Francis Amuzu Reverses Stance, Joins Ghana Squad After Four-Year Rejection

Key facts

• Francis Amuzu publicly rejected Ghana's advances in 2022.
• He cited a desire to play for Belgium and concerns about Ghana's World Cup prospects.
• Amuzu has been included in Carlos Queiroz's Black Stars squad for a friendly against Mexico.
• He was born in Accra but raised in Belgium, representing Belgium at youth level.
• Amuzu joined Grêmio in February 2025 from Anderlecht.
• Last season for Grêmio, he made 26 appearances, scoring four goals and providing four assists.

Dramatic Turnaround for Ghanaian Winger

Four years ago, Francis Amuzu publicly declared his international future lay with Belgium, spurning persistent overtures from the Ghana Football Association (GFA). Today, the Grêmio winger finds himself a prominent member of Carlos Queiroz’s first Black Stars squad, set to feature in an upcoming friendly against Mexico. This inclusion marks one of the most striking international allegiances reversals involving a Ghanaian player in recent memory. The narrative of Amuzu’s international career has been one of shifting loyalties and evolving perspectives. Born in Accra but nurtured in Belgium, the former Anderlecht player had represented Belgium at various youth levels, harbouring ambitions of donning the senior Red Devils' colours. His previous stance was unequivocal. In 2022, he told Het Nieuwsblad, "The GFA call my agent every day, but I keep it off. With Belgium, you can go very far at such a World Cup; with Ghana, there is a real chance that you will be out quickly." These comments ignited considerable backlash among Ghanaian supporters, who perceived his remarks as dismissive of their national team. However, the trajectory of football careers, and perhaps personal outlooks, can change with remarkable speed. After failing to secure a consistent place in Belgium's senior national team, despite youth appearances and a brief senior call-up, Amuzu's stance towards Ghana began to soften considerably.

A Shift in Heart and Ambition

A different tone emerged in a more recent interview with GZH, following Ghana's qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Amuzu expressed a profound connection to his birthplace, stating, "To be honest, at the moment, my heart is really with Ghana. If Ghana comes for sure, I will go and I hope they can call me." He further elaborated on his feelings, adding, "I was born in Ghana, so I’m happy that they qualified for the World Cup. It’s a wonderful tournament to play in, one of the biggest in the world." This sentiment marked a significant departure from his earlier reservations. Now, at 26 years old, Amuzu has formally accepted Ghana's invitation, concluding a period of hesitation and public rejection. The friendly against Mexico presents him with a crucial opportunity to demonstrate his commitment and potentially mend fences with the Ghanaian fanbase he once alienated.

Player Profile and Recent Form

Francis Amuzu, currently plying his trade as an attacker for Grêmio, has been a consistent presence in the team's Gaúcho 1 campaign in 2026. He has featured in nine matches, accumulating 532 minutes of playing time. Out of these appearances, Amuzu has been named in the starting lineup seven times, with two outings coming as a substitute across the team's 11 fixtures. His last goal for Grêmio came on March 1 in a 3-0 victory against Internacional, opening the scoring in that match. His first goal of the season was in the 4-0 win over Avenida on January 10. Last season, Amuzu made a total of 26 appearances for Grêmio across Serie A and Gaúcho 1, contributing four goals and four assists. Prior to his move to Brazil, he spent a significant period at Anderlecht, where he amassed 205 league appearances, scoring 25 goals and providing 18 assists.

The Stakes for Amuzu and Ghana

Amuzu's inclusion in the Black Stars squad is more than just a personal triumph; it carries significant implications for the Ghanaian national team. Coach Carlos Queiroz's selection for the Mexico friendly has already generated considerable debate, highlighting the anticipation surrounding the team's future. For Amuzu, this represents a chance to finally align his international career with his heritage and prove his worth to a nation that once felt spurned. It is an opportunity to erase past perceptions and forge a new identity as a committed Ghanaian international. The friendly match against Mexico, a formidable opponent, will serve as a crucial testing ground. It offers Amuzu a platform to showcase his skills on an international stage and begin the process of earning the trust and admiration of Ghanaian supporters.

The bottom line

• Winger Francis Amuzu has reversed his previous decision to reject Ghana, accepting a call-up for the Black Stars.
• In 2022, Amuzu prioritized a potential future with Belgium, citing concerns about Ghana's World Cup prospects.
• He was born in Ghana but raised in Belgium, having represented Belgium at youth levels.
• Amuzu now plays for Grêmio in Brazil, having transferred from Anderlecht in February 2025.
• His inclusion in the squad for the Mexico friendly is seen as a significant turnaround in his international career.
• The move provides Amuzu an opportunity to connect with his Ghanaian roots and win over national supporters.