BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The 2025/26 European football season began on a high note for Ghanaian players abroad, with several Black Stars regulars and rising prospects delivering standout performances in England, Spain, Germany, France, and beyond.
From Mohammed Kudus dazzling on his Premier League debut to Thomas Partey making a fresh start in La Liga, Ghanaian talent continues to make its mark on the global stage.
Semenyo’s Resilience Amid Racism Scandal
At Anfield on Friday night, Antoine Semenyo stole the spotlight despite Bournemouth’s 4-2 loss to defending champions Liverpool.
The 22-year-old forward scored twice, proving his sharp form at the start of the campaign.
However, the match was overshadowed by an incident of racial abuse directed at Semenyo while preparing to take a throw-in.
Referee Anthony Taylor halted the game briefly to consult both managers and captains before play resumed.
Semenyo responded in the best possible fashion—by scoring two goals—although late strikes from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah turned the result in Liverpool’s favour.
His resilience mirrors the growing challenge of racism in football, an issue that has plagued the Premier League for years despite campaigns like “Kick It Out.”
Kudus Lights Up Tottenham Debut
Elsewhere in England, Mohammed Kudus made an electrifying debut for Tottenham Hotspur.
The Ghanaian midfielder, signed this summer after two successful seasons at West Ham United, registered two assists in Spurs’ 3-0 win over Burnley.
Both assists were finished by Richarlison, one being a stunning overhead kick that highlighted Kudus’ creativity and composure.
Kudus’ performance adds to the excitement surrounding Spurs’ new era under their manager, with many tipping the Black Stars playmaker to become central to their campaign.
Other Performances in England
Brandon Thomas-Asante scored his first goal of the season as Coventry City fought back to defeat Derby County 5-2 in the Championship. Leicester City, however, suffered a 2-1 defeat to Preston despite starting Black Stars pair Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Jordan Ayew.
Injuries kept Tariq Lamptey sidelined in Brighton’s 1-1 draw with Fulham.
Partey’s Fresh Start in Spain
Thomas Partey began a new chapter in his career after his high-profile move from Arsenal to Villarreal this summer.
The midfielder made his debut as a late substitute in Villarreal’s 2-0 win over Real Oviedo.
On the opposite side, Ghanaian midfielder Kwasi Sibo marked his La Liga debut with a full 90-minute display for Oviedo.
Meanwhile, Inaki Williams continued his leadership role at Athletic Club, captaining the Basque side to a 3-2 win over Sevilla. Williams, now in his 10th season with Bilbao, remains a consistent figure in Spanish football.
Bundesliga Drama and German Cup Heroics
In Germany, Ransford-Yeboah Königsdörffer made headlines by scoring a dramatic extra-time winner for Hamburger SV in their German Cup first-round clash against Pirmasens.
His strike came shortly after reports surfaced that he had failed a medical, scuppering a transfer to French side OGC Nice.
Ragnar Ache, another Ghanaian forward, made an instant impact on his FC Köln debut, providing two assists off the bench in a 2-1 comeback win over Regensburg. Ache arrives in the Bundesliga after dominating the Bundesliga with 34 goals across the past two seasons.
Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 Updates
Ibrahim Osman wasted no time making his presence felt in France. On his Ligue 1 debut for AJ Auxerre, the young Ghanaian provided the decisive assist in a 1-0 win over Lorient.
His compatriots Gideon Mensah and Elisha Owusu also featured for Auxerre.
Salis Abdul Samed made his first appearance for Nice in their 1-0 loss to Toulouse, where fellow Ghanaian Kojo Peprah Oppong also started.
Augustine Boakye was the standout in Ligue 2, assisting twice in Saint-Etienne’s 4-0 win over Rodez, continuing his excellent early-season form.
Belgian League Highlights
In Belgium, Lawrence Agyekum played a crucial role for Cercle Brugge, registering an assist in their 4-1 win over Westerlo.
Ghana U20 star Joseph Opoku featured for Zulte Waregem in a narrow 1-0 defeat to Club Brugge, while Mohammed Fuseini returned from injury to make his season debut for USG in their 3-0 win against Standard Liege.
Beyond Europe: MLS, Eredivisie, and Estonia
Across the Atlantic, Joseph Paintsil scored his fifth MLS goal of the season for LA Galaxy, though Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez inspired Inter Miami to a 3-1 victory. In the Netherlands, Ibrahim Sadiq opened his Eredivisie account for AZ Alkmaar in their 2-2 draw with Volendam.
In Estonia, Ernest Agyiri continued his prolific run, scoring twice in Levadia Tallinn’s 6-1 demolition of Kalev, bringing his tally to 10 goals in 21 league matches.
