Christopher Bonsu Baah —the Golden boy Earns His Maiden Black Stars Call-Up

Christopher Bonsu Baah has received his first-ever call-up to the Ghana national team, the Black Stars, ahead of the World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar. The 20-year-old has been a standout performer for KRC Genk in the Belgian Pro League this season, following in the footsteps of fellow Ghanaian Joseph Paintsil, who previously excelled at the club.

Ghana will approach Chad and Madagascar World Cup qualifiers with seriousness after failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations and Baah’s talent could be sort after.

Early Recognition as a Global Talent

At just 19-years-old, Christopher was named the 59th most exceptional young player in the world. His flair and potential were evident early on, and he has continued to build on that reputation. In 2024, he maintained his status as one of football’s brightest young talents, finishing 60th in the Golden Boy rankings.

In 2023, while playing for Sarpsborg in the Norwegian Eliteserien, the left-footed forward led the league in completed dribbles per game and ranked third for key passes per game. His performances caught the attention of KRC Genk, where he later joined forces with Joseph Paintsil.

This year, Bonsu has once again been highlighted as one of the most promising young talents in football, with his dynamic style of play earning him recognition across Europe.

A Rocky Start in the Belgian Pro League

Elbows, Indiscipline, and Red Cards. Bonsu Baah holds an unfortunate record in the Belgian Pro League after receiving back-to-back red cards against Westerlo. During one match, the Ghanaian elbowed an opponent and was immediately sent off in his debut season with KRC Genk.

In the 2023-24 season, Baah was sent off three times, the highest in the league. Despite being signed for his goal-scoring and creative abilities, he struggled to maintain his composure on the pitch.

The 20-year-old has shown significant improvement this season, receiving just one yellow card in 27 games. His newfound discipline suggests he is maturing as a player and learning to channel his energy more effectively.

What Baah Brings to the Black Stars?

Baah is a dynamic left-footed winger who thrives on taking on defenders and creating scoring actions. His ability to dribble past opponents with ease makes him a constant threat on the wing.

According to a 2024 report by CIES, Baah is one of the most effective young dribblers in the world. He topped the charts for U-21 players with an impressive 88% dribbling success rate, making him the most effective dribbler in his age group globally.

This season, Baah has been directly involved in six goals in 17 starts for Genk, scoring three and assisting three. Additionally, he has created seven big chances for his teammates, showcasing his ability to unlock defences.

Baah’s attributes—pace, flair, and creativity—complement his natural talent, making him a versatile and dangerous attacking option for any team.

Where Does He Fit in the Black Stars?

The Black Stars already boast players with similar profiles to Baah, such as Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, and Antoine Semenyo, who have dominated dribbling charts in the English Premier League this season.

Ghana has lacked a truly effective left-footed winger since Kwadwo Asamoah’s departure from the national team. While players like Joseph Paintsil, Inaki Williams, and Osman Bukari have filled the role at times, their performances have been inconsistent, with errors leading to goals conceded.

Fatawu Issahaku recently emerged as a promising left-footed winger for the Black Stars, but his progress was halted by injury. This opens the door for Baah to stake his claim in the squad.

The Challenge

While the timing may be perfect for Baah to make his mark, the real challenge lies in impressing Ghanaian fans and proving he can handle the pressure of representing the Black Stars on the international stage.