By Africa Live News
In this exclusive one-on-one, we speak with Gideon Mensah, a rising Ghanaian football talent born and raised in London. From playing grassroots football in local English clubs to eyeing a call-up to Ghana’s national team, Gideon shares his inspiring journey, challenges, and deep connection to his Ghanaian roots.
Q: Gideon, let’s start with your football journey. How did it all begin, and how did you end up playing in the UK?
A: My football beginnings were pretty humble. I started with Feltham Youth, a local team in my area, and played there until I was about 9 or 10 years old. From there, I joined CB Hounslow and later moved to Bedfont Eagles, where I stayed until I was 16. Though I was born and raised in London, my family is originally from Ghana, and that heritage means a lot to me. Over the years, I’ve played at various levels across the English football pyramid, and I’ve been fortunate to travel to places like Sweden, Scotland, and Denmark, where I featured in the Danish FA Cup. A number of clubs have shown interest in me. It’s challenging to play across Europe due to visa restrictions as a British citizen, but I’m keeping my options open.
Q: Did you always dream of becoming a professional footballer? What was your football experience like in Ghana?
A: Absolutely. Since childhood, I’ve always dreamt of playing in big stadiums and for top clubs. Football has been in my blood from a young age. My time in Ghana was brief — I went on holiday and stayed for a while. Even during that short period, I was amazed by the raw talent and passion for football. It left a lasting impression on me.
Q: Do you have aspirations to represent Ghana at the international level?
A: Yes, that’s always been one of my biggest dreams — to wear the Black Stars jersey. Representing Ghana would mean the world to me, especially as my parents are Ghanaian. It would make my family incredibly proud. The national team symbolizes hard work and patriotism, and I’ve always felt drawn to that. Of course, competition is fierce, with many talented Ghanaians across the globe, but I believe when the time is right — when God says it’s time — I’ll get my chance.
Q: Have you had any contact with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) or national team scouts?
A: Yes, I’ve had some discussions with people connected to the GFA. We’ve talked about potential targets and the path to a national call-up. They’re following my progress and keeping tabs on me. Right now, it’s about staying focused and letting everything fall into place when the time is right.
Q: Which Ghanaian players, past or present, inspire you the most and why?
A: Legends like Andre Ayew, Asamoah Gyan, Christian Atsu, and Kevin-Prince Boateng have always inspired me. They’re not just top-class players, but leaders with amazing mental strength. They’ve shown what it means to wear the national colors with pride. Among current players, I look up to Jordan Ayew, Mohammed Kudus, and especially Gideon Mensah and Tariq Lamptey — since we play similar positions. I learn a lot by watching them and modeling parts of my game on theirs.
Q: Who has been your biggest mentor in football? Is there a mindset or path you try to emulate?
A: My family and close friends are my biggest supporters and mentors. They always push me to be the best version of myself. In terms of mindset, Cristiano Ronaldo inspires me deeply. His dedication to hard work over talent resonates with me. I’ve had to fight through ups and downs in my career, and I’ve learned that your path may not always be smooth — but with God on your side and belief in yourself, you’ll get where you’re destined to go.
Q: What keeps you motivated daily, especially in a demanding environment like the UK?
A: My biggest motivation is making my late mother proud. She passed away when I was 15, and that pain fuels my ambition every single day. Even when things get tough, I keep going for her and for my father. I also push myself to prove that I can succeed — not to others, but to myself. It’s a constant battle against self-doubt, and I keep the faith through prayer and staying dedicated to my craft.
Q: How do you stay connected to your Ghanaian roots while living abroad?
A: I speak regularly with family back home and stay updated on what’s happening in Ghana. Music also plays a huge role — I love Ghanaian music, and I watch Ghanaian shows. I’m proud of my heritage, and I embrace it fully wherever I go.
Q: What has been the biggest challenge in your football career so far?
A: One major challenge was after signing a pro contract in Scotland in 2022. When the contract ended, getting back into a full-time environment was tough. It felt like a setback, but I held onto faith and reminded myself, “If I’ve done it once, I can do it again.” Staying mentally strong is key. There are moments you feel lost or discouraged, but you have to keep believing.
Q: How do you balance personal development with being part of a team?
A: It’s all about listening, learning, and being consistent. Growth takes time, and being coachable is vital. My long-term ambitions are to play regularly for the Black Stars and make an impact — in friendlies, AFCON, World Cup qualifiers, you name it. I also want to win trophies at the club level and have a long, fulfilling career in football.
Q: If you could play with any Ghanaian football legend, who would it be and why?
A: Definitely Stephen Appiah. He was a leader — hard-working, disciplined, and respected by all. I’d love to learn from him on the pitch and feed off his leadership and energy.
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next three to five years?
A: I see myself playing top-level football in Europe, competing at the highest level, and establishing myself as a complete left-back or wing-back. I also see myself earning a place in the Black Stars squad, helping Ghana achieve big things on the international stage.
Q: What advice do you have for young Ghanaian footballers with dreams of playing in Europe?
A: Believe in yourself — always. Football is subjective, and not everyone will believe in you, but if you work hard and stay faithful, your time will come. Never let rejection stop you. Talent helps, but hard work and faith will take you further.
Q: Are you involved in any development projects or community work in Ghana?
A: Yes, I’m planning to return to Ghana soon to visit family and link up with people running football academies. I want to contribute to youth development and support the next generation of talent.
Q: Finally, what’s your message to Ghanaian fans supporting you from afar?
A: To all my supporters — cousins, aunties, uncles, friends — thank you for always believing in me. Even when I doubt myself, your encouragement lifts me. I promise to make you proud. Keep supporting me, and hopefully soon, you’ll see me representing Ghana in the Black Stars jersey. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll get to play alongside the other Gideon Mensah!
Stay tuned to Africa Live News for more exclusive interviews with rising African talents.
