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Ghanaian teenage sensation Jerry Afriyie has rapidly emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in African football. After a breakthrough 2024 season that saw him shine on the youth international stage and make history in Ghana’s senior national team, the 18-year-old forward is setting his sights firmly on a long-term career in European football.
Afriyie’s rise has been anything but ordinary. In January 2025, he completed a surprise move from Ghana’s third-tier Thoughts FC to Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah FC, signing a 3½-year deal. The Saudi club immediately loaned him to Spanish third-tier side CD Lugo, offering the forward a gateway into European football. His dream of showcasing his talent on the international stage is now closer than ever.
Afriyie burst onto the scene during the 2024 WAFU Zone B U-20 Championship, where he dominated with five goals in five games and was crowned both Best Player and Golden Boot winner. His composure, pace, and eye for goal caught the attention of scouts across the continent.
He followed up that performance by leading Ghana’s U-20 team to gold at the 2024 African Games in Accra. Once again, he finished as the tournament’s top scorer, cementing his reputation as Ghana’s next big football export. These back-to-back tournaments not only put him in the spotlight but also accelerated his journey from local leagues to global arenas.
In November 2024, Afriyie made headlines by becoming the first player from Ghana’s Division Two League to earn a call-up to the Black Stars, Ghana’s senior national team. In a memorable debut against Niger during the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, he scored Ghana’s only goal in a 1–2 defeat.
His inclusion was seen as a bold move by head coach Didi Dramani, who praised Afriyie’s potential but urged patience with his development. Despite the loss, Afriyie’s debut goal sent a powerful message: he’s ready to compete on the biggest stage.
Now on loan at CD Lugo in Spain’s Primera Federación, Jerry Afriyie has hit the ground running. In March 2025, he scored twice on his debut for Lugo, showing that he can adapt quickly to European football. With strong performances, he hopes to attract interest from top-tier European clubs by the end of the 2024/25 season.
In a recent interview, Afriyie expressed his ambition to earn another call-up to Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, particularly in upcoming matches against Chad and Madagascar. “It’s a dream to represent Ghana at the World Cup. I’m working hard every day in Spain to make that dream real,” he said.
As Afriyie continues to impress both in Spain and on the international stage, Ghanaian fans and football scouts alike are watching closely. With a blend of raw talent, maturity, and ambition, Jerry Afriyie looks poised to become Ghana’s next European football export—and perhaps, a future global star.
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