Former Ghana international midfielder Laryea Kingston has shared a rare and exciting moment with France’s World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba and Europa League champion Kevin Danso during a high-intensity training session in the United States.
The veteran Ghanaian footballer-turned-coach, who now plies his trade in the U.S. with RPS Soccer Academies, crossed paths with the two European-based stars as they underwent pre-season activation training ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
In a post shared on his official social media pages, Kingston expressed his admiration and excitement after working alongside the two players, who are gearing up for major career moves. “Activation session before pre-season with top players… Europa Cup winner Kevin Danso and Paul Pogba,” Kingston captioned a snapshot showing him interacting with the duo.
The moment has since gone viral among Ghanaian football fans, with many praising Kingston’s continued presence and relevance on the international football scene even after retirement.
Danso Set for Premier League Leap, Pogba Eyes Monaco Return
While the training session was a standard part of off-season preparations, it also offered a glimpse into the potential next steps in the careers of both Pogba and Danso.
Kevin Danso, the powerful Austrian-born defender of Ghanaian descent, recently finalized a permanent transfer to English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur after a strong showing with RC Lens in the French Ligue 1. The 25-year-old capped off a fantastic 2024/25 season by helping Bayer Leverkusen clinch the UEFA Europa League title, despite being on loan.
His move to Spurs marks a significant step forward in his career, and expectations are high for the centre-back to establish himself as a core figure in Ange Postecoglou’s rebuild at Tottenham.
Paul Pogba, on the other hand, has been in the spotlight due to both injury setbacks and off-pitch controversies. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner with France has been linked with a surprise move to AS Monaco, which would see him return to Ligue 1 after his second stint with Juventus was marred by injuries and a doping suspension.
Despite these challenges, Pogba’s presence in the training session appeared energetic and focused, fueling speculation that he may be returning to full fitness and plotting a fresh start on home soil.
Kingston’s Coaching Journey After Retirement
Laryea Kingston, 43, remains one of Ghana’s most respected former internationals. Since hanging up his boots in September 2016, he has transitioned into coaching, channeling his vast playing experience into nurturing the next generation of footballers.
He joined RPS Soccer Academies in September 2024, shortly after resigning from his role as head coach of Ghana’s U-17 national team, the Black Starlets. During his brief stint with the Starlets, Kingston introduced several tactical innovations and emphasized discipline, although results did not always go in Ghana’s favor.
At RPS Academies, Kingston has found an environment that aligns with his long-term development goals. The academy is known for its elite coaching standards and international player outreach programs, and Kingston’s role involves technical mentorship, tactical training, and talent scouting.
Speaking about his work in the U.S., Kingston said in a recent interview:
“Football has always been my passion. Coaching young players and helping them become better versions of themselves gives me the same joy I had during my playing days. At RPS, I’ve found the right platform to influence lives and shape careers.”
From Accra to Moscow: A Storied Career
Born in Accra, Laryea Kingston carved out a distinguished playing career that saw him feature for top clubs in Ghana, Russia, Israel, and Scotland. Notably, he played for Accra Hearts of Oak, Lokomotiv Moscow, Terek Grozny, Hapoel Tel Aviv, and Hearts of Midlothian in the Scottish Premier League.
He earned 41 caps for the Ghana national team, scoring six goals, and was an integral part of the squad during multiple Africa Cup of Nations campaigns. Kingston was known for his explosive pace, precise crosses, and leadership on the pitch.
Despite narrowly missing out on Ghana’s squad for the 2006 FIFA World Cup due to suspension, Kingston remains one of the most beloved midfielders of his generation.
Football Fans Celebrate the Link-Up
News of Kingston’s recent training session with Pogba and Danso has resonated with fans both in Ghana and abroad. Many have taken to social media to commend Kingston for staying active in elite football circles.
One fan tweeted:
“Laryea Kingston still rubbing shoulders with the best in the game. That’s a true legend. Ghana is proud!”
Another wrote:
“Seeing Pogba, Danso, and Kingston in one training session is iconic. The football universe is a small, beautiful circle.”
What’s Next for Kingston and His Football Vision?
As Kingston continues to work behind the scenes with young talents at RPS, there’s growing interest in whether he might return to coaching at the national level. For now, the ex-Black Stars midfielder is focused on honing the skills of future stars and building international bridges within the football fraternity.
“I believe football has no borders. Whether it’s a young boy from Accra or a rising star in Florida, my mission is the same — teach, inspire, and prepare them for greatness,” Kingston stated.
His encounter with Pogba and Danso may just be a snapshot, but it speaks volumes about the kind of circles Kingston now moves in — and the enduring impact of Ghana’s football legacy on the global stage.
