Ghanaian Midfielder Gabriel Ahmed Reportedly Passes Away After Illness

• Ex-Inter Allies defensive midfielder Gabriel Ahmed has reportedly died in Accra after a short illness
• The midfielder featured for the top Ethiopian clubs, winning the 2012/13 league title with Dedebit
• Tributes from the Ghana and Ethiopian football fraternity continue to pour in after the player's passing

A Ghanaian midfielder, known for his significant contributions to the Ethiopian Premier League, reportedly passed away on Sunday evening (May 11, 2025).

35-year-old Gabriel Ahmed passed away in Ghana after a brief illness, marking the end of a career that spanned a decade and influenced East African football.

Gabriel Ahmed's football career

Ahmed began his career with Ghanaian outfit Inter Allies before venturing abroad for a short spell in Sweden, per PanAfricanFootball.

He played for Jönköpings Södra (J-Södra) and later Djurgårdens IF, where he honed his skills in a more tactical European environment.

Although his time there was brief, it gave him vital exposure to international football standards, which he later brought to Ethiopia.

In 2011, Ahmed made a career-defining move to East Africa, signing with Ethiopian Premier League side Dedebit.

He went on to cement his place in league history, helping the club to secure the 2012/13 title, per Transfermarkt.

The Ghanaian's strength, vision, and left-footed precision made him a formidable presence in the midfield.

Gabriel Ahmed's legacy in Ethiopian football

Over the years, the former Ghana Premier League star played for numerous top-tier Ethiopian clubs, including Hawassa Ketema, Mekele 70 Enderta, Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, Fasil Kenema, Addis Ababa Ketema, Sebeta Ketema, and most recently, Legetafo Legedadi.

His long-standing presence in the league made him one of the most recognised and respected foreign players in the country's football circles.

Ahmed’s versatility and leadership on the pitch earned him admiration from fans, teammates, and club officials alike.

Despite the frequent changes in clubs, his impact remained consistent, anchoring midfields, guiding younger players, and demonstrating professionalism.

Gabriel Ahmed's final years in football

After parting ways with Legetafo Legedadi in June 2024, Ahmed had been actively seeking a new club.

A close associate stated that he was recently in Addis Ababa, trying to secure a deal to extend his playing career.

Unfortunately, his health declined shortly thereafter, and he returned to Ghana looking to recover, but sadly passed away.

His death has come as a cold reality to the football community, but details regarding the nature of his illness remain private.

Tributes pour in for Gabriel Ahmed

Many Ghana Premier League and Inter Allies followers have taken to social media to express their sympathy.

One fan commented:

"Oh sad news. May his soul rest in peace."

Another person reacted on Facebook:

'This is devastating. Jetro was a very good player. I watched him at Allies before he moved to Ethiopia."

His former clubs, including Mekelle 70 Enderta, also paid tribute to Gabriel Ahmed with tributes on social media.

Healthcare of footballers in Africa

Gabriel Ahmed's sudden death has reignited conversations about healthcare and post-career support for footballers in Africa.

His passing has highlighted the vulnerability faced by many African players after their peak years.

Unlike those based in Europe, many players in Africa do not have access to comprehensive medical insurance.

When they fall out of contract, they often lose access to club healthcare and are left to self-finance treatment.

Ahmed was described by colleagues as a soft-spoken mentor. Despite not representing the Black Stars of Ghana, he earned a reputation as one of the most respected foreign players in Ethiopia.

As of the time of this report, the precise nature of the illness that led to his death has not been disclosed. There has also not been any statement from his family or football authorities about his death.

Kotoko and Ghana great Mfum passes away

YEN.com.gh also previously reported on the death of ex-Ghana and Asante Kotoko prolific forward, Wilberforce Mfum.

As a player, he helped the Black Stars to a maiden AFCON title in 1963, scoring the country's first-ever tournament goal.

Mfum was mostly successful at a domestic and international level, known for power shots from outside the penalty area.

Nomso Obiajuru was a contributing writer in this article

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh