Ghanaians Celebrate Abedi Pele in Grand Style as He Turns 60

Ghanaians have taken turns to appreciate Abedi Pele’s greatness and impact in Ghana football on social media on the 60th birthday of the legend.

Abedi Pele was immense throughout his globetrotting career, featuring for 12 clubs across the continent and leaving his imprint on the respective teams he played for. 

Pele was renowned for his days in France, where he played for Marseille from 1987-1993. It was there the attacking midfielder rose to prominence, bamboozling defences with his close control, trickery, pace, and unique eye for goal.

At the time of departing the French club, Abedi had won it all, clinching the French Ligue 1 title on two occasions and inspiring Marseille to a memorable 1-0 Uefa Champions League final win against AC Milan, providing the match-winning assist.

Not only was Abedi a team player. Individually, his performances for Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) did not go unnoticed.

In 1992, Abedi Pele walked away as the best player of the AFCON. Abedi’s 1992 AFCON runners-up finish was preceded by an AFCON winners medal in 1982.

His stunning performances in his career drew parallels to the legendary Brazilian Pele, who added Abedi to his all-time 100 players list in 2004.

CAF recognized Abedi’s exploits as he was named as the best player on the continent on three successive occasions, the first-ever player to do so.

Pele’s storied career was tainted by the inability to steer Ghana to a first-ever World Cup, which the national team achieved in 2006.