Champions League: 5 Ghanaian Stars Who Won It As Partey and Kudus Chase Glory
- Ghana stands tall as the African nation with the highest number of UEFA Champions League winners
- This season, Partey and Kudus will be aiming to add their names to that illustrious list by inspiring their clubs to European glory
- YEN.com.gh revisits the five Ghanaian stars who have already lifted the iconic big-eared trophy
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The draw for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League league phase was held in Monaco on Thursday, August 28, setting the stage for another thrilling European campaign.
Defending champions Paris Saint-Germain will be keen to retain their crown, while traditional giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool chase a return to the pinnacle of club football.
At the same time, eight Ghanaian players — among them Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, and Inaki Williams — will be hoping to drive their clubs toward continental glory.
Source: Getty Images
Partey misses out on Champions League glory
Last season, Partey’s Champions League ambitions with Arsenal came to a heartbreaking end at the semi-final stage.
The Gunners, who showed moments of brilliance across both legs, ultimately fell short against a ruthless Paris Saint-Germain side.
PSG’s sharp finishing and the brilliance of Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal proved decisive, sealing a 3-1 aggregate defeat for the North London outfit, per Sky Sports.
Source: Getty Images
Partey’s elimination last season ended Ghana’s individual chase for Champions League glory, extending the nation’s wait for another winner since 2012.
The 5 Ghanaian winners of the Champions League title
With several Ghanaian stars in contention this season, hopes are high for a turnaround in fortunes.
Here’s a look at the five who have already etched their names into Champions League history.
5. Abedi Ayew Pele – 1993
The pioneer of Ghanaian excellence in Europe, Abedi Ayew, was instrumental in Olympique Marseille's maiden and only Champions League triumph.
It was Ayew’s corner that unlocked AC Milan's defence, curling the ball perfectly onto Basile Boli’s head for the decisive goal, according to Ghanasoccernet.
Though Boli netted the winner, Ayew's creativity and relentless influence throughout the campaign earned him the hero’s mantle.
4. Ibrahim Tanko – 1997
A prodigious talent whose career was blighted by recurring injuries, Tanko was part of Borussia Dortmund’s historic run to their first Champions League crown.
Although his involvement in the campaign was limited to just three appearances and none in the final, he still earned his place as part of Ottmar Hitzfeld’s title-winning squad.
3. Samuel Osei Kuffour – 2001
No Ghanaian has ever shown such sheer emotion on the Champions League stage quite like Samuel Kuffour did after Bayern Munich’s heartbreaking 1999 defeat to Manchester United.
Conceding two stoppage-time goals left the defender thumping the ground in utter despair.
But the defender's resilience would be rewarded two years later. In the 2001 final, Bayern edged Valencia on penalties after a tightly contested stalemate, and Kuffour was rock-solid throughout.
2. Sulley Muntari – 2010
Jose Mourinho’s 2010 Inter Milan squad was built on tactical discipline and ruthless efficiency, and Sulley Muntari was a trusted cog in that machine.
Known for his physical presence and aggressive midfield play, Muntari helped Inter grind through difficult ties, none more so than the semi-final second leg against Barcelona.
Although he only played a short cameo in the final at the Santiago Bernabéu, entering with the game already sealed at 2-0, Muntari’s contributions throughout the campaign validated his medal.
5. Michael Essien – 2012
Of all Ghanaian Champions League winners, Michael Essien's journey was perhaps the most poetic.
Nicknamed “The Bison” for his powerhouse style, he suffered heartbreak in 2008 when Chelsea narrowly lost the final to Manchester United.
Four years later, redemption arrived.
Although Essien didn't feature in the dramatic final against Bayern Munich, his years of service to the club and contributions during the campaign earned him a deserved place among the elite.
Partey and Kudus to face off in Champions League league phase
In an earlier report, YEN.com.gh highlighted that Thomas Partey and Mohammed Kudus are on course for a thrilling encounter in this season’s UEFA Champions League.
The two Ghanaian stars have begun their domestic campaigns on a high and will be looking to carry that momentum onto Europe’s biggest stage.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
