As Viktoria Plzen gears up to take on the Italian powerhouse, Lazio, in the Europa League knockout stage, few narratives are quite as compelling as that of Prince Kwabena Adu.
Just a few years back, the Ghanaian forward was showcasing his skills on the dusty grounds of his hometown, Sampa, and is now thriving in the spotlight of European football.
Adu’s journey to stardom in European football has not been without its hurdles. Once celebrated as one of Ghana’s most promising talents and listed among the Guardian’s top 60 young players in 2020, his flourishing career faced a near-fatal blow.
What should have been a pivotal breakthrough instead turned into a monumental setback, as a severe meniscus injury left him off the field for almost two years.
“I thought about quitting football because my knee wasn’t healing. I was uncertain if I could ever return to the game. The thought of surgery and recovery was daunting.”
The injury struck during the last match of the Ghana Premier League, just before Adu was to join the squad for the U20 African Cup of Nations. While representing Bechem United against Berekum Chelsea, he fell awkwardly contesting for an aerial ball. What initially appeared to be a minor issue revealed itself as a significant injury, forcing him to miss the youth tournament in Mauritania.
An MRI scan confirmed meniscus damage, leading to an unsuccessful surgery attempt and a year spent at home pondering whether his football ambitions had been extinguished before they had even begun.
During this challenging time, Adu returned to Sampa, seeking solace and fortitude.
“It was a tough period, so I went back home to relax and clear my mind. At that point, I wasn’t even thinking about returning to football. The lengthy injury made me question many things.”
His salvation came when Danish club Randers provided him with an opportunity, flying him to Denmark for proper surgical intervention. Although he initially found it tough to regain his rhythm there, this vital support ensured his career did not end prematurely.
When talks between Randers and Bechem United faltered, Adu came back to Ghana before beginning his European journey with a transfer to Belarus.
“In total, I spent about two years away from football. I started personal training in Ghana to get fit again and eventually signed with a club in Belarus,” Adu recounted.
His move to FC Isloch in February 2023 marked the genuine commencement of his European adventure, although adjusting to the cold weather proved challenging for the young Ghanaian.
What followed was a stunning rise through European football. In just 12 months, Adu transitioned from Belarus to Ukraine’s FC Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, ultimately joining Czech giants Viktoria Plzen in August 2024 after netting 9 goals over 29 appearances with his previous clubs.
“Even after the injury, I worked diligently to ensure I could return to my previous form. As a player, it’s essential to remain focused, maintain positivity, and work hard, regardless of the challenges.”
Interestingly, prior to signing with Plzen, Adu faced his current team in the Europa League qualifiers while with Kryvbas, even scoring against them and demonstrating the goal-scoring ability that helped secure his transfer.
Since arriving at Viktoria Plzen, Adu has been nothing short of spectacular. With 10 goals in 28 matches during the 2024/25 season, including three pivotal goals in the Europa League, he has swiftly asserted himself as an integral player for the Czech outfit.
“When I arrived, they shared with me the club’s history and impressive past achievements. Plzen is one of the biggest clubs in the Czech Republic, so playing here requires readiness for all challenges that come with it.”
Since the 2021/22 season, Plzen has struggled to secure the league title, currently sitting 13 points off the leaders. However, Adu remains hopeful about a possible resurgence.
“We still believe we have a chance. There are many matches left to play, and for now, we take it game by game. Our aim is to finish the season as league champions.”
Plzen’s performance in Europe has starkly contrasted with their domestic struggles. The Czech side finished 16th in the Europa League group stages before triumphing 3-1 over Ferencvaros in the playoffs.
One of Adu’s most unforgettable European moments emerged in September 2024, when he scored a crucial 86th-minute goal against Eintracht Frankfurt, igniting a comeback that ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Later, in January 2025, his goal against Anderlecht played a significant part in Plzen securing a place in the Europa League knockout rounds for the first time in six seasons.
“It felt incredible because playing in the Europa League is a dream realised. I grew up watching the Europa League and Champions League, so having the chance to compete at this level is brilliant. Scoring my first goal against Frankfurt was a moment I’ll always cherish.”
His performances have not only electrified fans in the Czech Republic but have also brought immense pride to his hometown in Ghana.
“Whenever I score, I know I bring joy to the entire Sampa community. They support me wholeheartedly, and I reciprocate that love. It’s been a long time since someone from my hometown has played at such a high level,” the striker expressed.
As Adu continues to carve out his legacy in European football, he draws inspiration from two football legends: Luis Suarez and Ghana’s own Asamoah Gyan.
“Growing up, I admired both Luis Suarez and Asamoah Gyan. Gyan is a national hero who has contributed immensely to our team,” Adu shared.
“My playing style closely resembles that of Luis Suarez, and I often watch his videos. I admire how he scores, moves, and operates both on and off the pitch. I loved him growing up, and I still follow his journey in the MLS.”
This admiration for Suarez’s unwavering work ethic and Gyan’s patriotic performances has significantly influenced Adu’s own approach to the game. His relentless training translates into sharp finishing during matches—skills that will be crucial when facing a tactically sound Lazio.
Despite his swift ascent, he remains eager for more. Asked about peers from the 2020 list of top young talents, such as Jhon Duran, Florian Wirtz, Xavi Simons, Benjamin Sesko, and Jamal Musiala, the 21-year-old voiced confidence in his own journey.
“I’m putting in the hard work because it’s my dream to play in the Champions League. I firmly believe that opportunity will come my way in the next few years,” he stated with conviction.
This aspiration extends to his current club, as Adu added, “At Plzen, we constantly discuss the goal of reaching the Champions League. Winning the league and qualifying for it is a common objective we’re all striving for.”
Even with his successes in Europe, the former Bechem United striker still harbours unfulfilled ambitions with the Ghana national team. His brief involvement with the Black Stars in 2020 has left him yearning for more, despite the disappointment of leaving camp early.
“In 2020, I received a late call-up to the Black Stars. Soon after, I had to depart early when the coach informed me that the player I was to replace had opted to join the squad.”
While this may have discouraged others, Adu found reason to celebrate his selection. “I was proud to have been chosen out of many players to represent my country. It was a significant accomplishment, and should I receive another call-up, I’ll be ready. I am working diligently for that.”
As Viktoria Plzen sets to face Lazio in the Europa League Round of 16, Prince Adu will be in the spotlight. This match represents more than just another fixture; it is an opportunity to exhibit his talent on an even larger stage against one of Italy’s prominent clubs.
For the young man from Sampa, who once faced a premature end to his career, this European night under the dazzling lights signifies yet another chapter in an extraordinary narrative of resilience. Regardless of the outcome, Adu’s journey from the Ghana Premier League to emerging in European competition serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere.
Flashscore
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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