Every now and then, football gifts us a player who doesn’t just play the game—he electrifies it.
A player who glides across the pitch with purpose, fights with passion, and carries the hopes of a nation on his shoulders. Mohammed Kudus is one of those players.
From the streets of Nima, a neighborhood in Accra, to the bright lights of the Premier League, Kudus’ journey has been anything but ordinary. But how exactly did he get here? What makes him so special? And could he be destined for greatness?
Let’s take a closer look.
Humble Beginnings in Nima
Born in August 2000 in Nima, one of Accra’s toughest suburbs, Kudus grew up in an environment where crime, drugs, and gang culture were all too common. But amidst the chaos, there was also a vibrant football culture—a raw, untamed love for the game.
Rather than fall into the trappings around him, Kudus chose football. His natural talent was clear from an early age, and it didn’t take long for local coaches and scouts to take notice. He soon found himself at the prestigious Right to Dream Academy—an institution often compared to La Masia, minus the club affiliation. Getting into Right to Dream wasn’t just an achievement; it was a turning point.
The European Leap
Kudus continued to shine at the academy, and in 2017 he represented Ghana at the U-17 World Cup in India. Though mostly used as a substitute, he managed to score in the quarterfinals and left the tournament with valuable experience.
Shortly afterward, he made the leap to Europe, joining FC Nordsjælland in Denmark—Right to Dream’s partner club. Just three days after his 18th birthday, Kudus made his professional debut. Over two seasons, he racked up 14 goals and three assists in 57 games—impressive numbers for a young winger.
But his journey wasn’t without challenges. At one point, Kudus grew disillusioned with his agency, feeling like just another name on their books. He was desperate for clarity, for someone to truly believe in his potential. That’s when a conversation with his U-17 teammate, Mohammed Aminu, changed everything. Aminu introduced him to super-agent Jennifer Mendelewitsch, who helped engineer a pivotal move.
Stepping Up: Ajax and the Injury Setbacks
In July 2020, Kudus signed a five-year deal with Ajax for €9 million. Expectations were high, and he didn’t disappoint. He hit the ground running, scoring once and providing three assists in his first three Eredivisie games. Then-coach Erik ten Hag praised him as a player with incredible potential—a big compliment in a squad stacked with talents like Ryan Gravenberch, Dusan Tadic, and Antony.
But just as Kudus was hitting form, disaster struck. On his Champions League debut against Liverpool, he suffered a meniscus injury just six minutes into the game. It sidelined him for months and marked the beginning of a frustrating spell with injuries. Over his first two seasons at Ajax, he missed 50 games and spent over 250 days out.
Still, Kudus was determined to bounce back—and he did.
Redemption and a New Challenge
The 2022/23 season was a revelation. Kudus played 42 games for Ajax, scoring 18 goals and providing six assists. He had finally shown what he could do when fully fit. That same year, he made waves on the world stage during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring twice and standing out as one of Ghana’s best players.
In August 2023, Kudus made the move to West Ham United for a reported £38 million. It was a significant step—both for him and for Ghanaian football. He became the third Ghanaian to play for the Hammers, after John Paintsil and André Ayew.
He quickly made his mark. Kudus scored his first West Ham goal in the Europa League, then followed it up with a dramatic late equalizer against Newcastle in the Premier League. He added two Goal of the Season contenders to his tally against Brentford and SC Freiburg and finished his debut season with 14 goals in 45 appearances.
Most impressively, he led the entire Premier League in successful dribbles—124 in total. Not bad for a newcomer.
The Second Season Struggles
However, Kudus’ second season in East London has been more turbulent. By April 2025, he had only scored three goals in 27 games—a stark contrast to the 11 he had at this stage the previous year. Factors behind the dip include managerial changes at West Ham, on-field disciplinary issues, and a fallout with his trusted agent Mendelewitsch.
Flying the Flag for Ghana
Kudus made his senior debut for Ghana in 2019 and has since become a mainstay when fit. He scored his first two international goals in a win over South Africa and was crucial in helping Ghana qualify for the 2022 World Cup.
At the AFCON 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast, he missed the opening match but returned with a bang against Egypt, scoring both goals in a 2–2 draw. Despite another early tournament exit for Ghana, Kudus’ performances were praised. Shortly after, he was handed the captain’s armband—making him one of the youngest to ever lead the Black Stars.
Despite the honor, Ghana failed to qualify for AFCON 2025, and questions continue to be asked about the direction of the national team.
What’s Next for Kudus?
At just 24 years old, Kudus has already achieved a lot. He’s played 259 professional matches and scored 69 goals across club and country. He’s won two Eredivisie titles and a KNVB Cup with Ajax, and countless individual awards.
And yet, it feels like he’s only just getting started.
His versatility makes him a coach’s dream—capable of playing as a central playmaker, winger, or even a false nine. His powerful left foot, vision, and dribbling make him a nightmare for defenders. And when fully fit, he’s among the most exciting talents African football has produced in recent years.
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