Why Ghana’s football stars are returning home

From Odartey Lamptey to Asamoah Gyan, some of Ghana’s biggest football icons have chosen to return to the domestic league, reigniting conversations about the trend of footballers coming home to end their careers.

Reports suggest that former Ashantigold and Black Stars midfielder Mubarak Wakaso is set to join Hearts of Oak on a short-term deal, adding his name to the growing list of Ghanaian stars returning to the local league. While many have historically declined opportunities to play in the Ghana Premier League (GPL), their reasons often remain personal and undisclosed.

A global comparison

In countries like Brazil, top footballers frequently return to play in their home leagues, driven by a deep cultural connection to the sport, the thrill of performing in front of passionate local fans, or personal reasons such as family ties. Legends like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, Adriano, and Marcelo have all returned to the “home of football” to retire.

However, Ghana has seen far fewer of its stars return to finish their careers domestically, with many opting for quieter retirements in the Gulf or after European exploits. For those who do return, their presence often generates significant buzz, rejuvenating interest in the league and delighting fans.

Let’s revisit some of the notable Ghanaian footballers who made a return to the Ghana Premier League.

Odartey Lamptey

In 2005, after nearly 15 years abroad playing in Europe and South America, the 1991 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner returned to Ghana to join Asante Kotoko. Lamptey, who represented clubs like Anderlecht, Aston Villa, and PSV, considered his time at Kotoko an honor, describing it as a way to give back to the city where his career began.

Lamptey played one season, helped Kotoko win the 2005 league title, and remains one of the most high-profile names to have graced the Kumasi-based club.

Laryea Kingston

Known affectionately as “Bra Laryea,” Kingston was one of Ghana’s most iconic wingers. After making a name with Hearts of Oak, he played in Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Scotland, becoming a fan favorite at Hearts of Midlothian. Despite missing out on the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, he earned 41 caps for the Black Stars.

Kingston rejoined Hearts of Oak during the 2011/12 season, but disagreements with club officials limited his appearances.

Asamoah Gyan

One of the most notable returnees in recent years, Ghana’s all-time top scorer, Asamoah Gyan, made waves in 2020 when he announced his decision to join Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities. It was a bold statement by the club and a significant move for the “Baby Jet,” who was nearing the twilight of his illustrious career. Gyan’s return attracted widespread international attention, but the stint didn’t unfold as hoped. The former Liberty Professionals striker managed only six appearances without scoring a goal before ultimately retiring.

Samuel Inkoom

Samuel Inkoom, a seasoned journeyman, made headlines with his controversial return to the Ghana Premier League. Rising to prominence at Asante Kotoko, he later embarked on a European adventure, starting with Basel in Switzerland.

The U-20 World Cup winner, who earned 44 caps for the Black Stars, decided to relaunch his career by joining Kotoko’s fierce rivals, Hearts of Oak, in 2022. During his time with the Phobians, Inkoom made 28 appearances, scored two goals, and played a pivotal role in their MTN FA Cup triumph. However, his stint came to an end when the club released him following the 2023 season.

Sulley Muntari

A product of Liberty Professionals, Sulley Muntari built an illustrious career playing for renowned clubs such as Portsmouth, Inter Milan, and AC Milan. The seasoned midfielder, who earned 84 caps for Ghana, made the decision to return home after a brief stint with Albacete in Spain.

In 2022, following months of training with Hearts of Oak, Muntari officially signed with the club in a move that generated significant attention both locally and internationally. His signing was a statement by the Phobians, bringing a touch of global recognition to the Ghana Premier League.

During his single season with Hearts of Oak, Muntari made 11 appearances and scored one goal, leaving a lasting impression despite his short tenure.

Agyemang Badu

Agyemang Badu began his career with Berekum Arsenal before joining Asante Kotoko on loan in 2008. He later embarked on a successful European journey, playing in Italy, Turkey, and China. Known for his advocacy for Ghanaian internationals to return home and contribute to the local league, Badu was rumored to be eyeing a return to Asante Kotoko.

However, that move did not materialize. Instead, he signed with Accra-based Great Olympics in 2022. Badu quickly became a key figure for the team, but tensions between management and the technical staff limited his impact. He made only 11 appearances before parting ways with the club at the end of the season.

Honourable Mentions

Baffour Gyan: Returned to Asante Kotoko during the 2010-2011 season.

Richard Kingson: Rejoined Great Olympics for the 2015-2016 season.

Sammy Adjei: Reunited with Hearts of Oak, playing from 2008 to 2013.

Godwin Attram: Signed with Great Olympics, where he featured from 2015 to 2019.

The impact of returning stars

The return of these football legends offers a dual benefit: an opportunity for players to relaunch their careers while boosting the profile of the Ghana Premier League. Their presence inspires younger players, attracts fans to stadiums, and positions the GPL as one of Africa’s most promising leagues. As more stars consider coming home, Ghana’s domestic league could see a resurgence in both quality and global recognition

 

 

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