By Kwame Bediako
Ghana’s football icon Asamoah Gyan has opened up about the moment Tony Yeboah’s breathtaking goals in the English Premier League sparked his lifelong ambition to play in England’s top flight.
As Ghana’s record goalscorer, Gyan credits those unforgettable strikes as the turning point that set his sights on the Premier League.
The inspiration took root during Yeboah’s storied stint with Leeds United from 1995 to 1997, where his thunderous volleys made him a cult hero.
Gyan vividly recalls watching in awe: “It has always been my dream to play in the Premier League. Watching Tony Yeboah, I said to myself that I want to play in the Premier League, so my mind was made up.”
Yeboah’s exploits, including his iconic Goal of the Season against Wimbledon, paved the way for a generation of Ghanaian talents.
That dream crystallized after Gyan’s dazzling displays at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, leading to a club-record £13 million move to Sunderland. Despite loyalty to his then-club Stade Rennais, Gyan was resolute:
“I had the option to stay at Stade Rennais, but I told them this is my time to go to the Premier League.”
Gyan wasted no time proving his worth, netting on his debut against Wigan Athletic and kickstarting a strong run.
“Coming in, I was ready to deliver, and on my debut, I scored, and everything started getting better,” he reflected in a recent interview.
Over a season and a half, Gyan tallied 10 goals in 34 appearances before heading to Al Ain, but his Sunderland legacy endures.
Yeboah’s pioneering success not only fueled Gyan’s journey but continues to inspire Ghanaian players chasing Premier League glory.
