Former Ghana defender Jonathan Mensah has dismissed speculation that he has retired from football after being spotted with a camera during the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The ex-Udinese, Granada and Columbus Crew centre-back has clarified that photography is simply a long-standing passion and not a sign that he has ended his playing career.
Mensah was seen around the tournament capturing moments, including taking photographs during Ecuador’s training session, prompting many fans to believe he had retired from football to pursue photography full-time.
Speaking on Dan Kwaku Yeboah TV in an exclusive interview, the experienced defender explained that although he carried his camera to the Black Stars’ camp, he never actually used it.
“I did go to the camp. I did have the camera with me but I didn’t pull it out. It’s important to have it to be able to capture some moments but I didn’t pull it,” he said.
Mensah revealed that the images sparked numerous calls and messages from people who assumed he had retired.
“When people found out, there were calls and messages where people said they didn’t know I’m retired, but I told them I haven’t yet. They also said they didn’t know I was into photography. I told them, ‘Now you know,’ but that’s not my profession yet. It might be at some point, but it’s just my passion and I love doing it.”
The former Black Stars defender added that photography has been part of his life for years and is simply another side of him that the public is only now discovering.
“Photography is just my passion and hobby and I’ve done that for quite some time now. This is the time it came out for everybody to see, so it’s something I’ve loved to do for a long time, and I’m glad people are seeing the other side of me.”
Jonathan Mensah has made 70 appearances for the Black Stars and featured at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
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