Messages of congratulations and success are being showered on Asamoah Gyan as he turns 34 today.
On November 23, 1985, Gyan who is the younger brother of former Ghana forward Baffour Gyan was born in Accra.
He began his professional footballing career with Dansoman-based Liberty Professional before crossing-carpet to Italian side Udinese where he blossomed and establish himself as one of Ghana’s most reliable forwards.
Since 2003 when he made his national team debut against Somalia, Gyan has scored 51 goals for Ghana in over 100 appearances.
Club career
A nomadic career you may term it. Gyan has played for 8 clubs in three continents. From Liberty he moved to Udinese where he spent two seasons on loan at Modena. Gyan also played for Rennes, Sunderland, Al Ain, Shanghai SIPG and Kayserispor.
He currently plays for Indian side NorthEast United.
’Big goals’
Ghana’s all-time leading goalscorer has 51 goals but a few of them standout due to their importance and the finesse with which they were scored.
His goal against Czech Republic which happens to be Ghana’s first ever World Cup goal easily comes to mind when talking about Gyan’s impressive goal scoring record.
A beautiful through ball from Stephen Appiah was received with a brilliant first touch before a left-footed bottom corner strike released.
His most important goal arguably, the thunderbolt against the United States at the 2010 World Cup. Gyan welcomed a long ball with a chest control to get the better of his marker and then glided a powerful shot with his left foot beyond the reach of USA goalkeeper Tim Howard.
One can still remember the celebrations that greeted that particular in the streets of Accra.
How about that goal against England? Gyan gets the ball, twists and turns to send Joeleon Lescott the wrong way and then bends one nicely beyond Joe Hart’s reach. It was a great goal.
Controversies
One of the most controversial players in the history of Ghana football. Gyan’s off-field issues has most of the time overshadowed his performance on the pitch. His alleged sexual relationship with Sarah Kwabla and divorce of long-term partner Gifty Appiah are two of the numerous controversies Gyan has been involved in.
Below are tweets from some Ghanaians celebrating the legendary footballer
Happy Birthday to Ghana's GOAT striker Asamoah Gyan. The #3 striker.
— Saddick Adams (@SaddickAdams) November 22, 2019
Here my 3 fave goals all from your weaker foot. Amazing guy. ???????????????? pic.twitter.com/a9BV0rqKgA
Happy birthday to one of the greatest to have done it. A true legend of our game.
— The Alpha Male (@AtsuTamakloe) November 22, 2019
Asamoah Gyan. pic.twitter.com/Tf1gb87tZu
Most Ghanaians are yet to come to terms of how influential Asamoah Gyan has been in Ghana's soccer over the years.
— RICKY ALLOTEY (@BraRicky) November 22, 2019
This guy needs to be celebrated yet we are sleeping on him.
Happy birthday ???? Legend @ASAMOAH_GYAN3 https://t.co/rkv2I7QX7L
Happy birthday to the General Captain of the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan. I wish you long life and prosperity ???????????? pic.twitter.com/UgG47k0xvp
— KOFI ARTHUR (@KOFIART60231556) November 22, 2019
Happy birthday Asamoah Gyan, you have been an inspiration to our generation. @ Accra, Ghana West Africa https://t.co/z99zz69m71
— Goals and Grades Ghana (@GoalsandGrades) November 22, 2019
Happy birthday to my super duper hero Legend Asamoah Gyan, the spirit of the number 3. Love you bunch @ASAMOAH_GYAN3 pic.twitter.com/Uqn3fYietQ
— Abrompa Gh (@AbrompaGh) November 22, 2019
Asamoah Gyan would’ve undoubtedly be the second biggest National hero we’ve had behind Nkrumah if that pen at the death vs Uruguay had gone in but damn. How a split second decision can make or break you. Anyway happy birthday @ASAMOAH_GYAN3 champ.
— Frankie De Nelson (@saudi_money) November 22, 2019
Happy birthday Maestro @ASAMOAH_GYAN3
— Jr_Gong_19 ???? (@Mr_Okoampah) November 22, 2019
God bless you.... Respect Boss ? #Babyjet #Ewolemonkor #AsamoahGyan https://t.co/JIpxSXI8vo