Former Black Stars striker Asamoah Gyan has openly admitted to deliberately diving during Ghana’s round-of-16 match against Brazil at the 2006 World Cup in an effort to win a penalty. Facing the defending champions in only their second tournament appearance, Ghana were under immense pressure after a 2-0 opening defeat to Italy.
Gyan had already made headlines earlier in the tournament by scoring the fastest goal of the 2006 World Cup, just 68 seconds into Ghana’s 2-0 victory over the Czech Republic, propelling his team into the knockout stage. He also helped Ghana secure a dramatic comeback win over the United States, ensuring the team’s place in the round of 16.
However, against a formidable Brazilian side, Gyan admitted that he attempted to deceive the referee to gain an advantage. “I intentionally dived seeking a penalty against Brazil and got red-carded. I saw the defender attempting a tackle so I threw my foot in but he was quick to withdraw,” Gyan told Onua Maakye on April 15, 2024. Despite the effort, Ghana fell 3-0 to Brazil, ending their World Cup run.
Reflecting on the tournament, Gyan recalled his premonition before scoring his first World Cup goal, revealing that he had told his brother Baffour he would find the net against the Czech Republic. “I prophesied my first World Cup goal. I told my brother in our hotel room when he was leaving for Ghana that I feel I will score. So, I told him to tell Ghanaians I will score. I saw it before the game,” he said.
The 2006 World Cup marked a turning point in Gyan’s career, setting him on a path to becoming Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals in 109 games and the highest-scoring African player in World Cup history, with goals in three consecutive tournaments.
Since retiring in June 2023, Gyan has focused on off-field initiatives, launching the All Regional Games project to identify and nurture young sporting talents across multiple disciplines in Ghana, extending his legacy beyond football.
