli board to sign a striker who had struggled at Old Trafford, many in Italy were doubtful.
The Danish forward arrived in Manchester with a high price tag but left without making a significant impact in the Premier League.
However, since returning to Italy on an initial loan in September 2025, which became a permanent €50 million (£43m) deal, he has turned things around.
In just six months, Rasmus Hojlund secured the Italian Super Cup with Napoli.
With 10 goals and 3 assists this season, he has quickly become a key player for a Napoli team that handles pressure well.
Hojlund’s skills were evident on Saturday as Napoli came from behind to clinch a 3-2 victory over Genoa, despite an early penalty against them, a midfield injury, and a red card.
The action at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris kicked off just 15 seconds in.
A mistake by Alessandro Buongiorno allowed Vitinha to enter the area, where he was fouled by Alex Meret.
After a VAR review, Ruslan Malinovskyi successfully converted the penalty, giving the home team a quick advantage.
Napoli responded rapidly; even without key players like Kevin De Bruyne and David Neres, they turned the game around in just two minutes.
With only ten players, they kept fighting.
In stoppage time, another VAR check confirmed a foul on Antonio Vergara, allowing Hojlund to take a penalty to win the match.
The Danish forward drove his penalty under the goalkeeper’s reach, securing three important points and narrowing the gap to AC Milan to one point and to league leaders Inter to six.
The Italian media has responded positively to Hojlund’s impressive display.
Football Italia dubbed him “the Hero” for his last-minute winner.
Calciomercato referred to him as “Glacial” for his composure in taking the decisive penalty.