“Asamoah Gyan Is My Role Model, I’ll love to meet him” – Oumar Diakité
Ivory Coast forward Oumar Diakité has revealed that Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan was one of his biggest inspirations growing up.
Speaking exclusively to EOS Official ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the AFCON-winning forward spoke passionately about his admiration for Ghana’s all-time top scorer and Africa’s leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
“All those who grew up with me know I have always loved Asamoah Gyan,” Diakité said. “I love him so much ; his personality and his football talent.”
The 22-year-old explained that his admiration for Gyan goes beyond football ability. “I like how he conducts himself.Asamoah Gyan is more than a player,” he added.
“He has an imposing figure that when he arrives somewhere, you know someone important has arrived. “He has impact and I love that for him,” he stressed.
Diakité further stated that Gyan’s personality and charisma are qualities he deeply respects because they transcend football itself.
“Football is very important but after football, life continues.He has that personality that transcends his football career,” he explained.
The Ivorian international even referenced videos he had seen of Gyan’s famous “jama” moments with fans and teammates.
“I’ve seen videos where people were engaged in jama and immediately he showed up, the floor was opened for him to take charge of the jama session,” he said with admiration.
Diakité believes true football greatness is not only about trophies and goals but also about the legacy a player leaves behind.
“When you play football, first you do it with passion and earn money, then support your family and friends and then finally leave a legacy. To leave a legacy, you need to have power and personality. All these qualities Gyan possesses,” he noted.
The Cercle Brugge forward ended by expressing his desire to one day meet the former Ghana captain in person. “I don’t know him personally but I would love to meet him one day.
“I don’t know him personally but I would love to meet him one day,” Diakité said.
