Former Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has spoken out against claims that players born abroad struggle to excel for the Black Stars due to an inability to “fit in” or adapt to Ghanaian culture. According to Essien, such criticisms are unfounded and unhelpful.
Spain-born forward Iñaki Williams has been a key target of this narrative. Despite his impressive performances for Athletic Bilbao, Williams has managed only one goal since debuting for Ghana in 2022. Similarly, Antoine Semenyo, who was born in London, has faced scrutiny for not living up to expectations on the international stage.
Addressing the issue during an interview with Sporty FM, Essien dismissed the cultural argument outright. “It’s amusing to me how we handle these things,” he remarked. “We invite these Ghanaians born in Europe, and when they face challenges, the first thing we say is, ‘Oh, they don’t belong; they don’t understand our culture.’ Honestly, that’s just nonsense.”
This criticism, often directed at dual-nationality players like Williams and Semenyo, has led some to question whether such sentiments discourage others from committing to the Black Stars. Despite the backlash, the national team continues to draw players with strong connections to Ghana.
Essien, whose legacy in Ghanaian football includes being a key figure in the Black Stars’ maiden World Cup qualification in 2006, speaks from experience. The former Chelsea star, with multiple Premier League titles and a Champions League win under his belt, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Ghana’s history. His blunt remarks are likely to ignite debate, but many will respect his perspective, given his immense contributions to the sport in the country.
