Christopher Bonsu Baah has spoken about the personal sacrifices that have shaped his journey to professional football, describing the death of his mother as the most difficult experience he has faced in his career.
The Ghana international said leaving home at a young age to pursue his ambitions was emotionally challenging, as he had to adjust to living away from his family while trying to establish himself in the game.
The 21-year-old winger enjoyed an impressive 2025-26 season with Saudi Pro League club Al-Qadsiah, contributing three goals and 12 assists in 32 league appearances. His performances also earned him a place in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although he did not feature during the tournament.
Reflecting on the early stages of his career, Bonsu Baah explained that the mental challenge of being separated from his family was one of the biggest obstacles he had to overcome.
“To be alone without any family at such a young age, it’s hard. Earning a contract is very difficult and you end up thinking a lot. If you are not mentally tough, it will affect you every day,” Bonsu Baah told The Athletic.
The winger said his mother played a central role in helping him believe he could succeed as a footballer. While some parents encourage their children to prioritise education, he said his mother fully supported his ambition to pursue a career in the sport.
According to Bonsu Baah, her encouragement gave him the confidence to continue working towards his goals despite the uncertainty that comes with trying to become a professional footballer.
“My mum played a big role in helping me. Some parents want their kids to focus on school but she knew how much I wanted to become a footballer. She would tell me, ‘It’s just a matter of time.’”
He also recalled the devastating period when he learned of his mother’s death while he was continuing his football development abroad.
Bonsu Baah explained that the news forced him to confront the most difficult decision of his career as he weighed up whether to continue pursuing his football ambitions or return home.
“Suddenly, she was not responding. I wanted to know why and eventually, I found out she’d passed away. It was the most difficult decision I have ever made. I thought about what my mum would say. She would have told me to stay in Spain,” he said.
His comments highlight the personal challenges that often accompany the pursuit of a professional football career, particularly for young players who leave their families behind in search of opportunities overseas.
Despite not making an appearance during Ghana’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Bonsu Baah remains one of the country’s most promising young players.
Having produced an impressive campaign for Al-Qadsiah, where he combined goals with a significant number of assists across 32 league matches, the winger heads into the new season with growing expectations.
His reflections also underline the lasting influence of his late mother, whose belief in his potential and encouragement to continue pursuing his dream remain central to the path that has taken him from leaving home at a young age to representing Ghana on the international stage.
