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Ghana Football Association Announces Testimonial Match for Asamoah Gyan

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20 minutes ago

November 4, 2025

KSmylesGH

GFA to honour Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan with a special testimonial match.

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The Ghana Football Association (GFA) has officially announced plans to organize a testimonial match honoring legendary Ghanaian striker and former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan, celebrating his illustrious career and profound impact on Ghanaian football.

The event, developed in collaboration with Gyan himself, aims to pay tribute to his achievements as Ghana’s all-time top scorer and one of Africa’s football icons. Details such as the date, venue, and participating teams or guest stars are forthcoming, but the GFA emphasized it will be a “grand” and “memorable” occasion.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

Purpose and Significance: The testimonial serves as a fitting farewell to “Baby Jet,” recognizing his leadership, dazzling performances, and charisma that inspired millions. GFA President Kurt Okraku described Gyan as a “national treasure” whose legacy transcends the pitch, noting the event’s role in etching his contributions into Ghana’s football folklore.
Gyan’s International Legacy: With 51 goals in 109 caps for the Black Stars, Gyan holds Ghana’s scoring record and is Africa’s most prolific World Cup goalscorer (six goals across 2006, 2010, and 2014 tournaments). He captained Ghana to AFCON finals in 2010 and 2015, and led the team to its first World Cup quarterfinal in 2010.
Club Career Overview: Gyan’s professional journey began at Liberty Professionals in Ghana before stints at Udinese (Italy), Modena (loan), Rennes (France), Sunderland (England Premier League), Al Ain and Al Ahli (UAE), Shanghai SIPG (China), Kayserispor (Turkey), and ending at Legon Cities FC in 2023.

The announcement has sparked widespread praise, with football analyst Ntow Gyan calling it “overdue” for a player who redefined Ghana’s global identity. However, it has also ignited debate about precedents—why not similar honors for peers like Stephen Appiah, Michael Essien, or Sulley Muntari? Supporters argue Gyan’s unique records and longevity justify the distinction, while critics see it as selective. Social media buzz highlights iconic moments, like his stunning 2010 goal in Sunderland’s 3-0 upset over Chelsea.

This testimonial underscores the GFA’s efforts to celebrate living legends, potentially paving the way for more such events in Ghanaian football. Fans eagerly await further updates, with expectations of a star-studded affair reuniting Black Stars alumni.

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King Charles III Knights David Beckham for Sport and Charity Services

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King Charles III Knights David Beckham for Sport and Charity Services

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Beckham knelt before the King, who tapped his shoulders with a ceremonial sword, officially dubbing him “Sir David Beckham.” He described it as his “proudest moment,” reflecting on his journey from London’s East End.

Beckham became emotional, emphasizing the honor’s meaning for his charitable work with children, beyond his football achievements. He humorously noted his kids could now call him “Sir Dad.”

Published

1 hour ago

November 4, 2025

KSmylesGH

King Charles III knighted David Beckham at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, honoring his legendary soccer career with Manchester United and England

Introducing Sir David Beckham! Credit: Sky Sports

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King Charles III knighted David Beckham at Windsor Castle on Tuesday, honoring his legendary soccer career with Manchester United and England, as well as his philanthropy as a UNICEF ambassador since 2005.

The 50-year-old former captain, from a working-class East End family, knelt before the monarch with his wife Victoria—now Lady Victoria—and parents Ted and Sandra in attendance.

David Beckham described the moment as profoundly proud, emphasizing his patriotism and charitable efforts that have raised millions for children’s rights and other causes.

The knighthood acknowledges Beckham’s illustrious career, including 85 goals for Manchester United, captaining England, and globalizing soccer through stints at Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, and co-owning Inter Miami. His philanthropy, particularly as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, has focused on children’s issues like malaria prevention and education, raising millions.

He joins football legends like Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson in receiving this accolade.
Beckham’s path to knighthood included past frustrations, as revealed in 2013 leaked emails, but his loyalty to the monarchy shone through actions like queuing for 12 hours to pay respects to Queen Elizabeth II in 2022. His recent role as ambassador for The King’s Foundation, bonding with Charles over beekeeping, strengthened ties with the royal family.

This milestone solidifies Beckham’s status as a cultural icon, blending athletic excellence with humanitarian efforts. Photos and videos from the event capture the family’s joy in the castle courtyard.

Sports

Kelleher Denies Ronaldo Penalty as Neves Nets Late Winner for Portugal over Ireland

Published

3 weeks ago

October 12, 2025

KSmylesGH

Kelleher saves from Ronaldo's penalty!

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In a dramatic World Cup qualifier in Lisbon, Portugal secured a 1-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland, with Ruben Neves scoring a stoppage-time header to break Irish hearts.

Caoimhin Kelleher, Ireland’s goalkeeper, was the standout performer, notably saving a penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo in the 75th minute after a controversial handball call against Dara O’Shea.

75’ | Caoimhín Kelleher denies Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot!

Caoimhín Kelleher denies Cristiano Ronaldo from the penalty spot! What a save!

Despite Ireland’s resilient defensive display, which limited Portugal’s 30 shots to just six on target, Rúben Neves’ 91st-minute goal, assisted by Francisco Trincao, sealed the win for Portugal, maintaining their perfect record in Group F.

The match echoed a 2021 encounter where Ronaldo also had a penalty saved but later scored twice late to win. Ireland, now bottom of the group with one point, face a must-win game against Armenia next. Neves dedicated his goal to the late Diogo Jota, wearing the number 21 in tribute.

Rúben Neves pointing to the sky and showing off his Diogo Jota tattoo after scoring his first-career goal for Portuga

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Chelsea Stuns Liverpool with Estevao’s Stoppage-Time Winner

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1 month ago

October 5, 2025

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Enzo Maresca ran across the pitch to celebrate with his team after Estêvão’s late winner

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In a pulsating Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea pulled off a stunning late comeback to defeat reigning champions Liverpool 2-1, thanks to an 18-year-old substitute’s thunderbolt in the fifth minute of stoppage time. Estêvão Willian, the Brazilian wonderkid who joined Chelsea from Palmeiras in a £29 million deal earlier this summer, marked his first goal for the club with a clinical finish that sent the home crowd into ecstasy and left Liverpool manager Arne Slot ruing another heartbreaking collapse.

KEY MOMENTS

32′ – Chelsea 1-0 Liverpool (Moisés Caicedo): The Blues took the lead with a moment of brilliance from midfield maestro Caicedo. Pouncing on a loose ball after outrunning Alexis Mac Allister, the Ecuadorian unleashed a 22-yard screamer into the top corner with his right foot, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili rooted to the spot. Stamford Bridge erupted as Chelsea’s high-pressing game plan paid dividends early on.
68′ – Chelsea 1-1 Liverpool (Cody Gakpo): Just when Chelsea looked in cruise control, Liverpool clawed their way back. Gakpo, the Dutch forward, latched onto a clever through-ball from Dominik Szoboszlai and slotted home past Robert Sánchez to level the scores. It was a lifeline for the visitors, who had been second-best for much of the first half but grew into the game after the break.
90+5′ – Chelsea 2-1 Liverpool (Estêvão Willian): The defining moment came deep into added time. Enzo Fernández, pulling the strings from midfield, slipped a precise pass to Marc Cucurella on the left flank. The Spanish full-back whipped in a low, teasing cross across the six-yard box, evading the despairing dive of Andrew Robertson. Estêvão, timing his run to perfection, slid in at the back post to divert the ball home for a debut goal that will live long in Chelsea folklore. Manager Enzo Maresca sprinted the length of the touchline in celebration, earning a second yellow card and a trip to the stands.

This victory catapults Chelsea up to sixth in the league table with 11 points from seven games, their first win over Liverpool since a 1-0 triumph at Anfield in March 2021. For the Reds, it’s a third straight defeat across all competitions—their worst run since 2021—dropping them to second on 15 points, one behind new leaders Arsenal (who beat West Ham 2-0 earlier that day). Slot’s side, once lauded for late winners, have now conceded stoppage-time goals in back-to-back league outings, raising questions about their defensive fragility under pressure.

Estêvão’s strike not only stunned Liverpool but also highlighted Chelsea’s youth revolution paying off. At 18 years and 122 days, he becomes the second-youngest Brazilian to score in the Premier League, behind only Rafael da Silva’s debut for Manchester United in 2008.