Mario Balotelli, Kobbie Mainoo, Cody Gakpo and the Stars Who Slipped Away from Ghana

For decades, Ghana has been one of Africa’s most powerful footballing nations – four-time AFCON champions, World Cup quarter-finalists, and a factory for raw talent that has dazzled the globe. But for all its successes, the story of Ghanaian football is also one of missed opportunities and stars who chose to wear other colours.

In the third episode of The Black Stars Podcast, titled The Struggle for Africa, the focus turns to the difficult question of identity and the growing list of world-class players who could have played for Ghana but chose otherwise. From Mario Balotelli to Kobbie Mainoo, Cody Gakpo and Nico Williams, the episode unpacks the reasons why so many of Ghana’s diaspora talents end up pledging allegiance to other nations – and what it says about the state of Ghanaian football.

Ghana’s Global Talent Pool – A Blessing and a Curse

The Black Stars Podcast Episode 3 GFX 16-9 Ghana

Ghana’s football history is rich and emotional, from its golden generations in the 1960s to its iconic World Cup debut in 2006. But with every new generation, the national team faces a familiar challenge: convincing foreign-born players with Ghanaian roots to commit to the Black Stars.

The podcast takes a closer look at the struggles of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to integrate these players. It’s not just about convincing them – it’s about offering a structure, a plan, and a level of preparation that can compete with the world’s elite football nations.

This is where the tension lies. Many of these players grow up in world-class academies in Europe, play on perfect pitches, and have access to elite coaching and sports science. When they look at Ghana – where administrative chaos, political interference, and poor infrastructure have too often plagued the game – the choice becomes harder.

Mario Balotelli – Italy’s Azzurri Icon

Italy v Poland – UEFA Nations League A

Take Mario Balotelli. Born Mario Barwuah in Palermo to Ghanaian immigrants, he was placed with the Balotelli family as a child to recover from serious health issues. Growing up deeply embedded in Italian culture, his path toward the Azzurri felt almost inevitable.

By the time Ghana made overtures, Balotelli was already a star in the Italian system. He went on to represent Italy 36 times, scoring 14 goals and becoming one of the most recognisable faces of Italian football in the 2010s. For Ghana, it was a case of what might have been – a striker with elite talent who could have led the Black Stars’ attack.

Kobbie Mainoo – England’s Midfield Prodigy

Kobbie Mainoo is the most recent big name to choose elsewhere. Born in Manchester to Ghanaian parents, Mainoo joined Manchester United’s academy at nine years old and has developed into one of England’s most exciting young midfielders.

Despite efforts from the GFA – with board member Randy Abbey openly stating their desire to “attract and persuade” Mainoo – the youngster pledged his future to England. He has since become a regular in Gareth Southgate’s midfield and is tipped to be a cornerstone of England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Danny Welbeck – The One Who Got Away

Welbeck’s story is similar. The striker, whose full name is Daniel Nii Tackie Mensah Welbeck, also grew up in Manchester and chose England after coming through the youth ranks. The irony? He made his England debut against Ghana in a friendly, a game that brought mixed emotions for his family.

Memphis Depay – Finding His Roots Late

Dutch star Memphis Depay is another on the list. Born to a Ghanaian father and Dutch mother, Depay’s relationship with his father broke down early, which influenced his choice to represent the Netherlands.

Interestingly, Depay has since embraced his Ghanaian heritage, reconnecting with his roots in his 20s, visiting Ghana, and even recording music that celebrates his identity. For Ghanaian fans, his story is bittersweet – proof of how heritage can never be fully erased, even when footballing loyalties lie elsewhere.

Nico Williams – Choosing Spain Over Ghana

Nico Williams

One of the most high-profile recent cases is Nico Williams. The Athletic Club winger is one of Europe’s brightest young talents and has already shone for Spain at senior level.

His older brother, Iñaki Williams, famously switched to represent Ghana in 2022, even playing at the World Cup. But Nico, despite sharing the same upbringing, opted for Spain. Many Ghana fans hoped the Williams brothers would form a deadly duo for the Black Stars, but that dream never materialised.

Jerome and Kevin-Prince Boateng – A Family Divided

Jerome Boateng Germany

No story captures the Ghanaian diaspora dilemma quite like the Boateng brothers. Both Jerome and Kevin-Prince were born in Germany, but when it came time to pick their national teams, Jerome stuck with Germany and went on to become a World Cup winner in 2014, while Kevin-Prince chose Ghana and starred at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

That year, the brothers even faced each other on the world stage, an emotional moment that summed up the dual identity many diaspora players carry.

Ethan Ampadu and Cody Gakpo – Choosing Stability

Ethan Ampadu Wales

Other names include Ethan Ampadu, who opted for Wales after representing them at youth level, and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who committed to the Netherlands despite discussions with Ghana’s coaching staff when he was still a teenager.

These decisions often come down to stability and trust. European federations can map out a player’s career path from youth level to senior football. Ghana, meanwhile, still struggles with consistency in coaching and long-term planning, making the choice more complicated.

What’s Next for Ghana?

The upcoming episode of The Black Stars Podcast, titled The Factory, will explore whether Ghana can change this trend. Can they create an environment where young players see representing the Black Stars as not just a cultural duty but also a sporting opportunity that matches their ambitions?

It’s a big question. Ghana’s talent pipeline remains strong, but until the structures at home improve, stories like those of Balotelli, Mainoo, Gakpo and Williams may keep repeating themselves.

For Ghanaian fans, it’s both a point of pride and pain – knowing that so many of the world’s best players carry Ghanaian blood, but seeing them excel for other flags.