When most footballers are asked what inspired them to choose their careers, they all proudly state to represent their national teams.
Representing the national teams fills them with a sense of pride, belongingness, acceptance, and leaving a lasting legacy.
It is not always about the money. Just as the head coach of the Black Stars, Otto Addo, said in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola’s pre-match conference, the players make their money at their respective clubs while earning bonuses at the national team.
Otto Addo, a former player of the Black Stars, shared his relatability with the plight of footballers when they are faced with abuse from fans.
He condemned the abuses PAOK Thessaloniki star, Baba Rahman endured in his last outing at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium after a below-par performance, forcing him to take time off the team though he has not called it quits.
“You can criticize me when I am wrong, when things are not working for the players too, you can criticize them but what is wrong is for you or the fans to insult the players. They have family, they have kids, they have friends, wife, and kids and so when they see these insults they feel it. It gets to them. No player comes to the national team on their own, coaches invite them so I am saying that it is our responsibility to condemn any act that aim to put players in bad light,” he said.
A massive improvement with his current club has been witnessed by all since the former Asante Kotoko left-back took a step back from the national team limelight, scoring four goals in twenty appearances in the 2023-24 season.
