Apart from being known as an explosive wide player and having a rocket for a left foot, the late Christian Atsu was an epitome of humanitarian services due to the work he did off the pitch.
The former Newcastle winger was widely regarded as the pride of Ghanaian football, as his many significant contributions and stern dedication to helping others earned him praise and admiration from people around the world.
Born on January 10, 1992, in Ada Foah, Ghana, to a fisherman father on the banks of the Volta River, Atsu was one of ten siblings. He developed an interest in football at a young age, and he frequently played with his friends on the streets of his hometown.
At the age of 13, Atsu joined the Feyenoord Fetteh youth academy in Ghana. He quickly rose through the ranks and was soon signed by Porto, one of the top clubs in Portugal. Atsu’s talent was evident, and he became a regular member of the Porto team. He also played for several other clubs in Europe, including Chelsea, Bournemouth, and Newcastle United.
While Atsu’s football career was impressive, it was his humanitarian works that truly set him apart. He had always been passionate about helping others, and he used his platform as a professional footballer to make a positive impact in the world.
One of Atsu’s most significant contributions was his work with the Ghana Red Cross Society. He was a goodwill ambassador for the organization since 2011 and had been actively involved in its various projects.
Atsu helped to raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, and he encouraged people to become donors themselves. He also supported the Ghana Red Cross Society’s efforts to provide disaster relief and emergency assistance to people in need.
In addition to his work with the Ghana Red Cross Society, Atsu was also involved in several other charitable initiatives. He supported the construction of schools and health clinics in his hometown of Ada Foah and donated money to help improve access to education and healthcare for children in the area. Atsu had also been a vocal advocate for environmental conservation and worked with several organizations to promote sustainable practices.
Perhaps Atsu’s most significant contribution to date was the establishment of the Christian Atsu Foundation. The foundation was set up in 2011, and its goal is to help underprivileged children in Ghana by providing them with access to education, healthcare, and other essential services.
The foundation has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children in Ghana, and it has made a significant impact in the country.
The Christian Atsu Foundation also supported the construction of schools and libraries in rural areas, and it provided scholarships to children who would otherwise not have been able to attend school. The foundation donated medical equipment and supplies to hospitals and health clinics in Ghana, helping to improve access to healthcare for people in need.
Christian Atsu was personally involved in the work of the foundation and dedicated a significant amount of his time and energy to its activities. He visited schools and hospitals in Ghana, and met with children and families who had benefited from the foundation’s work.
Atsu’s dedication to the foundation earned him global recognition and respect. Atsu was a devout Christian and described by The Guardian obituary writer Louise Taylor as “a true Christian in every sense of the word”
Being an ambassador for Arms Around the Child, an organisation supporting disadvantaged children; he also paid thousands of pounds in bail money to free Ghanaians who had been jailed for stealing food
Atsu’s humanitarian work did not go unnoticed. In 2013, he was awarded the Peace and Sports Award for his contributions to peace-building and social development through sport. The award recognized Atsu’s efforts to use football as a tool for positive social change and his commitment to improving the lives of people in his community.
Atsu’s work has also inspired others to get involved in humanitarian activities. He has used his platform as a professional footballer to raise awareness about the importance of giving back, and he has encouraged his fans and followers to get involved in charitable initiatives.
On 6 February 2023, Atsu went missing in the immediate aftermath of the 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake; he was feared to be among those trapped under the rubble of Hatayspor’s headquarters in Antakya following the quake. On 18 February, confirmation was received by his agent that his body was recovered from the rubble of the building he was residing in.
Atsu was married to author Marie-Claire Rupio with whom he had two sons and a daughter. His legacy lives on as he has touched many lives. Rest in Peace, Christian Atsu.
