Exploring the Life and Career of Eric Ayiah: Once Rated Above Mohammed Kudus

• From leading Ghana’s U-17 squad to the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup quarter-finals, Ayiah’s potential was clear
• The ex-Ghana U-17 captain was once rated above West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus in his prime
• Hailed as the 'Next Asamoah Gyan', Eric Ayiah now competes in Portugal’s third-tier football league

Eric Ayiah’s rise once symbolised the boundless promise of Ghana’s youth football. When he captained the Black Starlets to the quarter-finals of the 2017 FIFA U-17 World Cup, many believed a future superstar had arrived.

Calm in front of goal, intelligent in movement and vocal as a leader, Ayiah was even rated higher than teammate Mohammed Kudus at the time. Eight years on, his journey has taken a far less predictable path.

Ayiah announced himself on the global stage in India, where he led Ghana with maturity beyond his years.

The Black Starlets impressed before bowing out 2-1 to Mali in the quarter-finals, but Ayiah’s stock soared. According to Wikipedia stats, he finished the tournament as Ghana’s top scorer with three goals, earning praise as a potential successor to Asamoah Gyan.

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Alongside talents such as Kudus, he was viewed as one of the brightest products of Ghana’s youth system.

Eric Ayiah's move to AS Monaco

That promise earned him a dream move in 2018. French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco, renowned for developing elite talent, signed Ayiah on a five-year deal, as Goal noted. For a teenager, it appeared to be the perfect platform to launch a top-level European career.

However, the breakthrough never came. Despite Monaco’s faith, Ayiah failed to make a senior appearance, and his development stalled amid the fierce competition and demands of elite football.

Seeking a reset, Ayiah moved to Portugal in 2022, joining Primeira Liga side Gil Vicente. Once again, expectations were high, but the spell proved short-lived.

Limited impact and opportunities saw his contract terminated a year later, forcing another rethink.

Determined not to drift away from the game, the forward dropped down a level to join Trofense in Liga 3, Portugal’s third tier, prioritising minutes and match rhythm over status.

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In 2025, Ayiah embraced a fresh chapter with Felgueiras, signing a two-year deal that signalled stability and renewed focus.

Away from the spotlight, Ayiah appears more grounded. He regularly shares training sessions and matchday moments on Instagram, showing a player rediscovering joy in the game.

Beyond football, his posts reveal a devoted family man who takes pride in fatherhood, offering a softer glimpse into a life shaped by lessons, setbacks, and resilience.

While the “next Asamoah Gyan” tag now feels distant, Ayiah’s story is far from over. His career serves as a reminder that talent alone does not guarantee a straight road to the top, but perseverance can still carve out a meaningful journey.

A glimpse at Daniel Afriyie's football career

YEN.com.gh earlier featured the lifestyle and football career of another former Ghana youth star, ex-Hearts of Oak and Ghana U-17 captain Daniel Afriyie.

The ex-Ghana Premier League star became a benchwarmer in the last few games of his side, FC Zurich, in Switzerland, towards the end of the 2024/25 campaign before he finally left the team.

Source: YEN.com.gh