Ghanaian · Accra, Ghana · Born 22 November 1985Ghana's all-time leading scorer whose missed penalty against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup became one of football's most painful near-miss moments.
Asamoah Gyan was born in Accra, Ghana on 22 November 1985. Ghana's greatest ever goalscorer, Gyan was a powerful, pacy and technically accomplished striker who became Africa's leading scorer at World Cup finals. He came to prominence at Liberty Professionals and Udinese before Rennes signed him, and then Sunderland paid £13m for him in 2010 following his performances at the World Cup in South Africa. He later played in the UAE with Al Ain (winning the league) and Al Wahda, and in China, Turkey and India. He holds Ghana's all-time scoring record with 51 goals in 110 caps. His most defining international moment — and one of the sport's most agonising — was his missed penalty in extra time against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup quarter-final, after Luis Suarez had deliberately handled on the line. Uruguay went through on penalties. It remains one of the most debated incidents in World Cup history.
Africa's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer with 6 goals
His missed penalty against Uruguay at the 2010 World Cup QF — after Suarez's handball prevented a certain goal — denied Ghana a place in the semi-final and remains one of the most painful moments in African football history.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with excellent positioning and strong aerial ability
Lasting Impact
Ghana's greatest striker and one of Africa's most prolific international goalscorers
Career Honours
- UAE League (Al Ain)
- AFCON Runner-Up 2010, 2015
- Turkish Cup 2018
- UAE Pro League 2014
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liberty Professionals | 2003–2008 | — | — | 82 | #10 |
| Rennes | 2008–2010 | loan | 145 | 71 | #9 |
| Sunderland | 2010–2011 | — | 113 | 44 | #10 |
| Al Ain | 2011–2015 | — | 83 | 95 | — |
| Shanghai SIPG | 2015–2017 | — | 20 | 8 | — |
| Kayserispor | 2017–2018 | — | 33 | 7 | — |
| NorthEast United | 2019–2020 | — | 9 | 2 | — |
| Legon Cities | 2020–2021 | — | 0 | 0 | — |
| Udinese | 2008–2011 | — | 3 | 0 | — |
| Modena | 2008–2009 | loan | 20 | 5 | — |
 Ghana | — | — | 110 | 51 | — |
Ghanaian Athletes