BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan has revealed that one of the dribbling skills that made him a nightmare for defenders during his professional career was inspired by Brazilian football icon Ronaldo Nazário, popularly known as R9.
The former Black Stars captain made the revelation on social media after a football fan referenced him in a discussion involving Brazilian winger Raphinha, who currently plays for Barcelona.
The fan suggested that Raphinha could learn the particular dribbling technique from Gyan, whose ability to beat defenders with skill, speed and confidence made him one of Ghana’s most recognisable footballers during his playing days.
However, in a humble response, Gyan disclosed that he was not the original inventor of the move but had learnt it from Ronaldo while he was still in junior high school, then commonly referred to as Junior Secondary School (JSS).
“I learnt this skill from R9 when I was in JSS (JHS),” Gyan wrote in a post on X on October 21, 2026, acknowledging the influence the Brazilian great had on his football development.
The revelation offers a glimpse into the inspiration behind some of the skills that helped define Gyan’s playing style. Known for his attacking instincts and ability to trouble opposing defenders, the Ghanaian striker built a reputation as one of the country’s most accomplished forwards.
Ronaldo Nazário, meanwhile, is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in football history. The Brazilian was renowned for his explosive acceleration, close control, deceptive body movements and ability to eliminate defenders in one-on-one situations.
A two-time FIFA World Cup winner, Ronaldo became a global football sensation through his performances for Brazil and several leading European clubs. His technique and attacking brilliance influenced a generation of footballers, including Gyan, who has never concealed his admiration for the former Brazilian international.
Interestingly, Gyan had the opportunity to face his childhood inspiration on football’s biggest stage during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Ghana, making its first appearance at the tournament, advanced to the round of 16 before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. Ronaldo was part of the Brazilian team that eliminated the Black Stars, creating a memorable connection between the Ghanaian striker and the football icon whose skills had inspired him during his formative years.
Although Ghana’s World Cup journey ended at that stage, the tournament marked a significant moment in the country’s football history, with the Black Stars reaching the knockout stage on their debut.
Gyan would go on to establish himself as one of Ghana’s greatest footballers, enjoying a distinguished international career that produced several historic achievements.
The former Sunderland, Rennes and Al Ain striker remains the all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals. He also holds the record for the most goals scored by an African player at the FIFA World Cup, having found the net six times across three tournament appearances in 2006, 2010 and 2014.
His performances at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, in particular, cemented his place in Ghanaian football history. Gyan scored crucial goals as the Black Stars reached the quarter-finals, becoming the third African nation to reach that stage of the men’s tournament.
