‘I hurt so much for years but now feel proud’: John Quansah on the pain of a football career ruined by injury

Guardian Sport

by Hugo Verkley

February 25, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

John Quansah’s journey from a promising young footballer at Ajax to a builder earning £5 a day is a story of resilience and perspective. Once seen as a bright prospect from Ghana, Quansah’s career was derailed by injury before it could fully take off. Now in his mid-30s, he reflects on his past with a mix of gratitude and acceptance. Though he never fulfilled his dream of becoming a professional footballer, he finds pride in the achievements of his youth, including trophies from competitions in Belgium and recognition for sportsmanship. Quansah’s story begins in Obuasi, Ghana, where he was identified as a talented player and given the opportunity to move to Ajax as a teenager. However, a serious injury during his time at the club ended his footballing career prematurely. Despite this setback, Quansah has chosen to view his past with a new perspective. He recently rediscovered three trophies from his youth career, which he had long stored away. Now displayed in a glass case in his living room, these mementos symbolize both the highs and lows of his journey. The decision to bring the trophies out of storage two years ago marked a turning point for Quansah. He explained, “I’m an adult now. It’s time to look at the past differently.” While he still feels pain over the opportunities lost due to injury, he also recognizes the value of the experiences and lessons from his time at Ajax. These included not only moments of success but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship that defined his early career. Quansah’s story resonates with anyone who has faced disappointment or setbacks in their pursuit of goals. His ability to find meaning and pride in his past, despite unfulfilled ambitions, offers a powerful message of resilience. For sports fans and aspiring athletes, Quansah’s journey highlights the importance of perspective and gratitude in the face of adversity. This article matters because it humanizes the struggles faced by many athletes who do not achieve the level of success they aspire to. It reminds readers

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/25/2026