Ghanaian winger Edward Opoku retires from football at 28

Ghanaian forward Edward Opoku has announced his retirement from football after a long break from the game.

The US-based winger decided to hang up his boots at 28 after persistent battles with injuries.

Opoku spent most of his career in the United States, and he is fondly remembered for his breakthrough campaign at Columbus Crew in the MLS.

He also played for St Louis and Legion FC, but injuries ruined his blossoming career as he underwent seven surgeries since 2020.

In an emotional post on social media, Opoku remarked he is looking forward to a new chapter in his life while also expressing gratitude for his football career.

"Finally at peace with it…. Soccer didn’t just give me a dream, it gave me a way out. Out of the streets of Ghana and into rooms I never imagined I’d step foot in. This journey hasn’t been easy. Seven surgeries just to walk again. Years fighting to return to the field. Struggling with my identity, my mental health, and learning how to live without the game that once defined me. Losing friends. Losing family. Losing pieces of myself. Years of therapy… and still, some wounds don’t fully close," wrote Opoku.

The Right to Dream Academy graduate continued: "I’m not completely at peace with how it ended and maybe I never will be. But for the first time since my injury, I can honestly say: I’m okay. I’m learning to look forward instead of only looking back. Learning to meet myself where I am. Learning that there’s another chapter waiting for me.

"As I continue to work on myself, I want to say thank you to the game that saved me. Thank you, soccer, for pulling me off the streets and showing me what was possible. The next phase begins here."

By Lukman Abdul Mumin

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