Ghanaian-born star and international player Mohammed Kudus has ranked the FIFA World Cup as the best football tournament ahead of any other competition.
In an interview with Rising Ballers, the 24-year-old midfielder shared his rise from the streets of Ghana to the Premiership in Europe.
“It is always good to know and get the balance of being grateful knowing where you come from and also not being satisfied with where you are at this moment, so I definitely look back and I definitely come from far at the same time I try to get the balance of not looking at that and then feeling satisfied and thinking like I have made it now and I believe I still have a lot under my belt to come. For me, I am just trying to find the balance of knowing how far I have come and being grateful to God and the people around me who supported me for that and also knowing there’s a lot more to do.”
Kudus made his tournament debut in the 2022 edition in Qatar, and despite Ghana’s early elimination, he made a lasting impression by winning man of the match and scoring twice in three games. Looking back on his experience, Kudus expressed his appreciation for the tournament.
”I think the World Cup is the best football tournament. The Champions League is up there, but the World Cup was just different in Qatar, my first time. My family flew all the way to support, so it was an amazing feeling. We didn’t go as far as I would have loved us to go but it was nice to experience the World Cup. To be part of it was great,” he added.
Moving on, he told Rising Ballers “The best player I have played against is Thiago Alcántara at Anfield. Growing up, I really loved watching him play and loved how he was playing because I like players that entertain the game and he entertain himself so I was a big fan of him. He was untouchable, too smooth , so yeah I was a fan on the pitch but at the same time yeah working so I will say he’s the best I’ve played against.”
Best player he has ever played with
He further added that the best player he has ever played with is the Ghanaian-born Southampton player Kamaldeen Sulemana because “he has everything a nigga needs to succeed, you know. I have known him since he was young, we played in the same Academy in Ghana and we played in Denmark also with the same team and yeah he’s the best player I have played with.
Before Kudus joined Ajax, the two played together in the Danish League. Sulemana then joined Stade Rennes.
During the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the duo played together at the national team level and upon all other players Kudus has had the chance to play with, he chose him as his best instead.
Idols
According to him, his best football idols are Michael Essien, Drogba, Ronaldinho and Messi. Even though he has a lot of names, he will go with these as his idols.
Toughest moment
Also, in regards to his toughest moment of being a footballer, is being consistent.
“Your best sometimes is not enough and football is sports and you can give all your best in every game but there’s always ups and downs you know yeah I think that’s what I would say, consistency. The best thing about being a footballer is just being in a position to help and make an impact literally the family and community.”
Message to young self
A message to my younger self is, “don’t be famous.” After saying this, he stated the reason being that, there’s always a good and bad side of everything. In future, it is his greatest wish to create more awareness and opportunities for the young ones who wants to be in sports.
He later ended the interview by saying he has no regrets in his career but rather lessons.
Mohammed Kudus will be hoping to assist Ghana in securing a spot in the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The Black Stars’ pursuit of back-to-back qualification is expected to be aided by Kudus as they play Chad and Madagascar in the next international window commencing in March,2025.
By: Rejoice Awurabena Adzi | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
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