Mohammed Kudus: The Making of a Football Prodigy
Some defenders bounce off Mohammed Kudus and most end up bewitched by his footwork. West Ham’s Ghanaian sensation is an intriguing mix of strength, skill, and imagination. His technique makes him one of the most dangerous players in the Premier League, but Kudus believes his steely edge owes much to his upbringing in Nima, a place that teaches you to stand up for yourself from an early age.
“Mentally it’s a very tough area,” he says. “You have to be very tough to live there. If you are soft, people walk on you. It has an impact on how I play. In 50-50 challenges, I don’t want to lose it. I work on my body and make sure I am very strong on the ball.”
From Nima’s Streets to Premier League Stardom
Kudus, who has been outstanding since joining West Ham last summer, laughs when he remembers the football back home. “There are no rules over there!” he says. “It’s all in. You have to be very strong.” Nima, a market town in the greater Accra region of Ghana, has a difficult reputation. “When you say Nima, it’s like there’s a lot of violence happening there, it’s like a ghetto and you need to be street smart and tough to stay there,” Kudus says. He is out to change perceptions. “There’s a lot of professional players from there,” the 23-year-old adds. “It’s why I always keep mentioning where I come from. There can be talent as well.”
Championing Change and Inspiring the Next Generation
Kudus is a role model. He loves connecting with his roots, but it is no longer possible for him to live his old life when he visits home. He is too famous to do normal stuff – “like going by the roadside to get some food” – but his heart is there. A mural of Kudus went up in Nima after he scored in Ghana’s win over South Korea in the 2022 World Cup; he does not feel weighed down by being a champion to so many.
“It’s my responsibility to share my story and represent where I’m from,” he says. “I don’t feel it’s a burden. It’s a responsibility that comes with the position that God has put me into. I’m just trying to put more light on to this area, get more scouts there, and engage more young footballers there.”
The Journey from Ghana to Global Recognition
Kudus’s footballing journey began when he joined Strong Tower FC at the age of 10. “It comes down to sacrifices,” Kudus says. “I moved to the academy when I was 11 or 12, and I had to stay far away from home. Sometimes I’d go home just two times a year.” The hard work was worth it. Kudus moved to the Danish club Nordsjaelland in 2018, then to Ajax in 2020, impressing in the Netherlands and earning a move to West Ham. “I was ready to make that step after the season I had at Ajax,” Kudus says. “I’m a player who doesn’t want to be in my comfort zone. I always want to challenge myself.”
At West Ham, Kudus has been a revelation, scoring his 13th goal in all competitions during a visit to Newcastle. His ability to adapt and excel has made him a key player for David Moyes, showcasing his versatility and work rate. Kudus’s performance has not only captured the attention of fans but also made him a sought-after player among Premier League clubs.
Future Prospects and the Unyielding Spirit of a Champion
As West Ham continue their campaign in the Premier League and Europa League, Kudus remains a pivotal figure. His journey from the streets of Nima to the bright lights of the Premier League serves as an inspiration to many. With his talent, work ethic, and humble nature, Kudus is not just shaping his future but also the future of football. As he continues to dazzle on the field, one can only wonder what heights this Ghanaian prodigy will reach next.