According to a report by Ghanaweb on Sunday, Nov 8, 2026, former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan was visibly overcome with grief on Saturday as his father, George Gyan Baffour Mensah, was laid to rest in Accra.

Video from the funeral shows the football great struggling to contain his emotions as he stood beside his elder brother, former Ghana international Baffour Gyan. The two men stood together through the rites, with Baffour reading a tribute on behalf of the family to honour the man who raised them.

Mr Mensah died on June 29, 2026, at the age of 82 after a short illness. The family marked his one-week observance on August 21 at the New Gbawe Cluster of Schools astroturf in Mallam-Gbawe.

Gyan publicly announced the death on July 24 with a heartfelt message to his father. "I'm happy you saw my greatness, Da. Thank you for taking care of us. You will forever be in our hearts," he wrote, signing off with "R.I.P. (ASASE J)". He credited his father with standing by him throughout his life and football career.

The funeral drew attention because of what Gyan has come to represent in Ghanaian football. He remains the country's all-time leading scorer with 51 goals. He also holds the record for the most goals by an African at the FIFA World Cup, with six.

Gyan represented Ghana at three World Cups, in 2006, 2010 and 2014. He played a central role in the Black Stars' historic run to the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010, a campaign that is still counted among the proudest chapters in the country's football history.

Since hanging up his boots, he has stayed close to the national team. In September 2026, he was appointed the Black Stars' Clubs and Player Relations Manager.

On Saturday, however, the focus was on family. A man who carried the hopes of a nation on the pitch stood before his father's grave with his brother at his side, saying goodbye.