Euro 2024 is just days away from kick-off in Germany with Ghana set to be hugely represented.
Ghanaian duo Kevin-Prince Boateng and Gerald Asamoah have been selected by UEFA as ambassadors to the cities of Berlin and Gelsenkirchen.
Kevin-Prince Boateng was born in Berlin to a German mother and a Ghanaian father and represented Ghana in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups hosted in South Africa and Brazil respectively. He at the youth level played for German U19, 20 and 21 between 2004 and 2009 and many once tipped him to succeed Michel Ballack.
Gerald Asamoah was born in Mampong in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and emigrated to Germany with his family in 1990 when he was 12. He played for the German national team by playing 43 times and scoring 6 goals. He spent 11 years at Schalke 04 making 279 appearances and 44 goals. He is a cult hero in Gelsenkirchen after making a name for himself with Schalke 04.
Players of Ghanaian descent in the squads
Germany
The host Germany has Benjamin Paa Kwesi Henrichs in the 26-man squad. Benjamin Henrichs was born in Bocholt to a Ghanaian mother and a German father. The 27-year-old is very versatile as he can play as a full-back and midfielder.
Switzerland
Striker Kwadwo Duah, 27, took huge advantage of Switzerland’s two-week preparations in St Gallen by impressing Murat Yakin, the head coach of Switzerland. Born in London to Ghanaian parents, the Ludogorets forward is ready to fire for Switzerland. Duah was surprised to see his name in the final 26-man squad.
Spain
21-year-old Nicholas Williams Arthur, the younger brother of Inaki Williams will wear Spain’s number 17 jersey. The talented forward was born in Pamplona Spain to Ghanaian parents. He has represented Spain at U18 and U21 level and was part of Luis Enrique’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he played four times in Qatar.
England
Stockport-born 19-year-old Manchester United midfielder, Kobbie Mainoo never thought of representing England at Euro 2024 even in January 2024. His meteoric rise has made many former footballers (Paul Scholes, Clarence Seedorf and Roy Keane) wax lyrical about him. Born to Ghanaian parents, the youngster is expected to play a key role in the English midfield, especially with Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips’ exclusion from the squad.
Austria
Kevin Danso was born in Voitsberg Austria to Ghanaian parents before moving to Milton Keynes at age 6. He played for Reading and Milton Keynes Dons academies as a striker before moving to Germany to join Augsburg’s academy between 2014-16. At the senior level, Danso has played for Augsburg, Southampton, Fortuna Dusseldorf and now with RC Lens in France. He has made 100 appearances for the French side since joining them in 2021 confirming how important he is for the team. At the international level, Kevin Danso has represented Austria at the U15, 16,17,18,19 and 21 levels. The centre-back is in the plans of Ralf Rangnick for the Euros.
Netherlands
Memphis Depay was born in Holland to a Ghanaian father, Denis Depay, and a Dutch mother, Cors Schensema. The former PSV, Manchester United, Lyon, and Barcelona superstar is someone the Dutch fans expect to deliver in Germany. His surname is Depay and has dropped it since 2012 simply because his Ghanaian father left at age 4 and it took a while before he returned. He has reconciled with Dennis, his father, but still prefers to use Memphis at the back of his jersey. He once said, “Do not call me Depay, call me Memphis.”
Brian Ebenezer Adjei Brobbey is another player of Ghanaian descent. The 22-year-old Ajax Amsterdam star was born in Amsterdam. He has been a regular for the Dutch youth level as he has played for the U15,16,17,19 and 21. He has made just two appearances for the Orange and he is expected to be a super sub in Germany.
Jeremy Agyekum Frimpong is a wonderful versatile player who plays for Bayer Leverkusen. The diminutive right back, right-wing back, and right forward will serve as a secret weapon for Ronald Koeman in the Euros as his pace, finishing and agility make him a dangerous player. Born in Amsterdam but moved to England with his family at age 7, Frimpong is a youth player at Manchester City.
Liverpool forward Coady Gakpo will be part of Ronald Koeman’s attack in Germany. His father was born in Togo and has Ghanaian ancestry, while his mother is Dutch. Born in Eindhoven, the 25-year-old forward is due to play a key role in the Netherlands.
Belgium
Jeremy Baffour Doku has Ghanaian parents but was born in Antwerp. The speedster cum dribbler was one of the most fearful wingers in the EPL in the just-ended season. Doku has represented Belgium at U15,16,17 and 21 at the youth level. At age 22, Baffour Doku has represented Belgium 22 times and has scored two goals. He is due to start upfront with Lulaku and Trossard for Tedesco’s Belgium.
Ghana will certainly be represented in the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
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