Ghanaian Football Icon Wilberforce Mfum Passes Away at 88
Ghanaian football has been plunged into mourning following the death of legendary striker Wilberforce Mfum, who passed away at the age of 88 after a brief illness.
The news of his passing was confirmed on Sunday, May 11, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the most iconic figures in the country’s football history.
Known for his raw strength and goal-scoring prowess, Mfum was a central figure in the rise of Ghanaian football during the 1960s. He etched his name in history during the 1963 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where he scored Ghana’s first-ever goal in the tournament and followed it up with a memorable brace in the final against Sudan. His heroics helped the Black Stars clinch their maiden continental title on home soil.
In a glittering international career, Mfum netted 20 goals in just 26 appearances for Ghana and was part of the squad that represented the nation at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
At the club level, Mfum was a standout performer for Asante Kotoko before seeking opportunities abroad. He later featured prominently in the United States for clubs including Baltimore Bays, Ukrainian SC, Ukrainian Nationals, and New York Cosmos.
Mfum was a trailblazer for African footballers overseas. In 1970, he finished as joint top scorer in the American Soccer League and became one of the early African pioneers in the North American Soccer League (NASL), paving the way for future generations of African talent.
As the country pays its final respects to the former goal machine, his legacy lives on as a powerful symbol of Ghana’s football greatness and resilience.
