The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced plans to organize a testimonial match in honour of legendary striker and former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, celebrating his illustrious career and immense contribution to Ghanaian football.
The event, which will be organised in collaboration with Gyan himself, is intended to serve as a befitting tribute to a player whose name has become synonymous with the Black Stars’ modern era. But beyond the celebration, the decision has sparked rich debate — does Asamoah Gyan deserve it? Is the GFA setting a precedent? And how will his illustrious peers view this moment?
What’s the Legacy of “Baby Jet”?
Few names in Ghanaian football command as much reverence as Asamoah Gyan.
Born in Accra in 1985, Gyan’s career spanned over two decades — from his early days at Liberty Professionals to global stints in Italy, France, England, the UAE, China, and Turkey.
His numbers speak volumes:
109 appearances for the Black Stars — the most by any Ghanaian outfield player.
51 goals, making him Ghana’s all-time top scorer.
6 World Cup goals, making him Africa’s highest goal scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
He featured in seven major international tournaments and captained Ghana to the 2010 AFCON final and the 2010 World Cup quarterfinals — Africa’s joint-best finish at the global showpiece.
Gyan’s thunderous strikes, signature dance celebrations, and larger-than-life personality helped brand Ghana as one of Africa’s most exciting football nations during the late 2000s and early 2010s.
From his crucial winner against the Czech Republic at Germany 2006, to the heartbreak of the missed penalty against Uruguay at South Africa 2010, Gyan’s journey mirrors the highs and heartbreaks of Ghanaian football itself.
BIG QUESTION: Does He Deserve the Testimonial?
If a testimonial match is meant to honour service, longevity, and impact, few can argue against Gyan’s credentials.
He represented Ghana at the U-23, Olympic, and senior levels, shouldering the nation’s attacking hopes for over a decade. His leadership extended beyond the pitch — mentoring emerging players like Jordan Ayew, Thomas Partey, and André Ayew, and helping sustain Ghana’s presence among Africa’s elite.
His influence also went beyond football. Gyan’s investments in boxing, music, schools, and real estate established him as a multifaceted figure in Ghanaian culture.
So yes — Gyan deserves his flowers.
But football in Ghana is a collective story, and that’s where the debate deepens.
What About His Peers?
Between 2002 and 2019, Gyan shared the dressing room with some of Ghana’s finest Footballers including:
Stephen Appiah – the inspirational captain who led Ghana to its first World Cup in 2006.
Michael Essien – two-time Premier League champion with Chelsea and UEFA Champions League semifinalist.
Sulley Muntari – AFCON winner at club level and Champions League finalist with Inter Milan.
John Mensah, Richard Kingson, André Ayew, and Kwadwo Asamoah – all instrumental in Ghana’s golden era.
Many of these players were equally pivotal to Ghana’s footballing rise, yet none have been honoured with a testimonial. That raises an important question:
Is the GFA creating a selective tradition, or setting a new standard of appreciation?
My Question of Precedent
The GFA’s decision is commendable — Ghana’s football legends deserve to be celebrated while they can still feel the roar of the crowd.
But consistency will matter.
If Asamoah Gyan is being honoured for his longevity, leadership, and records, then Stephen Appiah (Ghana’s first World Cup captain), Michael Essien (the global face of Ghanaian football in Europe), and Sulley Muntari (a major figure in Ghana’s AFCON and World Cup campaigns) also merit similar recognition.
Such gestures, if extended fairly, could help rebuild unity and pride within the football eco-sysytem — bridging generations and reinforcing Ghana’s respect for its heroes.
My Verdict:
Whether you love him or criticise him, Asamoah Gyan’s influence is undeniable.
He redefined Ghana’s football identity, broke continental records, and carried the Black Stars through some of their most memorable campaigns.
A testimonial match for “Baby Jet” is both earned and overdue. But for the GFA, this should not be an isolated event — rather, the beginning of a new tradition that honours every generation’s greats with equal reverence.
As Ghana prepares to celebrate its most prolific goal scorer, the football world will once again turn its gaze to Accra — where a legend’s journey will come full circle
Here are the bare Facts:
Asamoah Gyan: 109 caps, 51 goals for Ghana
Africa’s top World Cup scorer (6 goals)
Represented Ghana at 3 World Cups & 7 AFCONs
Former clubs include Liberty Professionals, Udinese, Rennes, Sunderland, Al Ain, Shanghai SIPG, and Legon Cities
Ghana captain (2012–2019)
Debut: 2003 vs Somalia | Final cap: 2019 vs Tunisia
By Ekow Essilfie:Sports Editor, Asaase Radio
