Records are meant to be broken – Ex-Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan on World Cup goalscoring record

Former Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has called on Africa’s next generation of footballers to aim higher and surpass his World Cup goal-scoring record.

The 40-year-old remains the continent’s leading scorer at the tournament, netting six goals in 11 matches across three editions (2006, 2010, and 2014).

He is perhaps best remembered for Ghana’s first-ever World Cup goal, scored just 68 seconds into their 2006 clash with the Czech Republic.

Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s World Cup kit by PUMA in New York, Gyan encouraged upcoming players to chase records with ambition.

“For me, records are set to be broken. So, personally, I count myself lucky to be at that level, to score six goals in World Cup history,” he said.

“The only African to score six goals in World Cup history.”And yes, the record is there to be broken. So I wish this new generation well, to perform so well. One might come up and break the record,” Gyan added.

Currently, Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa is the closest active player with four goals, though the Super Eagles will not feature in the 2026 World Cup.

Among those heading to the tournament, Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri has three goals, while Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Ghana’s Mohamed Kudus have scored two each.