Former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has revealed that he experienced depression about a year ago, using an emotional public appearance in Accra to encourage people to seek support during difficult times.
The former Black Stars striker disclosed his struggles on Wednesday during a ceremony organised by the Ghana Football Association to unveil him as an ambassador for Ghana’s national teams and youth football.
Speaking at the Pelican Hotel in Accra, Gyan told guests that anyone could face mental health challenges regardless of status or background.
“About a year ago, I had problems which led to depression,” Gyan said during the event.
“Everybody can go through this stuff.”
The ceremony was held to honour Gyan’s contribution to Ghana football and formally introduce him as one of the ambassadors expected to support the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former striker remains Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 international goals and is widely regarded as one of the country’s greatest footballers.
Gyan represented Ghana at three FIFA World Cups, featuring in the 2006, 2010 and 2014 tournaments. He also made history by scoring Ghana’s first-ever World Cup goal in a match against the Czech Republic in 2006.
His comments about depression became one of the key moments of the ceremony, which attracted football officials, former players, corporate partners and members of the media.
The event celebrated both his achievements on the pitch and his continuing role within Ghana football after retirement from active international competition.
Under his new ambassadorial position, Gyan is expected to spearhead promotional campaigns and fan engagement activities aimed at strengthening support for the Black Stars before the World Cup in North America.
The role will also see him represent the Ghana Football Association at official functions while contributing to initiatives connected to Ghana’s national teams and youth football development.
Gyan’s revelation highlighted growing conversations around mental health in sport, particularly among current and former athletes who often face pressure both during and after their playing careers.
Although the event focused largely on his new appointment, his openness about depression added a personal dimension to the occasion and drew attention to the importance of discussing mental wellbeing publicly.
Throughout his career, Gyan established himself as one of the most influential figures in Ghanaian football, earning admiration for his performances with the national team and becoming a central figure in several of the country’s most memorable international moments.
Wednesday’s ceremony in Accra marked another chapter in his long association with Ghana football, as he takes on a role intended to inspire supporters and help rally backing for the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
By speaking openly about his personal struggles, Gyan also delivered a message aimed beyond football, encouraging people facing challenges in their own lives not to remain silent and to seek help when needed.
