For any country to make up some of the top players in the Premier League is a big feat. And for a football-loving country like Ghana, it’s no surprise they’ve produced some amazing players that made it up to the top ranks, just as many do with casino games gates of olympus.
In this article, we showcase some of the best Premier League players that hail from Ghana and explain what made them so successful, including where they’er at now. Read on to find out who made the list.
History of football in Ghana
Before we delve into the top players that have come from Ghana, it’s important to learn about what football has meant for the country, and what has led to the creation of some of its brilliant players.
The first record of football games in Ghana was during the 19th century when it was introduced by merchants into the Gold Coast region. Its first football team, Excelsior, was formed in 1903.
The Ghana Football Association was founded in 1957, having replaced the Gold Coast Football Association. The prior association was known to be one of the oldest football associations in Africa, having been established in 1920.
Around the world, Ghana is represented by their female team called Black Queens and their male team called Black Stars.
Tony Yeboah
If you’re already a football fan, you won’t be surprised if Tony Yeboah features in this article. Considered one of the most prolific goal scorers to come from Ghana, Tony began his career playing for Asante Kotoko in Ghana before playing with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany back in 1990.
In his 123 appearances for that club, he scored an incredible 68 goals, which led to his move to the Premier League five years later having joined Leeds United. He graced Leeds with some fantastic goals, including one that has gone down into the history books in a match against Liverpool in his first year with the club.
Unfortunately his career in the Premier League was short lived, due to injuries and he left Leeds United in 1997 to play for Hamburger SV and teams like Qatar SC before going into retirement in 2002. He’s still revered around the world for his talent, and remembered by Leeds fans everywhere.
Jordan Ayew
Born in Marseille, France Jordan comes from a family of strong football players, and showed that lineage by starting off his career playing for Marseille when he was just 17. His career in the Premier League began in 2015 when he joined Aston Villa; just two years later he moved to Swansea City and became an important player for the team.
His success didn’t go unnoticed, and in 2019 he moved to Crystal Palace where he currently plays as a right winger and forward.
Michael Essien
Born in Accra, Ghana, Michael Essien was at one time considered one of the best professional football players in the world.
Having played for leagues in Ghana and France, it was in 2005 that he made his debut in the Premier League where he was signed by Chelsea for £24.4 million, which made him the most expensive African footballer at the time.
While he no longer plays in the Premier League, he’s still a prominent figure in the world of football, having begun his coaching career in the 2020-21 season for Danish Superliga club Nordsjælland.
Daniel Amartey
Daniel Amartey got his start playing in Ghana for second-tier club International Allies. His career took him to teams like Djurgårdens IF and Copenhagen, before he joined Leicester City on a four and a half year contract.
His time with Leicester ended following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, when he and six other players left after their contracts expired.
He currently plays for Super Lig club Besiktas under the number 12, and has previously played for his home country for the Ghana national team.
Jeffrey Schlupp
Born in Hamburg Germany to Ghanaian parents, Jeffrey Schulpp was part of Leicester City youth academy. Not only considered a brilliant player, he’s known for his versatility and ability to play different positions with ease.
Having played for Leicester City, Jeffrey Schulpp now plays for Crystal Palace under the number 15 as a midfielder, as well as the Ghana National team.