At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Ghana needed a result against South Korea. Mohammed Kudus scored twice, including the winner, in a 3-2 victory. He was 22, and the world took notice.
Kudus has become one of Ghana’s most exciting players, known for his dribbling, strength and goals from midfield.
Right to Dream
Kudus grew up in Accra and joined the Right to Dream Academy in Ghana, which trains young footballers and provides education. From there he moved to Denmark to play for FC Nordsjælland, a club linked to the academy.
Ajax
In 2020, Kudus joined Ajax in the Netherlands. After injuries early on, he became a key player, scoring in the Champions League and the Dutch league. His performances attracted interest from bigger clubs in England.
The World Cup
At the 2022 World Cup, Ghana lost to Portugal, beat South Korea 3-2 and lost to Uruguay. Kudus’s two goals against South Korea were the best moments of Ghana’s tournament.
West Ham
In 2023, Kudus joined West Ham United. He quickly became a fan favourite, scoring spectacular solo goals and winning games almost on his own. In 80 appearances, he scored 19 goals and contributed 13 assists.
Tottenham
In July 2025, Tottenham Hotspur signed Kudus for a fee of about £55 million, with a six-year contract. He became the first player to move directly from West Ham to Spurs since Scott Parker in 2011.
His style
Kudus is known for close control, balance and the ability to run past defenders from deep. He can play on the wing or in central midfield, and he is dangerous from long range.
Ghana’s hope
For the Black Stars, Kudus is one of the players the team is built around. Ghanaian fans see him as a successor to stars such as Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan.
Africa Cup of Nations
Kudus has also represented Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations, where the Black Stars have struggled in recent tournaments. Fans hope his peak years will coincide with a stronger team around him.
Celebrations
Kudus’s goal celebrations, including sitting down calmly or striking poses, have become part of his image and are copied by young players in Ghana.
The price tag
Ghanaian players have long been bought cheaply in Europe and sold on at a profit. A £55 million fee for a boy from the Right to Dream Academy shows how the value of Ghanaian talent is now judged.
