- Asamoah Gyan stands tall as one of Ghana’s greatest strikers and one of Africa’s most iconic forwards
- From scoring decisive goals on the world stage to building an impressive business empire back home, his impact on and off the pitch remains remarkable
- YEN.com.gh highlights 40 key facts that showcase the life, legacy and achievements of the former Black Stars captain on his 40th birthday
Asamoah Gyan has hit a remarkable milestone, celebrating 40 years of impact and unforgettable moments for both Ghana and Africa as he marked his 40th birthday on November 22, 2025.
From his explosive rise as a fearless teenager to becoming the continent’s most prolific scorer on the World Cup stage, his journey has been filled with memories that still echo across stadiums.
Source: Getty Images
Asamoah Gyan: Four decades of an extraordinary story
Loved for his infectious charm and respected for his power in front of goal, Gyan built a legacy that reached far beyond club shirts and national colours.
Every stage of his life carried a story, each one adding depth to a career that inspired millions.
As he celebrates this milestone (turning 40), it feels right to revisit the defining moments that shaped the man known worldwide as Baby Jet.
Source: Getty Images
40 facts about Asamoah Gyan
Below is a complete list of forty standout facts that capture the essence of his life, career and lasting influence.
- Ghana’s All-Time Top Scorer: He is the Black Stars’ highest scorer with 51 goals in 109 appearances, per Ghanafa.org.
- Africa’s World Cup Record Holder: He has the most World Cup goals by an African player (6).
- The Iconic Number 3: He wore the No. 3 shirt for the majority of his career, inspired by his brother.
- Ghana’s First World Cup Goal: He scored Ghana’s maiden World Cup goal against the Czech Republic on June 17, 2006.
- Fastest Goal of Germany 2006: That goal came after just 68 seconds, the fastest of the tournament.
- First African to Score in Three Straight World Cups: He achieved this by scoring in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
- Nine Consecutive Tournaments: He became the first man to score in nine straight major tournaments (World Cups and AFCONs).
- Played for 11 Clubs: His club journey spanned 11 teams across eight countries, including Italy, France, England and China.
- AFC Champions League Top Scorer: He finished as top scorer in the 2014 edition with Al Ain.
- Sunderland Record Signing: His £13m move in 2010 made him Sunderland’s record buy at the time.
- Unique World Cup Scoring Feat: He is the only Ghanaian to score in the group stage, Round of 16 and quarter-final of a World Cup.
- Other Sporting Interests: He briefly played tennis in local competitions and reportedly defeated a professional.
- Trained with Manchester City: He once trained with Man City under Sven-Göran Eriksson, but a deal never happened.
- One-Touch Goal: His last Ghana goal in 2017 vs Ethiopia came from his only touch after coming on.
- Quickest to 50 International Goals: He reached 50 international goals in fewer caps than Messi and Ronaldo.
- Father of Three: He shares three children, Rafael, Frederick and Floyd, with his ex-wife Gifty Sandra Dzamesi.
- Return to the Ghana League: In 2020, he returned home after 17 years to play for Legon Cities FC.
- Diverse Business Ventures: He has invested in boxing promotion, real estate and aviation, including Baby Jet Airlines (which never launched).
- Powerful Superstitions: He once said he avoids celebrating goals on Tuesdays.
- Retired in 2023: He announced his retirement on June 20, 2023.
- Started at Liberty Professionals: His professional journey began with the Dansoman-based club.
- Kotoko Admiration: He has openly expressed his love for Asante Kotoko and once hoped to retire there, which never happened.
- Nickname ‘Baby Jet’: Given to him by journalist Dan Kwaku Yeboah; originally belonged to Ghanaian sprinter Alice Annum.
- BBC African Footballer of the Year: He won the award in 2010.
- Multiple Ghana Player of the Year Awards: He claimed the honour several times.
- Music Career: Under “Baby Jet,” he released three albums and won a 2011 Ghana Music Award for “African Girls.”
- Among World’s Highest Paid: His 2015 deal with Shanghai SIPG earned him £227,000 per week.
- UEFA License B Coach: He holds a UEFA License B certificate from Wales.
- Iconic Dance Celebrations: His love for dance inspired his trademark goal celebrations.
- Three-Time UAE Pro League Top Scorer: He won the Golden Boot in 2011/12, 2012/13 and 2013/14.
- Phenomenal Record at Al Ain: He scored 112 goals in 107 games there, becoming their second all-time top scorer, according to Transfermarkt.
- Club 100 Milestone: He earned 109 caps for Ghana and wore a special armband for his symbolic 100th-game celebration.
- Youngest Ghana Scorer: He scored on his debut vs Somalia in 2003, three days before turning 18.
- Three World Cups: He represented Ghana at the 2006, 2010 and 2014 World Cups.
- CAF Ambassador: Named among CAF’s pioneer ambassadors to promote African football.
- No Major Trophy With Ghana: Despite his brilliance, he never won a major trophy with the Black Stars.
- Built a Sports Complex: He funded a multi-purpose sports facility for Accra Academy, his alma mater.
- Infamous Penalty Miss: His last-minute miss vs Uruguay in 2010 denied Ghana a historic World Cup semi-final.
- Loved Across Africa: His World Cup exploits made him one of Africa’s most recognised footballers globally.
- A True Ghanaian Icon: His career, legacy and impact continue to inspire generations.
Watch a compilation of some of Gyan’s best goals:
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Gyan names potential AFCON 2025 winners
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Asamoah Gyan shared his early picks for the countries most likely to win the 2025 AFCON.
The 38-year-old made the prediction at the 2025 CAF Awards in Rabat, where Achraf Hakimi was crowned Africa’s Best Male Footballer.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
