Former Ghanaian star Michael Essien shares his inspiring relationship with Right to Dream founder Tom Vernon and his role in shaping future football stars.

Michael Essien, one of Ghana’s most iconic footballers, has revealed the deep-rooted connection he shares with Tom Vernon, the founder of the Right to Dream Academy. This bond has come full circle in Essien’s post-playing career, as he now serves as an assistant coach for FC Nordsjælland, a Danish club owned by Vernon.

In an interview with the BBC, Essien recounted how his relationship with Vernon started when he was a teenager. “I’ve known Tom since I was 17 or 18,” Essien shared. “He followed my football journey closely and always stayed in touch. When I retired, he reached out, asking, ‘What are you doing now?’”

Essien admitted he was unsure about his next steps after hanging up his boots. That was when Vernon invited him to explore the Right to Dream project. “He told me about the academy, and I visited. The environment was fantastic—calm, supportive, and focused on helping young players grow professionally. I knew this was where I wanted to be,” Essien explained.

Right to Dream has become a hub for nurturing Ghanaian talents, producing stars like Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Ernest Nuamah. Essien takes pride in being part of a system that provides young boys with opportunities to thrive in football and life.

Reflecting on his role, Essien acknowledged the challenges of coaching in today’s world. “This generation can be quite difficult,” he admitted, “but seeing the passion and drive in these boys makes it worth it.”

From dazzling fans at Chelsea and Real Madrid to mentoring future stars in Denmark, Essien continues to leave an indelible mark on football.