Ghana: Terry Yegbe’s journey from criticism to comeback, a story of resilience and renewal

When Ghana’s U23 side fell 5-1 to hosts Morocco at the 2023 Africa U23 Cup of Nations, few players faced the backlash Terry Yegbe endured.

The then 21-year-old defender’s mistake contributed to one of Morocco’s goals, and the flood of criticism that followed was relentless.

“It was really bad for me, Yegbe told Flashscore in an exclusive interview facilitated by Ligue 1. After that game, I just had to stay away from social media because the more you’re online, the more you see your pictures, bad captions, people saying all kinds of things. Of course, we are human beings; we have feelings. I started to question myself – maybe I’m not good enough.”

What could have ended his career instead became a defining moment in his journey.

Building blocks in Ghana

Born in Akatsi in Ghana’s Volta Region, Yegbe’s football education began at the WAFA Academy, a club known for nurturing top talent.

Det blir 3-3! Terry Yegbe kvitterar i den 90:e minuten!

📲 Se matchen på Max pic.twitter.com/MkyxQXdSOC

— Sports on HBO Max 🇸🇪 (@sportshbomaxse) July 14, 2024

He later joined Vision FC in Accra, where he faced early challenges adapting both on and off the pitch.

“I think it was a bit challenging from the start, he recalled. Coming from WAFA, where you have your freedom and structure, and then going to Vision, it didn’t feel the same. The first six months were very tough because I didn’t even speak Twi, so adapting was hard. But over time, things got better. We started winning games, and I began to enjoy it again.”

Setbacks and perseverance

Yegbe’s path to Europe was far from smooth.

A proposed move to Danish side Midtjylland fell through twice due to visa denials.

“That affected me mentally, he said. I started thinking, maybe the people back home were right when they say, ‘you can be a good player, but you won’t make it.’ It was hard, but the club president encouraged me to keep going.”

His resilience paid off when Finnish club SJK handed him a lifeline.

Ligue 1 side Metz have completed the signing of 🇬🇭 Terry Yegbe from Elfsborg on a four-year deal.

The 24-year old has recently played for the Black Stars. pic.twitter.com/3USVSPkV9Y

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) August 30, 2025

“Coming from Ghana where it’s 28 degrees to minus 15 was crazy, he laughed. It was so cold I could barely move, but I told myself I’m not here to give up because of weather. I stayed, worked hard, and got promoted from the academy team to the first team the next year.”

His performances soon caught the attention of Swedish giants IF Elfsborg, where he continued to grow.

Redemption and recognition

The U23 AFCON in Morocco was a setback, but Yegbe learned to handle the scrutiny.

“I’ve come to understand that this is what we signed for, he said. People will talk. Some will like you, others won’t. At that moment, you just have to stay off social media and focus on coming back stronger.”

In 2025, his determination was rewarded with a move to Ligue 1 side FC Metz.

🇬🇭 Osman Bukari, Ransford Yeboah Koningsdorffer, Forson Amankwah, Terry Yegbe, Ebenezer Annan and Kingsley Schindler have been drafted to the Black Stars squad after eight players withdrew earlier today.

Ghana face Angola on Friday. pic.twitter.com/HsvUAYellS

— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) November 11, 2024

“I had just come back from training when my agent called and said Metz really want you. I spoke to Augustine [Boakye], and he told me it’s a good team, good city, and they develop players. So I said, ‘why not?’ Within three or four days, everything was done.”

Yegbe has impressed with his versatility, featuring both at left-back and centre-back.

“Playing left-back is tougher because you need to go up and down, attack and defend. I’m more comfortable as a left centre-back, that’s what I’ve done for over five years,” he said.

His efforts earned him a first senior call-up to the Ghana national team in late 2024.

“It came so suddenly, he recalled. My agent called me around 4 or 5 a.m. saying, ‘pack your things, Otto Addo just called and said you’re going to the national team.’ It was such a proud moment for me, for my family, and for my community in Akatsi.”

Faith and forward focus

For Yegbe, faith remains central. “It’s not just about hard work; it’s God,” he said. He continues to study top defenders, particularly David Alaba. “I love how calm he is with the ball. I try to learn from his videos to see how he positions himself, how he uses the ball. I want to improve.”

Music keeps him grounded. “I play a lot of Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif, sometimes King Promise when I just want to relax.”

As for the future, Yegbe’s vision is clear.

“My target is to help Metz stay in Ligue 1 and be in the national team. Hopefully, I’ll be part of the next call-up or maybe even the World Cup squad. I just need to keep pushing.”

From ridicule in Rabat to redemption in France, Terry Yegbe’s journey is one of perseverance, faith, and quiet determination.