Joseph Tagoe is a former player of Hearts of Oak
Former Hearts of Oak midfielder, Joseph Tagoe, popularly known as Bobby Short, has revealed the difficult but deliberate decision he made to pull his son out of school to pursue a career in football.
Speaking in an interview about the sacrifice and belief he had in his son’s potential, Tagoe explained how early signs convinced him that football, not academics, was his child’s true calling.
Tagoe shared a moment that marked the turning point in their journey: a personal injury that forced him to stop playing, and a bold request from his young son.
“When I got injured, my son was able to tell me that I can’t no longer play, so I should allow him to use my football boots to play. So I realised that what he said meant he wanted to reveal something and I didn’t need a pastor or anyone to reveal that to me,” Tagoe recalled.
That clarity of purpose pushed Tagoe to consider an unthinkable decision: asking his son to forgo formal education.
“He was on his way to write his WASSCE and I asked him if I told him to stop schooling, would he?” He told me he will do anything I tell him. So I asked him to stop,” he added.
Naturally, the decision wasn’t welcomed by everyone. But despite the concerns, Tagoe stood by his choice, guided by what he believed was divine purpose and pure talent.
“His mother complained, but who was going to pay the fees at the university. I wasn’t working. I saw his talent and I decided to support him and pray for God to listen to us. I decided to push him, and God being so good, he’s playing at Malmö FF now,” he further stated.
Today, his son is living the dream in Europe, playing for Swedish top-flight side Malmö FF. And while the path was unconventional, Joseph Tagoe believes it was the right one, a journey of faith, sacrifice, and a father’s unshakeable belief in his son’s gift.
Watch the interview below:
@officialandydotcom I asked my son to stop schooling and concentrate on football when I realized he wanted to play football. By God’s Grace he now plays for Malmo FF in Sweden. 🗣️ Joe Tagoe (Bobby Short), former Hearts of Oak player #heartsofoak #accraghana🇬🇭 #accra #f #foryoupage #fyp #fypdongggggggg #andydotcom ♬ original sound – Andydotcom
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