Cameroonian shot-stopper Andre Onana is back in the thick of things, returning to Manchester United training as the Red Devils prepare for their next challenges.
The goalkeeper’s return is a timely boost for Erik ten Hag’s side, who will welcome his presence between the sticks after his recent absence. With his reflexes, distribution, and commanding presence, Onana will be looking to make an immediate impact.
According to @JamesPearceLFC, Liverpool could be in line to strike a deal for Marc Guehi—provided the price is right. The Crystal Palace defender has long been admired by the Reds, and there’s a growing belief that an agreement could be reached under reasonable financial terms.
With Guehi’s Premier League experience and composure at the back, such a move could be a smart addition to Liverpool’s defensive ranks as they aim to strengthen ahead of the next campaign.
Moroccan superstar Achraf Hakimi isn’t one to shy away from ambition. Speaking with confidence, the PSG full-back made it clear that if the opportunity ever arises for him to lift football’s most prestigious individual award, he believes he’s earned it.
“The Ballon d’Or? If I have the possibility of winning it, I think I deserve it,” Hakimi declared, showing the same fearlessness off the pitch that he displays when surging down the flank.
For a player who has already shone in LaLiga, Serie A, Ligue 1, and on the grand stage of the World Cup, the statement is less boastful and more a reflection of his relentless drive.
In the grand theatre of Ghanaian football, few names echo with as much reverence as Michael Essien. To fans, he was The Bison—a force of nature who combined unrelenting power with rare technical grace. To opponents, he was a nightmare: quick enough to close the gap, strong enough to win the ball, and skilled enough to hurt you the moment he got it.
From dazzling Europe with Olympique Lyonnais to becoming the heartbeat of José Mourinho’s all-conquering Chelsea, Essien’s career wasn’t just about trophies—it was about redefining what an African midfielder could be on the world stage. He inspired a generation, elevated the Black Stars, and made Ghana a permanent fixture in global football conversations.
Here’s why Michael Essien remains Ghana’s finest midfielder ever:
1️⃣ Lyon’s Midfield King
In France, Essien’s dominance was unmatched. In 2004/05, he was crowned UNFP Ligue 1 Player of the Year, guiding Lyon to back-to-back league titles. At just 22, he was already among the best in the world.
2️⃣ Chelsea Glory Days
Two Premier League titles, multiple FA Cups, a League Cup, and the 2011/12 UEFA Champions League—Essien’s trophy cabinet reads like a dream. And he wasn’t just there—he was at the centre of it all.
3️⃣ A Man for the Big Nights
When the pressure was at its peak, Essien delivered. His thunderous equaliser against Arsenal (2006/07) and his outrageous volley against Barcelona (2009) weren’t just goals—they were statements.
4️⃣ The Problem-Solver
Whether as a defensive rock, a box-to-box engine, or even an emergency right-back, Essien adapted without missing a beat. Managers trusted him to fill any gap, in any game.
5️⃣ A Record-Breaking Transfer
In 2005, Chelsea paid £24.4m—then the highest fee for an African player. The price tag was big, but the performances were bigger.
6️⃣ Ghana’s World Cup Trailblazer
In 2006, Essien led Ghana into their first-ever World Cup, helping them reach the knockout stages and sparking a new era of belief in Black Stars football.
7️⃣ Longevity at the Top
From his debut in 2002 to his final cap in 2014, Essien represented Ghana 59 times—remaining relevant across multiple generations.
8️⃣ Leadership by Example
Essien didn’t shout; he inspired. From captaining Ghana in the 2014 World Cup playoff against Egypt to leading through his relentless work ethic, his presence was magnetic.
9️⃣ Warrior Spirit
Injuries could slow him, but they could never stop him. He returned from long layoffs to score crucial goals, including a vital strike against Juventus in 2009.
Continental & Global Recognition
From winning the 2006 BBC African Footballer of the Year to making multiple CAF Teams of the Year, Essien’s greatness was acknowledged everywhere.
Michael Essien’s career wasn’t just about football—it was about setting a standard. For Ghana, for Africa, and for midfielders everywhere, The Bison will always be a symbol of power, elegance, and unbreakable will.
Ghana’s football history is filled with legendary strikers whose names are etched in African football folklore. From iconic World Cup moments to unforgettable African Cup of Nations (AFCON) heroics, these men have worn the Black Stars jersey with pride, delivering goals and glory for the nation.
Known as Africa’s oldest football association, the Ghana national team has produced some of the most lethal finishers the continent has ever seen. But who ranks as the most prolific? Here’s the countdown:
1️⃣ Asamoah Gyan – 51 goals
The undisputed king of Ghanaian goal scorers, Gyan debuted at 17 in 2003 and went on to score 51 goals. He famously netted the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history (68 seconds vs Czech Republic in 2006) — also Ghana’s first-ever World Cup goal.
2️⃣ Edward Acquah – 45 goals
A lethal striker with a remarkable 45 goals in just 41 appearances (1956–1964). He scored twice in the 1963 AFCON final to hand Ghana its first continental title.
3️⃣ Kwasi Owusu – 36 goals
Scored five goals on his debut against Niger in 1969 and followed up with four more against the same opponent a month later. A feared finisher until his passing in 2020.
4️⃣ Jordan Ayew – 31 goals
Debuted in 2010 and scored his first two goals vs Lesotho. Known for his 2014 World Cup hat-trick against South Korea in a warm-up match.
5️⃣ Tony Yeboah – 29 goals
A Premier League cult hero, Yeboah’s thunderous strikes were legendary. He netted 29 times for Ghana and featured in three AFCON tournaments.
6️⃣ Karim Abdul Razak – 25 goals
The “Golden Boy” of Ghanaian football. Key to Ghana’s 1978 AFCON triumph and African Footballer of the Year that same year.
7️⃣ Andre Ayew – 24 goals
The most active scorer on the list. Featured in multiple World Cups and AFCON finals, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer in 2015.
8️⃣ Wilberforce Mfum – 20 goals
Scored twice in the 1963 AFCON final to lift the trophy and finished second on the 1968 AFCON top scorers’ chart.
9️⃣ Sulley Muntari – 20 goals
Known for his powerful left foot, Muntari scored at multiple World Cups, including a stunning long-range goal against Uruguay in 2010.
Osei Kofi – 19 goals
The “wizard dribbler” was joint top scorer in the 1965 AFCON, turning down European offers to remain in Ghana before later becoming a priest.
From Gyan’s record-breaking heroics to Acquah’s ruthless efficiency and Muntari’s unforgettable World Cup strikes, these players embody Ghana’s proud football legacy — a legacy built on goals, grit, and greatness.