Ghanaian players are taking the English Premier League by storm, and it’s about time we acknowledged them.
While the Premier League is undoubtedly the holy grail of football leagues, it’s no secret that European players have a home-field advantage. But every now and then, a talented non-European player breaks into the league, and Ghanaian players are leading the charge.
Football is the lifeblood of Ghana, and it’s no wonder they’ve produced some of the most talented players in the game.
Ghana’s love affair with football is a story worth telling. And with their male team, the Black Stars, and female team, the Black Queens, representing Ghana on the global stage, it’s clear that football is more than just a game – it’s a national obsession.
1. Michael Essien
Chelsea
- Premier League: 2005–06, 2009–10
- FA Cup: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2011–12
- Football League Cup: 2006–07;[96] runner-up: 2007–08
- FA Community Shield: 2009
- UEFA Champions League: 2011–12; runner-up: 2007–08
Known as the “Bison” for his powerful style of play, Essien’s stint in the Premier League was nothing short of legendary.
His time at Chelsea saw him become a linchpin in midfield, showcasing remarkable versatility and defensive prowess. Essien’s tenacity, coupled with his ability to score crucial goals, made him a fan favourite.
With two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and a League Cup to his name, Essien’s legacy at Chelsea remains etched in history.
2. Jeffrey Schlupp
Leicester City
- Premier League: 2015–16
- Football League Championship: 2013–14
A product of Leicester City’s youth academy, Schlupp rose through the ranks to establish himself as a key player for the Foxes.
Known for his blistering pace and attacking flair, Schlupp played a vital role in Leicester’s miraculous Premier League title triumph in the 2015-2016 season.
His versatility, being adept at playing as a left-back or winger, made him a valuable asset for the team.
3. Thomas Partey
Arsenal
- FA Community Shield: 2023
A recent addition to the Premier League, Partey has quickly made his mark with his commanding presence in midfield.
Signed by Arsenal from Atlético Madrid, Partey’s combination of strength, tactical awareness, and passing ability has endeared him to fans.
Despite facing injury setbacks, his performances have showcased his potential to become one of the league’s finest midfielders.
4. Tony Yeboah
Leeds United
- Football League Cup runner-up: 1995–96
A cult hero at Leeds United, Yeboah’s thunderous strikes and goal-scoring exploits earned him iconic status in the Premier League. ,
Famous for his jaw-dropping goals, including several long-range screamers, Yeboah’s time at Leeds produced some of the most memorable moments in Premier League history.
His knack for scoring spectacular goals earned him two Goal of the Month awards and a lasting legacy among football enthusiasts.
5. Richard Kingson
Nicknamed “Olele,” Richard Kingson enjoyed a successful spell in the Premier League as a goalkeeper.
Despite representing several clubs including Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, and Blackpool, Kingson’s shot-stopping abilities and reflexes made him a reliable last line of defense.
His contributions played a significant role in his teams’ successes and earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike.
6. Sulley Muntari
Portsmouth
- FA Cup: 2007–08
A dynamic midfielder with an eye for goal, Sulley Muntari made waves in the Premier League during his time at Portsmouth and later Sunderland.
Muntari’s box-to-box style of play, coupled with his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, made him a formidable presence in midfield.
His memorable performances endeared him to fans and earned him accolades, including winning the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.
7. John Paintsil
Fulham
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2009–10
An industrious right-back known for his tireless work ethic, John Paintsil enjoyed a productive spell in the Premier League with Fulham and West Ham United.
Paintsil’s defensive solidity, coupled with his ability to contribute to the attack, made him a valuable asset for his teams.
His performances helped Fulham achieve their highest-ever Premier League finish and earned him recognition as one of Ghana’s finest defenders.
8. Asamoah Gyan
Known for his lethal finishing and goal-scoring instincts, Gyan made headlines during his brief stint in the Premier League with Sunderland.
Gyan’s time at Sunderland saw him become the club’s record signing and he repaid the faith with crucial goals.
His memorable strikes endeared him to Sunderland fans and showcased his ability to thrive at the highest level of English football.
9. André Ayew
A versatile attacker capable of playing across the frontline, Ayew has enjoyed a successful career in the Premier League with Swansea City and West Ham United.
Ayew’s technical ability, coupled with his eye for goal and creativity, made him a key player for both clubs. His contributions helped Swansea City secure Premier League survival and earned him admiration for his consistent performances.
10. Quincy Owusu-Abeyie
A pacey and skilful winger, Quincy Owusu-Abeyie showcased glimpses of his talent during his time in the Premier League with Birmingham City and Portsmouth.
Despite facing challenges in establishing himself as a regular starter, Owusu-Abeyie’s flair and trickery on the ball made him a crowd favourite. His contributions, though sporadic, highlighted his potential as a match-winner on his day.
All Ghanaian Players To Play In Premier League
| Player | Club(s) | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Albert Adomah | Middlesbrough | 2016–17 | ENG |
| Junior Agogo | Sheffield Wednesday | 1997–99 | ENG C |
| Patrick Agyemang | Queens Park Rangers | 2011–12 | ENG |
| Daniel Amartey | Leicester City | 2015–19, 2020–23 | |
| Christian Atsu | Everton, Newcastle United | 2014–15, 2017–20 | |
| André Ayew | Swansea City, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest | 2015–18, 2022–23 | FRA |
| Jordan Ayew | Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace | 2015– | FRA |
| Derek Boateng | Fulham | 2013–14 | |
| Kevin-Prince Boateng | Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth | 2007–10 | FRG, GER U21 |
| Malik Buari | Fulham | 2003–04 | ENG U16 |
| Joe Dodoo | Leicester City | 2015–16 | ENG U18 |
| Michael Essien | Chelsea | 2005–12, 2013–14 | |
| Tariqe Fosu | Brentford | 2021–22 | ENG, ENG U18 |
| Emmanuel Frimpong | Arsenal, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham | 2011–13 | ENG U17 |
| Asamoah Gyan | Sunderland | 2010–12 | |
| Elvis Hammond | Fulham | 2002–03, 2004–05 | |
| Richard Kingson | Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Blackpool | 2007–09, 2010–11 | |
| Mohammed Kudus | West Ham United | 2023– | |
| Nii Lamptey | Aston Villa, Coventry City | 1994–96 | |
| Tariq Lamptey | Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion | 2019– | ENG, ENG U21 |
| John Mensah | Sunderland | 2009–11 | |
| Sulley Muntari | Portsmouth, Sunderland | 2007–08, 2010–11 | |
| Alex Nyarko | Everton | 2000–01, 2003–04 | |
| Denis Odoi | Fulham | 2018–19, 2020–21 | BEL, BEL |
| Quincy Owusu-Abeyie | Arsenal, Portsmouth | 2004–06, 2009–10 | NED, NED U21 |
| John Paintsil | West Ham United, Fulham | 2006–11 | |
| Thomas Partey | Arsenal | 2020– | |
| Baba Rahman | Chelsea | 2015–16 | |
| Mohammed Salisu | Southampton | 2020–23 | |
| Lloyd Sam | Charlton Athletic | 2004–07 | ENG, ENG U20 |
| Jeffrey Schlupp | Leicester City, Crystal Palace | 2014– | GER |
| Antoine Semenyo | Bournemouth | 2022– | ENG |
| Kamaldeen Sulemana | Southampton | 2022–23 | |
| Tony Yeboah | Leeds United | 1994–97 |
Leading Premier League Numbers For Ghanaian players
| Appearances | Goals | Assists | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Essien | 168 | Tony Yeboah | 24 | Michael Essien | 10 |
| Jeffrey Schlupp | 143 | Jordan Ayew | 24 | Andre Ayew | 9 |
| Jordan Ayew | 128 | Andre Ayew | 21 | Jordan Ayew | 8 |
| John Pantsil | 94 | Michael Essien | 17 | Jeffrey Schlupp | 7 |
| Andre Ayew | 89 | Asamoah Gyan | 10 | Christian Atsu | 6 |
| Christian Atsu | 79 | Jeffrey Schlupp | 10 | Sulley Muntari | 5 |
You Might Also Want To Read This
- Top 10 Best Strikers (Centre-Forward) In The World 2024
- Top 10 Goalkeepers In The World 2024
- Top 10 Right Wingers In The World 2024
- Top 10 Best Left Back In The World 2024
- Top 10 Best Right Back In The World 2024
- Top 10 Attacking Midfielders In The World 2024
- Top 10 Defensive Midfielders In The World 2024
- Leeds United’s 10 Greatest Players Of All Time
- Aston Villa’s 10 Greatest Players Of All Time
- 8 Football Clubs That Have Suffered Deep Decline
- The Number 10 In Soccer – Why It’s So Special
- 10 Of The Greatest Danish Players Of All Time
- 10 Of The Greatest Irish Soccer Players Of All Time
