In recent years, Ghanaian footballers have been making waves in various leagues across Europe. One league that has seen a significant influx of Ghanaian talent is the Dutch Eredivisie.
Known for its fast-paced and attacking style of play, the Eredivisie has provided the perfect platform for these players to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves. In this article, we will take a closer look at the top five Ghanaian players who took the Dutch Eredivisie by storm.
1. Mathew Amoah
Mathew Amoah is a former Ghanaian striker who had a prolific spell in the Eredivisie, particularly with Vitesse Arnhem and NAC Breda. Known for his clinical finishing and ability to find the back of the net, Amoah scored an impressive 116 goals in 310 appearances during his time in the league, registering 35 assists.
His performances earned him a move to German side Borussia Dortmund and also saw him become a regular for the Ghana national team, helping the Black Stars secure their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification in 2006 and scored 12 goals in 45 appearances for Ghana.
Amoah retired from active football in 2017. He featured for clubs such as Heerenven, Heracles Almelo, Fortuna Sittard all in the Eredivisie.
2. Eric Pappoe Addo
Eric Addo, a versatile midfielder/defender, had a successful stint in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven. Known for his tenacity and ability to break up play, Addo was an integral part of the PSV team that won three consecutive league titles between 2004 and 2006. His solid defensive displays and leadership qualities made him a fan favorite and earned him a reputation as one of the best Ghanaian players in the league at that time.
Addo featured 140 times for PSV, scoring 5 times and registered 3 assists.
Addo was a an integral member of the Black Stars team that represented the nation at their first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2006 in Germany. Addo was capped 45 times for the Black Stars before his retirement in 2012.
Addo started his career in Ghana with lower-tier side Noble Aries FC before moving to Belgium to join Club Brugge. He joined PSV from Club Brugge for €5.00m in 1990 and had loan spells at Roda JC in the Dutch topflight.
3. Yakubu Abubakari
Yakubu Abubakari was a talented midfielder who made a name for himself in the Eredivisie with Vitesse Arnhem and Ajax. Known for his technical ability and vision, Abubakari was a key playmaker for both clubs.
His performances caught the attention of scouts from bigger European clubs but he decided to remain in the Dutch league for all his career. Tragically, Abubakari’s career was cut short due to health issues and lost his life in 2017 at age 35, but his impact in the Eredivisie will always be remembered.
He made his Eredivisie debut on 19 April 2000 and clutched 145 appearances for both Ajax and Vitesse, registering 5 assists with no goal scored.
Abubakari paid his dues for the Black Stars as well, making 13 appearances.
4. Anthony Obodai
Anthony Obodai was a dynamic midfielder who had a successful spell in the Eredivisie with Ajax. Known for his energy, work rate, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, Obodai quickly became a fan favorite. He played a crucial role in Ajax’s title-winning campaign in the 2003-2004 season and was also a regular for the Ghana national team during that time.
The 41-year-old made 99 appearances in the Eredivisie, bagging three goals with five assists.
He featured for clubs such as RKC Waalwijk, Sparta Rotterdam among others.
5. Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus is one of the most promising young talents to emerge from Ghana in recent years. The attacking midfielder made an immediate impact in the Eredivisie with Ajax after joining the club in 2020. Known for his technical skills, agility, and eye for goal, Kudus became a key player for Ajax and attracted interest from top European clubs. He eventually joined Premier League side West Ham United in 2023 in a deal worth €44.5m (£38m) plus add-ons.
Kudus, who is widely regarded as one of the brightest prospects in African football made 65 appearances for Ajax in the Eredivisie, bagging 17 goals with nine assists before his departure.
These five Ghanaian players have left an indelible mark on the Dutch Eredivisie with their skill, talent, and determination. Their success have not only brought pride to Ghana but have also served as an inspiration for aspiring footballers in the country. As they continue to make strides in their careers, their impact on the Eredivisie and Ghanaian football as a whole will always be remembered.
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