From humble beginnings in Ghana to the heights of Belgian football, 19-year-old Joseph Amankwaah Opoku is living his dream — and it just got even better.

The talented Ghanaian forward has signed a new contract with Belgian club Zulte Waregem, extending his stay until 2027, with an option to remain until 2029. The new deal comes as a reward for his standout debut season in the Challenger Pro League, where he registered three goals and seven assists in 26 appearances, helping Zulte Waregem secure promotion back to the Belgian top tier.

“Joseph Opoku brought a lot of excitement to Essevee fans last season,” the club announced in a statement. “He is now being rewarded for his excellent campaign with a new contract.”

Opoku’s rise didn’t go unnoticed back home either. His performances earned him a call-up to Ghana’s U-20 team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he made headlines by scoring a crucial winner in the final group game to seal a quarterfinal spot for the Black Satellites.

Reflecting on his journey, a grateful Opoku shared:
“Over the past twelve months, Essevee has given me so much. A year ago, I couldn’t even have dreamed of this scenario. Today, I am a professional footballer. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved as a team, but I believe this is just the beginning.”

Opoku started the new campaign with purpose, featuring for the full 90 minutes in Zulte Waregem’s 1-1 league opener against Mechelen — a signal of the club’s continued faith in their rising star.

The boy from Ghana is proving to be a name for the future, and Zulte Waregem are banking on his magic for seasons to come.