A header from a corner kick against Villarreal on 5 November 2025 marked the first UEFA Champions League victory for Cypriot club Pafos, secured by the decisive touch of Derrick Luckassen. This milestone highlights a career trajectory spanning professional leagues across Europe, transitioning from Dutch youth academies to international duty for the Ghana national football team.
Early Career and Dutch Development
Born in Amsterdam on 3 July 1995, Luckassen began his professional progression through the AZ youth academy. He captained the club's youth team during the 2013–14 season before securing a professional contract on 29 August 2014. His senior debut occurred against Dordrecht, followed by his first full match appearance against Twente. In 2017, he signed a five-year agreement with PSV Eindhoven, eventually contributing to their 2017–18 Eredivisie title victory.
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Beginning in 2018, Luckassen engaged in several temporary transfers. He joined Hertha BSC for a single season in the Bundesliga, followed by a multi-year loan arrangement with the Belgian side Anderlecht starting in 2019. In early 2021, he moved to the Turkish Süper Lig to represent Kasımpaşa, subsequently joining Fatih Karagümrük on loan later that same year.
Success in Israel and Cyprus
In the summer of 2022, Luckassen transferred to Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he remained through the 2023–24 campaign. His tenure included winning both the Israeli Premier League title and the Toto Cup. Following this, he joined Pafos in the Cypriot First Division. With Pafos, he achieved a domestic league title in 2024–25 and a Cypriot Cup win in the 2025–26 season.
International Representation
Although he represented the Netherlands at youth levels, Luckassen pledged his senior international future to Ghana. He received his first senior call-up in March 2026 for matches against Austria and Germany. On 2 June 2026, he joined the Ghana squad for the FIFA World Cup as an injury replacement for Alexander Djiku. During his tournament debut on 27 June, he scored his first international goal in a match against Croatia.
Fast facts
- Born: 3 July 1995, Amsterdam
- Current Club: Red Star Belgrade
- International Team: Ghana
- Brothers: Kevin Brobbey, Brian Brobbey
- Position: Centre-back
- International Goal Debut: 27 June 2026, Croatia match
Questions readers ask
Which international team does Derrick Luckassen represent?
He represents the Ghana national football team, having debuted in 2026.
Which major trophy did he win with Pafos?
He won the Cypriot First Division league title in 2024–25 and the Cypriot Cup in 2025–26.
