Christian Atsu’s former clubs pays tribute after a year of tragic death
Premier League clubs Chelsea and Newcastle United have honoured the memory of the late Christian Atsu.
The clubs in a post on X former Twitter mourned with the family of the late footballer.
Today, February 6, marks exactly one year since the former Ghana international was tragically confirmed dead following an earthquake in Turkey, which claimed numerous lives.
One year ago we sadly lost Christian Atsu in the most tragic of circumstances.An incredible person who is fondly remembered by everyone at Newcastle United. Our thoughts are forever with Christian’s family and friends.Oh he is so wonderful. 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/C1IwQBAAgQ— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) February 6, 2024
Atsu was feared to be among those trapped under the rubble of Hatayspor’s headquarters in Antakya after the quake struck. Despite hopes of finding him alive, he was sadly discovered lifeless.
Scheduled to depart southern Turkey just hours before the quake, Atsu opted to stay with the club after scoring the winning goal in a match on February 5.
His body was repatriated from Turkey to Ghana on February 20. A week-long observance in honor of Christian Atsu took place on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at the Adjiringanor AstroTurf in Accra, Ghana.
On March 17, 2023, Atsu was given a state-assisted funeral at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra before being laid to rest in his hometown, Dogobome in Ada Foah.
Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo remarked, “Football has lost one of its finest ambassadors, one who will be difficult to replace.”
Atsu, who earned 69 caps for Ghana with 9 goals to his credit, had notable stints with Porto, Vitesse, Bournemouth, Málaga, Al-Raed, and Hatayspor.
Despite Ghana’s loss to Ivory Coast in the finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Equatorial Guinea, Atsu was posthumously honoured as the Best Player of the tournament.
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