There is the Akan saying, “When a person does anything good and extra-ordinary, he or she deserves the corresponding and necessary praises.  Obviously, such adages are in the various Ghanaian Languages. Equally, those who have sacrificed to serve this country with their sweat, heart and might and have sacrificed their lives or say ‘died’ for their motherland through their exploits and exemplary qualities and leadership need to be celebrated with respect and given the accolades they deserve to boost their morale and egos. Such personalities deserve places in the National Book of Records.

One of such personalities in Ghana currently, whose exploits, hard work, perseverance, consistency, sacrifices, fortitude, benevolence and above all, contributions to sports, especially football, which is the passion of this nation, which constantly raised the flag of Ghana high, both at local and international circles, thus making this country the gateway for investors and tourists attraction is the legendary football prodigy of the highest repute, Asamoah Gyan, the former captain of the senior national team, the Black Stars of Ghana.

“Baby Jet,” as this great footballer is well known, both locally and internationally for his slippery and goal-scoring abilities and remarkable football skills, Asamoah Gyan, who has endeared himself to the hearts of football lovers and soccer fans worldwide, would forever be remembered in the annals of football history in Ghana and beyond. As a Former Captain and Leader of the Black Stars’ team, his style of leadership and role was superb, perfect and inspiring.  He was loved by his teammates and they looked up to him for the necessary motivation and encouragement on the field of play. Asamoah Gyan’s affiliation to other leading clubs internationally, especially, in Europe, Asia, Far East and other notable football countries in the world, was remarkable, impressive and result-oriented. Apart from his great football skills, Asamoah Gyan was hilarious, humorous and always exhibited these qualities anytime he scored goals. In fact, he has his own way of celebrating on the field anytime he scored.

At times when the going became tough for his side, especially the national team, it was there that you would see the ‘master craft man’ at his highest best, scoring from very difficult positions.  He is not only a great footballer, but also has a penchant for music and no wonder, he was tagged the choirmaster of the Black Stars, providing and leading the players with interesting lyrics and inspirational songs during football matches. The saddest moment in the history of Ghana’s football was when Asamoah Gyan recently announced his full retirement from active football at age 37, which most people consider as pre-mature and too early.

The nation’s all-time top scorer, with 51 goals in 109 matches, on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, announced that he had closed his professional football career after 18 years of successful football playing.  As emotionally clouded Asamoah Gyan puts it, “I want to take this great opportunity, a stage that is difficult in every footballer’s career, a moment all footballers do not wish, but when nature dawns, that thin voice will keep echoing into the ears…It is time that voice has been clear in my ears and I have succumbed to it.  It is time to hang the jersey and boots in glory, as I retire officially from active football.” Asamoah Gyan enjoyed a fruitful football career that started at Liberty Professionals in 2003 and ended at Legon Cities in 2021, when he last played active football.  During his football career, he played for 11 different clubs, including Liberty Professionals, Udinese, Modena F.C, Stade Rennais, Sunderland, AL Ain F.C, Shanghai Port F.C, Shabab Al Ahli Club, Kayserispor, North East United F.C and Legon Cities. Asamoah Gyan holds a record as Africa’s top scorer at the World Cup with six goals.  He scored Ghana’s first-ever goal at the World Cup in 2006 and scored the precious goal that sent the country to quarter-final in 2010, becoming the third African nation to achieve the feat, until Morocco improved the record in the 2022 World Cup tournament.

He played at seven African Cup of Nations tournaments, including two finals and has been Ghana’s second-top scorer at the AFCON, with eight goals.  Besides his football career, Asamoah Gyan has been a philanthropist, supporting the needy in both cash and kind and has established a number of business concerns in the country.

This great footballer of international repute has done marvelously for this nation, Ghana and has promoted the country internationally, in all spheres of national development and therefore deserves commendation to inspire and encourage others who are following his footsteps and also other young ones, who are desirous of pursuing football as a career to emulate his shining example.

He might not be everything to everybody, since he is human and thus makes mistakes, but his good deeds supersede his flaws. Ghanaians and indeed, those who understand the game of football must celebrate and salute this talented football hero for his noble achievement.

Ayekoo, Asamoah Gyan for raising the flag of Ghana high. Ghanaians and indeed, the rest of the world football fraternity are proud of you!

By: Charles Neequaye, a Journalist.