7 GHANAIAN PLAYERS POISED FOR SUCCESS IN THE 2025/26 UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

By: Isaac Amponsah (Dr Ike) and Aaron Kintoh

The UEFA Champions League competition kicks off on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, across Europe, featuring teams from notable countries such as England, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain, with a new-look league system replacing the group stage format.

This year's competition will feature seven Ghanaian players who are influential to the Ghana’s national team and ply their trade for European teams, including Union Saint-Gilloise, Qarabağ, Monaco, Tottenham, Villarreal, Athletic Bilbao, and Atalanta.

The competition will feature 36 teams, four more than in previous years, following an increase in the number of participating sides. Ahead of the thrilling match-ups under the lights, FACTSGH.COM takes a closer look at Ghanaian stars who will feature in the competition.

1. Mohammed Kudus joined Tottenham Hotspur on a six-year deal from West Ham United for £55 million.

He has been included in the squad for the UEFA Champions League league phase, wearing the number 20 jersey.

Kudus, a 25-year-old Ghanaian midfielder, is known for his attacking skills and versatility, playing as an attacking midfielder or right winger.

He has been impressive in his recent performances, showcasing his skills in the Premier League.

His market value is estimated to be around €49 million. He will face his countryman Thomas Partey's Villarreal in the opening game.

2. Mohammed Fuseini, a 22-year-old Ghanaian forward, is set to shine in the UEFA Champions League with Union Saint-Gilloise.

After helping his team clinch the Belgian league title, Fuseini's speed and attacking skills have earned him recognition.

He's scored 9 goals in 33 appearances this season and boasts a top speed of 37.58 km/h.

With his debut in the Champions League against Dynamo Kyiv, Fuseini is optimistic about progressing beyond the group phase and gaining valuable experience against top teams.

3. Emmanuel Addai is a 24-year-old Ghanaian forward playing for Qarabağ. Qarabağ faces Benfica on September 16, 2025.

In the Champions League, Emmanuel Addai's skills and performance will be crucial in determining the team's success. With his speed and agility, he could make a significant impact in the upcoming matches.

4. Mohammed Salisu, a 26-year-old Ghanaian defender, plays for AS Monaco and has made a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League.

He scored his first goal for Monaco against Dinamo Zagreb and wears jersey number 22.

Monaco's upcoming match is against Club Brugge on September 18, 2025.

5. Kamaldeen Sulemana, a 23-year-old Ghanaian winger, is part of Atalanta's UEFA Champions League squad.

Kamaldeen Sulemana joined Atalanta from Southampton on a 4-year deal worth €17.5 million, plus €4 million in potential add-ons and bonuses.

He will face fellow Ghanaian Mohammed Fuseini of Union Saint-Gilloise in a highly anticipated match. Sulemana's skills and speed will be key to Atalanta's success in the tournament.

6. Iñaki Williams, Athletic Bilbao's Ghanaian captain and forward, is set to lead his team in the UEFA Champions League opener against Arsenal at San Mames Stadium.

He's excited about the team's return to Europe's biggest stage and looks forward to making a winning debut.

7. Thomas Partey, a Ghanaian midfielder, has been included in Villarreal's squad for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League despite facing serious charges in the UK, including five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He joined Villarreal from Arsenal on a free transfer after his contract expired.

Thomas Partey will face Tottenham Hotspur in Villarreal's UEFA Champions League opener on September 16, 2025, and will go up against his Ghanaian teammate Mohammed Kudus.

The 2024/25 season saw seven Ghanaian players in the UEFA Champions League:

- Players and Teams:

    1. Ibrahim Sulemana, Atalanta

    2. Thomas Partey, Arsenal

    3. Kamal Sowah, Club Brugge

    4. Ibrahim Osman, Feyenoord

    5. Mohammed Salisu, Monaco

    6. Sharani Zuberu, SK Slovan Bratislava

    7. Patric Pfeiffer, Young Boys

In contrast, the 2023/24 season featured only three Ghanaian players in the UEFA Champions League.

Players and Teams:

    1. Thomas Partey, Arsenal

    2. Salis Abdul Samed, RC Lens

    3. Osman Bukari, FK Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade)

Thomas Partey has indeed been one of the most consistent Ghanaian players in European competitions in recent years. He played a crucial role in Atlético Madrid's success, winning the UEFA Europa League and UEFA Super Cup in 2018. Since joining Arsenal in 2020, he has been an integral part of the team, despite struggling with injuries.

Partey has played 67 games with 2 goals and 5 assists, and has received 12 yellow cards in European competitions.