At the age of 37, Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s highest goal scorer, has announced his retirement from professional football.
During a press conference in Accra, he stated, “It’s a challenging phase in every player’s career, a moment that all footballers fear. But when nature takes its course, a small voice begins to echo in your ears… +It’s time…”
Gyan, who holds the record for the most goals in the history of Ghana’s national team with 51 international goals, has decided to retire after a career spanning over 20 years. “I heard that voice very clearly, and I succumbed to it: it’s time,” he announced. “It’s time to hang up the jersey and boots, as I officially retire from active football.”
“Will never leave my love “ ❤️⚽️ @ghanafaofficial @CAF_Online @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom @AnimSammy @PrinxRandy
— ASAMOAH GYAN (@ASAMOAH_GYAN3) June 20, 2023
The former captain of the Ghana national team took part in the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups and featured in seven Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
Gyan, who was named the BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2010, made his international debut at the age of 17 in 2003 during a World Cup qualifier against Somalia. He made his final appearance for the Black Stars in 2019.
He also contributed to Ghana’s success in various Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, playing a key role in securing a third-place finish in 2008 and being part of the runner-up teams in the 2010 and 2015 editions.
The Confederation of African Football hailed him as “an absolute legend of the game” and “one of the best to ever do it”.
Throughout his domestic career, Gyan played for 11 different clubs across eight countries, including Udinese in Italy, Rennes in France, and Sunderland in England. He also had stints in Abu Dhabi, China, Turkey, and India, before returning to Ghana in 2020.
