FIFA U-20 World Cup winner and former Ghana international Rabiu Mohammed has opened up about his decision to venture into cocoa farming after bringing his professional football career to an end.

Now 35, Mohammed retired from football following a serious injury that brought the curtain down on a 12-year career at the top level. Despite representing Ghana at major tournaments, including the FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, recurring injuries eventually forced him away from the game.

In recent months, the former midfielder has attracted attention on social media after photos and videos of him working on his farm surfaced online, sparking public discussion about his life after football.

Speaking in an interview with TV3, Mohammed explained that farming has always been part of his family heritage. He revealed that his decision to embrace agriculture was driven by passion rather than financial necessity, as he sought to continue the legacy of his grandparents.

According to him, he spent much of his childhood on the farm with his father before heading out to play football, which helped cultivate a deep love for farming and the sense of peace it brings.

Mohammed also dismissed suggestions that his move into farming was a result of financial hardship or poor money management, stressing that his investments in agriculture have been deliberate and long-term. He added that support from community elders continues to motivate him and reaffirm his contentment with life after football.

Rabiu Mohammed began his football journey with Liberty Professionals in Ghana, where his talent caught the attention of former Black Satellites coach Sellas Tetteh. That breakthrough led to opportunities in Europe, including stints with Udinese and Sampdoria in Italy.

Following loan spells in Spain with Gimnàstic and Xerez, his career took a major leap after Ghana’s U-20 World Cup triumph, earning him a permanent move to French side Evian. He later enjoyed successful years in Russia with Kuban Krasnodar, where he cemented his reputation as a top defensive midfielder and earned selection for Ghana’s squad at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

His later career included spells with Krylia Sovetov, Paris FC and Tambov before he officially retired in 2025 to focus fully on his post-football life.