Ex-Ghana and Kotoko Midfielder, Admits to Reducing Age in His Professional Career

Former Ghana and Asante Kotoko midfielder Kofi Ntow Gyan has revealed that he reduced his age during his professional football career.

Gyan stated that although his official records show he is 50 years old, his first son is currently 47.

This discrepancy highlights the issue of age-cheating in African football, which has seen some players disqualified from youth tournaments in the past due to failed MRI scans.

In an interview on Peace FM, Gyan explained that he prefers not to disclose his real age because he reduced it by 10 to 15 years. “I use 50 as my official age, but my firstborn is 47 years old.

It’s impossible for me to be that age. However, this is what is officially recorded, and it can’t be changed. Imagine the age difference between me and my son,” he said.

Despite his past actions, Gyan has been actively campaigning against age-cheating in football. He believes that no player gains from it and stresses the importance of honesty for the development of the sport. “We must be truthful about our ages.

Age-cheating does not benefit us as a football nation. Ending it is crucial for genuine progress in football development,” he asserted at last year’s All-Star Festival organized by the Business Africa Consulting Group.

Gyan is the second Ghanaian footballer to publicly admit to age reduction, following former Hearts of Oak midfielder Joe Tagoe’s admission last year. This ongoing issue continues to be a topic of discussion within African football circles.