Anthony Baffoe urges young footballers to pursue education alongside their careers

Anthony Baffoe, founder of the Professional Football Association of Ghana (PFAG) and former Ghana international, has advised young footballers to prioritise education alongside their active sports careers.

Baffoe, a former CAF Deputy General Secretary, emphasised that every individual has immense potential, and a lack of formal education should not be seen as a barrier to success in football or any other field.

He encouraged young players to utilize online platforms to gain educational certifications, noting the opportunities provided by modern technology.

Speaking at the 2024 Afro Sport Summit in Accra, Baffoe highlighted the importance of educational growth for players, regardless of their current level of formal education.

“Young players today are very lucky,” Baffoe said at the summit. “Covid has taught us that you can be in one place and still work and study online. You can spend one hour on Instagram, so why not spend one hour learning a course online? Don’t wait until your career is ending.”

Baffoe’s remarks challenge the traditional perception in Africa that football is a career path for those lacking intelligence. He urged young athletes to view their careers as a platform for personal and professional development, both on and off the field.

By advocating for a balanced approach to career and education, Baffoe aims to inspire the next generation of footballers to achieve success in all aspects of their lives.