The biography and life story of Sammy Kuffour, the former Ghanaian footballer

Sammy Kuffour is one of Africa's greatest football legends. The Bayern Munich fan favourite has had an eventful life that began with a humble career as a shoe shiner, all the way to the global stage as a professional footballer. Dig into this article and find out more about Sammy Kuffour, one of the greatest African footballers in history.

Who was the African player who played for Bayern Munich between 1993 and 2005? Nearly twenty titles marked Samuel 'Sammy' Osei Kuffour's stint at the Bavarians. This article provides a detailed snapshot of the life of one of the most successful African players at Bayern Munich.

Sammy Kuffour's profile summary

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Football

Biography

The retired centre-back was born and raised in Kumasi, Ghana, in a single-parent household. He told The Guardian that his father (unnamed) was a Nigerian from Shagamu in Ogun State.

Various sources reveal that Sammy, his three older sisters, and their mother, Gloria Abena Atea, lived in abject poverty. In an interview with Joy Sports, he spoke about their living conditions, saying,

"My mum inspired me. I saw her struggle with me and my three sisters in an uncompleted building without water and electricity. It was a five-storey building, and we were living there alone. Anybody could come in there and kill us for money rituals.

His mother, Gloria, was dedicated to her son's football career, even selling some of her property to buy football equipment. In an interview with Planet Sport Football Africa, he said,

"I carried a television on my head with my mum. We went to some place and gave the TV to somebody and got money to buy football shoes."

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How old is Samuel Kuffour?

Born on the 3rd of September 1976, Samuel Kuffour's age is 47 years as of November 2023. His zodiac sign is Virgo.

How tall is Samuel Kuffour?

Kuffour is 5 feet and eight inches tall (178 centimetres). His last official measurements showed he weighed 165.3 pounds heavy (75 kilograms).

Education

Growing up, Kuffour would ply his trade as a shoe shiner each morning before school. However, he later dropped out of school owing to his family's financial situation. The Ghanaian international also founded a school in memory of his daughter, the Godiva International School in East Lagon, Accra.

According to several reports, the 1992 Olympic Bronze winner has sponsored several underserved and differently-abled students over the course of his career. In an interview, he confessed, saying,

"I have never been to a university, but I live like someone who has been to a university. I wanted to help them change their lives so they could also inspire others."

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Religion

Born a Muslim, Kuffour is among the numerous football players who have converted to Christianity. The retired Ghanaian international soccer star who has declared intentions to become a priest attributed the decision to the death of his 15-month-old daughter, Godiva.

Is Samuel Osei Kuffour married?

The former Black Stars' defender is known to be separated from his wife, Francisca Kuffour. However, several tabloids claim the former Bayern Munich player has remarried. Although he has not officially identified his partner as his new wife, tabloids claim the two are married.

Who is Charlotte Derban?

Charlotte is a Ghanaian singer, model, and actress who has starred in several movies, including Charade, Shattered Romance, Perfect Love, Beautiful Ruins, Hope, and Merciful Heart. Publications claim that Samuel Kuffour is married to the actress with whom he shares one son.

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What happened to Samuel Kuffour's daughter?

In 2003, the three-time Footballer of the Year lost his daughter, Godiva, in a swimming accident. According to reports, Sammy Kuffour and his wife Francisca's 15-month-old daughter drowned while playing in the swimming pool at his East Lagon home in Accra, Ghana.

How many sons does Samuel Kuffour have?

Sports Brief's analysis reveals that Kuffour has five children. In 2019, he proudly spoke of his three teenage children who lived and studied in London, United Kingdom. Ghana Web reports that the proud father has the names of his children on his cars' number plates.

On the 3rd of September 2022, reports that Samuel Kuffour's youngest son, Munich, was born. His former team, Bayern Munich, sent the number 4 player a unique birthday package containing two football kits, one in red and white, and bore the number 4, Kuffour's former squad number. The second shirt was a mini version of the jersey with the name 'Munich' and the number 22, referencing his son's year of birth.

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Career

Before joining the big leagues, Kuffour played for Fantomas Kumasi, King Faisal Babes FC, and later for Ghana's Under-17 team, the Black Starlets (U-17). His performance at the 1991 Under-17 World Championships earned him a place in Italy's Torino FC youth side between 1991 and 1993. Scroll down for details of his 26-year career.

How many teams has Samuel Kuffour played for?

At 16, the Kumasi-born defender began his international stint with the Reds, the first of 11 teams he played for. As one of the most successful Ghanaian players for Bayern Munich, Kuffour represented the club in 277 matches with ten goals and four assists. Here is a summary of his teams over the years.

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Samuel Kuffour's achievements

The legendary number 4 Reds player is known for one of Bayern's biggest losses, just as he is known for the club's success. While fans still remember Bayern Munich's 1999 UEFA Champions League defeat, so are his multiple championship wins. Have a look at this summary of his awards and titles.

• 2001 BBC African Footballer of the Year
• 2001, 1999, 1998 Footballer of the Year - Ghana
• 2001 UEFA Champions League Winner
• 2005, 2003, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1997 German Champion
• 2005, 2003, 2000, 1998 German Cup Winner
• 1991 Under-17 World Cup Champion - Ghana
• 2001 Intercontinental Cup Winner
• 2004, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997 German League Cup Winner

What happened between Sammy Kuffour and Oliver Kahn?

Kuffour and Oliver Kahn, Bayern Munich's legendary goalkeeper, shared a special relationship on and off the pitch. During a 2001 UEFA Champions League match against Manchester United, Sammy performed life-saving CPR on Kahn when he collapsed on the pitch. On September 4th, 2023, Oliver Khan publicly celebrated Sammy's birthday by commemorating his ultimate show of friendship.

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How much is Samuel Kuffour's net worth?

Not only is Kuffour one of the richest African footballers, but he is also one of the richest people in Ghana in 2023. His net worth is estimated at $40 million. The six-time German League Cup winner owns several buildings in Ghana, including a seven-storey structure named after his deceased mother, Gloria Abena Atea.

Final word

As one of the most influential people in African football, Samuel Kuffour's influence is still felt across the continent decades after his retirement. His role as a sports pundit also promotes the game's growth in the continent.

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