From snubbing Ghana to Denmark U21s: Noah Nartey’s international journey takes a twist

For Noah Nartey, the decision once appeared straightforward. The Denmark-born midfielder had Ghanaian roots and was eligible to represent the Black Stars, but when Ghana made contact in 2025, he made his preference clear: Denmark was where he wanted his international future to be. “Of course, there is something with Ghana, and there has also been contact. But what I am focused on is playing for Denmark and qualifying for a very great and important European Championship. It's Denmark that I have represented my entire life, and it's them that I will continue to represent,” Nartey told Bold.dk in November 2025. Five months later, the 20-year-old's decision appeared to be paying off. Nartey received his first senior Denmark call-up for the March 2026 World Cup play-offs. He was named among the substitutes against North Macedonia and eventually came on in the 81st minute, replacing his older brother Nikolas Nartey. He was also among Denmark's substitutes against Czechia five days later. ‘He cried and complained bitterly’ – Kwabena Yeboah on Inaki’s retirement But the next chapter has been less straightforward. After moving from Brøndby to Lyon in January 2026, Nartey has found regular playing time difficult to secure. He has made just three Ligue 1 appearances this season, totalling 102 minutes, although he scored on his league debut against Toulouse. And now, instead of another senior Denmark invitation, Nartey has been named in the country's U21 squad for the upcoming European Championship qualifiers against Belarus, Austria and Belgium. The development also brings back a familiar pattern involving Ghanaian players eligible to represent other countries. Over the years, several Ghanaian players have chosen to pursue international football elsewhere, only to turn their attention to the Black Stars when things did not work out as expected with their first choice. Some returned after struggling to establish themselves with their preferred national teams, while others made the switch when opportunities became limited. Nartey's situation is still developing, but his story already fits into that wider conversation. “We Won’t Watch Our Heritage Die” – Accra Turf Club Hits Streets Over Racecourse Demolition FKA/AMSource: www.ghanaweb.com
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