Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan was crowned the winner of the prestigious Continental Global Icon Award at the 2023 Exclusive Men of the Year (EMY) Awards Africa.
It comes just a few months after he announced his retirement from active football, a career that spanned 20 years.
He beat competition from Benjamin Azamat, Mohammed Kudus, Joseph Paul Amoah, and Abraham Mensah to emerge as the winner of the prestigious award.
The ceremony, held at a luxurious venue in Accra, celebrated the outstanding achievements and contributions of influential men in various industries across Africa.
Gyan, who is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s greatest football players, was recognised for his remarkable career and immense impact on the sport. With a career spanning over two decades, Gyan has left an indelible mark on the football world, garnering accolades and captivating fans around the globe.
The Continental Global Icon Award category acknowledges Gyan’s prowess, not only as a talented athlete but also as a role model and an inspiration to aspiring footballers in Ghana and beyond.
His unmatched dedication, relentless work ethic, and remarkable goal-scoring ability have earned him a special place in the hearts of football enthusiasts worldwide.
During his storied career, Gyan has played for top clubs in Europe, including Sunderland in the English Premier League and Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates. He has also been an integral part of the Ghana national team, representing his country in multiple FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The Exclusive Men of the Year (EMY) Awards in Africa are known for their recognition of exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Gyan’s win in the Continental Global Icon category serves as a testament to his outstanding achievements and enduring legacy in the world of football.
Now in its seventh year, the Father’s Day-inspired initiative was created to showcase and honour remarkable accomplishments by men and fathers in Ghana and the diaspora.
The EMY Africa Awards encompass honorary and competitive categories, spanning various fields such as creative arts, business, media, technology, and sports.
In June this year, Gyan, 37, announced his retirement from football after playing his last professional football for Ghanaian Club side Legon Cities in the
Nicknamed ‘Baby Jet’, he has also played for a number of top clubs, including Udinese in Serie A and Rennes in Ligue 1.
Gyan, whose storied career saw him top the all-time top scorers chart of Ghana with an incredible 51 goals, as well as being the highest-scoring African player at the World Cup with six goals, has recently been embarking on social activities through his Asamoah Gyan Foundation initiative.
With congratulations pouring from all corners of Africa, praising his talent, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his craft, Gyan’s triumph at the 2023 EMY Awards Africa solidifies his status as an icon and cements his place in the annals of Ghanaian football history.
