In a footballing era where legends often remind the world of their greatness, George Alhassan stands out.
The former Black Stars striker, a two-time African champion with Ghana, has spent much of his post-playing career out of the spotlight, rarely appearing in the media despite a résumé that ranks him among the nation’s greatest forwards.
Nicknamed “Jair” after the Brazilian great Jairzinho, Alhassan spearheaded Ghana’s golden years.
He was part of the squad that lifted the 1978 African Cup of Nations on home soil and returned four years later to fire the Black Stars to a historic fourth continental crown in Libya.
His four goals at the 1982 tournament earned him the Golden Boot, including a brace in the semi-final against Algeria and a crucial strike in the final against the hosts.
‘Olympics are the landlords of Accra’ – Ex-Black Stars forward George Alhassan
He didn’t just score the goals; Alhassan played a starring role in Ghana’s triumphant 1982 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
In the semi-final against Algeria, the Black Stars were trailing until Alhassan struck twice, first in the 64th minute to equalise, and again in the 103rd minute of extra time to seal a dramatic 3–2 win and a berth in the final.
His performance was nothing short of legendary.
In the final against hosts Libya, Alhassan again made the difference, scoring for Ghana in the 35th minute before the Libyans pulled one back.
The match ended 1–1 after extra time, leading to the first-ever AFCON final decided on penalties.
Alhassan coolly converted from the spot, helping the Stars to a 7–6 shootout victory and the nation’s fourth continental crown.
His four-goal tally earned him the tournament’s Golden Boot, while newspapers dubbed the event “George’s African Cup.” He was also named in the Team of the Tournament.
At club level, Alhassan first made his mark with Accra Great Olympics, helping the Accra-based club to the Ghana Premier League title in 1974 during his debut season.
After nearly a decade in Accra, he moved abroad, shining with FC 105 Libreville in Gabon, where he added the Champions National D1 title in 1983 and the Coupe du Gabon Interclubs in 1984.
He later returned to Olympics in the mid-80s, where his lethal finishing again earned him the Ghana Premier League top scorer award in 1985.
Yet, for all his accolades, Alhassan has remained largely absent from the spotlight.
Unlike many of his peers, he has shunned constant media attention, surfacing only occasionally, such as in August 2025, when he threw his weight behind Great Olympics ahead of the Democracy Cup clash with Hearts of Oak.
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