Ghana legend Wilberforce Mfum passes away, tributes pour in
By Lukman MUMIN, Accra
Legendary Ghanaian forward Wilberforce Mfum has sadly passed away at the age of 88 after losing his battle with illness.
The sad news was confirmed on Sunday, May 11, 2025, marking the loss of one of the country’s greatest football icons.
Nicknamed “The Bulldozer” for his strength and goal-scoring prowess, Mfum was a key figure in Ghana’s rise on the African football stage.
He made history at the 1963 Africa Cup of Nations by scoring Ghana’s first-ever goal at the tournament and later bagged a brace in the final against Sudan, leading the Black Stars to their maiden continental triumph.
“Asante Kotoko SC is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Wilberforce Mfum. A legend of the club and a National hero, our thoughts and condolences go to his family,” wrote his former club Asante Kotoko.
Former Ghana defender and president of the Professional Footballers Association of Ghana, Tony Baffoe, also took to social media to post: “A towering figure in Ghanaian football, Wilberforce Mfum, has sadly passed away. His impact on the beautiful game and his legacy as a true champion will forever remain in our hearts. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Rest in eternal peace, Legend.”
Mfum netted 20 goals in 26 appearances for Ghana and featured at the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo. At club level, he starred for Asante Kotoko before venturing abroad, where he played in the U.S. for clubs such as Baltimore Bays, Ukrainian SC, Ukrainian Nationals, and New York Cosmos.
In 1970, he was joint top scorer in the American Soccer League and later became one of the early African players in the North American Soccer League.
