Eddie Nketiah: From Ghanaian roots to Premier League success

Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah has spoken about how his Ghanaian heritage has shaped his football career, crediting his upbringing for instilling confidence and discipline.

Born in Lewisham, South London, to Ghanaian parents, Nketiah believes his family’s values played a crucial role in his journey to professional football.

Nketiah’s path to the Premier League was not straightforward. He joined Chelsea’s academy at nine but was released five years later. He then moved to Arsenal, where he scored 38 goals in 168 appearances before signing for Crystal Palace last summer.

Reflecting on his childhood, the 24-year-old expressed gratitude for his strong foundation.

“It was a very happy time,” he told NBC Sports. “There was lots of great food, faith, and support from my family. It helped me feel confident and ready for life.”

Nketiah remains closely connected to his Ghanaian roots and visits the country whenever possible.

“I try to visit Ghana when I can, especially during holidays. A lot of my family and friends live there, and it’s always nice to go back,” he said.

“Ghana has a great culture. The hard work, discipline, and love for life are things I carry with me every day.”

His remarks come after a significant moment in his career. Nketiah scored Crystal Palace’s third goal in their 3-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Fulham, securing the club’s place in the semi-finals.

Eberechi Eze opened the scoring in the 34th minute, followed by Ismaila Sarr’s header just four minutes later. Nketiah, introduced from the bench, sealed the win with a 75th-minute strike.

The victory sees Palace reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the second time in four seasons, as they continue their pursuit of a first-ever triumph in the competition.

As he establishes himself in the Premier League, Nketiah remains proud of his Ghanaian heritage. His story serves as an inspiration for young footballers aiming to succeed while embracing their cultural identity.

“It’s amazing,” he said about the support from Ghanaian fans. “It gives me a lot of motivation to keep doing what I’m doing and work even harder, knowing that people are also getting joy and living through my experience.”

Nketiah’s journey is a testament to resilience and the importance of staying true to one’s roots while striving for success.