In a surprising turn of events, Ghanaian professional footballer Lawrence Osei has abandoned his club, Heart of Lions, and relocated to the United States to work as a cleaner, earning significantly more than he did as a footballer in Ghana.
Osei, a 30-year-old goalkeeper, had been serving a suspension due to accumulated yellow cards when he vanished from the club. He resurfaced on social media, posting a TikTok video with the caption: “Left home with a dream, now chasing it.”
Heart of Lions, a Ghana Premier League team, confirmed that Osei joined the club in 2023 on a contract set to run until 2027. Sources close to the player revealed that he no longer plays professional football and is now employed in the US, earning over $3,000 monthly — a stark contrast to the $246 he earned monthly at Heart of Lions.
In a subsequent social media post, Osei expressed his support for his former teammates, writing, “I hope you all win too. Love.”
Ghanaian fans have largely applauded Osei for prioritizing his personal and financial well-being, recognizing the bold step as a pragmatic move in pursuit of stability.
Heart of Lions has since cleared Osei’s locker and initiated a search for a new goalkeeper to fill the void left by his abrupt departure. Club officials are yet to release an official statement regarding any potential disciplinary measures, given that the player abandoned his contract without notice.
The incident has sparked nationwide debate in Ghana about the financial struggles of professional footballers in domestic leagues, with many highlighting the stark wage disparities that drive players to seek alternative opportunities abroad.
