Asamoah Gyan surprised fans on Tuesday by announcing his retirement from football, bringing an end to a nearly 20-year career.
His retirement has been met with an outpouring of love and admiration, demonstrating the indelible mark he has left on the football landscape of the country.
Gyan’s legacy extends far beyond his exceptional goal-scoring ability and skills. Throughout his career, he demonstrated unwavering determination and unrivalled passion for the game, earning him a special place in fans’ hearts.
Gyan’s legendary journey began in 2003 when he made his professional debut for Liberty Professionals. He appeared in over 500 matches over the course of his career. His goal-scoring ability was equally impressive, with over 250 goals to his credit.
Gyan’s career is littered with memorable moments that have indelibly etched his name in football history. Here are just a few.
Gyan scores Ghana’s first World Cup
Back in 2006, Asamoah Gyan was still finding his feet, particularly in the Black Stars. Despite being young, Gyan had already shown flashes of brilliance, earning him a spot in Ghana’s first-ever World Cup squad. He was the team’s second youngest player (20 years), only a few months older than Haminu Dramani. However, this did not prevent him from leaving an indelible mark.
During that historic World Cup campaign, Gyan made history by scoring the country’s first-ever World Cup goal. Gyan displayed exceptional control in a defining moment, which was quickly followed by an unstoppable low shot that left former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech stunned as the ball hit the back of the net.
This unforgettable goal not only demonstrated Gyan’s technical prowess but also his ability to rise to the occasion on the grandest stage of international football. It was a testament to his potential and the start of a remarkable career that would captivate fans all over the world.
Today in History, 14 yrs ago, on June 17, 2006, Asamoah Gyan emerged as the first Ghanaian player to score Ghana’s(Black Stars) first Goal at the FIFA World Cup against the Czech Republic. Gyan & Muntari scored the goals that gave Ghana their first win on the world stage. pic.twitter.com/qVjIKmGA8y
— GHANA FACTS & HISTORY (@GhanaianMuseum) June 17, 2020
Gyan sets World Cup record
Eight years after his memorable debut World Cup goal, Gyan etched his name in history once more. Gyan made history by becoming the World Cup’s highest-scoring African player in 2014.
Gyan scored in Ghana’s thrilling 2-2 draw with Germany. With that goal, he broke the previous record held by Cameroonian legend Roger Milla and established himself as the most prolific African goalscorer in World Cup history.
This pass❤ from Kwadwo Asamoah to Asamoah Gyan against Portugal is not spoken about enough.
🇭🇷 Luka Modric 🤝 🇬🇭Kwadwo Asamoah
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) April 13, 2022
Goal against United States in South Africa
Gyan scored a record 51 goals for Ghana, but one of the most famous is certainly his strike against the United States at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. That goal ensured Ghana’s victory in the tight round of 16 contest with a 2-1 scoreline, propelling them to the quarter-finals.
It was a breathtaking moment as Gyan displayed strength and poise to control a long ball forward with his chest and bury the strike from a wide angle, despite the presence of two defenders. With the victory, Ghana became the third African team to reach the World Cup’s last eight.
Ghana Vs USA
Asamoah Gyan breaks American hearts#SouthAfrica2010#Legend pic.twitter.com/cfxF6Xoant— roland walker👣 (@rowalkerghana) May 21, 2019
‘Malaria’ Goal against Algeria
Ghana’s journey to the final of the 2015 AFCON was filled with both triumph and heartbreak. Although the Black Stars were defeated in the end, their remarkable run would not have been possible without the heroic efforts of Asamoah Gyan. While suffering from malaria, Gyan played a critical role in preventing Ghana from exiting the group stage early.
After losing their first match, the Black Stars needed a win to keep their tournament hopes alive. Gyan was the one who stepped up when his team needed him the most. With time running out, he delivered a decisive late winner to secure a crucial three points for Ghana.
Gyan wrote in his LeGyandary book, “I mean I had been woeful through the game and lacked any possibility of getting a goal. But he [Mubarak Wakaso] still believed in me. He hit the ball towards me. It was a long pass from our half to attack. When the ball was in mid-flight, a lot of things went through my mind. Should I chase and see what comes out of it? Or I should just let it go?
“I was exhausted after running around for 90 minutes. But when the ball hit the ground I knew I could do it. It was a do-or-die affair for me. I knew this was less than a half-chance but everything was possible.”
#TotalEnergiesAFCON DRAMA 😍
Asamoah Gyan’s goal in the dying minutes was worth all three points against Algeria ✅
In which edition was this game played? 🤔 @ghanafaofficial | @Asamoah_Gyan3 pic.twitter.com/dHFtO9JE5h
— CAF (@CAF_Online) September 1, 2022
Gyan stuns England at Wembley
Gyan once again demonstrated his magic and stole the headlines in a highly anticipated friendly match in 2011. Gyan dashed England’s hopes with a last-gasp equaliser at Wembley, denying them a victory on their home turf. But it wasn’t just any ordinary goal that sealed the deal.
Ghana’s passionate and vibrant supporters erupted in wild celebration after Gyan mesmerised England substitute Joleon Lescott with his exceptional skills inside the penalty area. Gyan delicately chipped the ball beyond custodian Joe Hart’s reach, stunning the entire stadium.
Today in history (29th March 2011):
🇬🇭Asamoah Gyan scores historic goal against England in a classy manner pic.twitter.com/3wT6kJmQtA
— GhanaBallers Nostalgia (@OldGhanaFootie) March 29, 2020
