Christian Atsu

Christian Atsu was a gifted winger whose skill lit up the Premier League and the Ghana national team, and whose death in the 2023 Turkey earthquake at the age of 31 stunned the football world and plunged his country into mourning.

Early life and rise

He was born on 10 January 1992 in Ada Foah, Ghana, and came through the respected Feyenoord Academy in the country before moving to Europe with FC Porto, where his pace and dribbling quickly drew attention.

Club career

He signed for Chelsea in 2013, though he never established himself at Stamford Bridge and spent time on loan at several clubs. He found his home at Newcastle United, first on loan and then permanently from 2017, helping the club win promotion to the Premier League and spending four seasons as a popular figure on Tyneside. He later moved to Turkish club Hatayspor.

Ghana

For the Black Stars he was a key figure. He played at the 2014 World Cup and starred at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring twice and being named player of the tournament as Ghana reached the final.

Death and legacy

On 6 February 2023 a devastating earthquake struck southern Turkey. Atsu, who had scored a late winner for Hatayspor just hours before, was among the victims, his body later recovered from the rubble in Antakya. His coffin, draped in the Ghana flag, was received with military honours in Accra. Remembered as much for his humanitarian work as his football, Christian Atsu is mourned as one of the most beloved players Ghana has produced.