Hans Adu Sarpei began his professional association football career as a full-back, later transitioning into roles as a television presenter and consultant. Born on 28 June 1976 in Tema, Ghana, he spent much of his career playing in Germany. He holds both Ghanaian and German citizenship, having moved to the country with his parents during his childhood.
Professional Club Trajectory
Sarpei played for several German clubs during his active years. His tenure at VfL Wolfsburg spanned six seasons starting in 2001, where he accumulated over 130 appearances and recorded two goals. In February 2004, he extended his contract with the team until June 2007. Following his departure from Wolfsburg, he transferred to Bayer Leverkusen on 18 May 2007 under a two-year deal. His career path also included time at SC Fortuna Köln from 1998 to 2000, MSV Duisburg during the 2000–2001 season, and later Schalke 04 between 2010 and 2012, where he made nine appearances. He also played for FC Viktoria Köln.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →International Competition
As a consistent member of the Ghana national team, Sarpei participated in major global and continental tournaments. He was selected for the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cup squads. His contributions to the national team extended to the Africa Cup of Nations, where he appeared in the 2006 and 2010 editions. In 2010, Ghana finished as runners-up in the tournament, and in 2008, the team secured third place.
Honours and Media Work
During his time at Schalke 04, Sarpei was part of the squad that secured the DFB-Pokal title in the 2010–11 season. Outside of football, he established a presence in media and entertainment. In 2015, he played the character Balthasar in the film 3 Türken und ein Baby. The following year, he served as a host for the Netflix reality competition series Ultimate Beastmaster. He also maintains a notable social media profile, where his followers have adapted various jokes similar to those associated with Chuck Norris.
Fast facts
- Born: 28 June 1976, Tema, Ghana
- Primary Position: Full-back
- Schalke 04 Honours: DFB-Pokal winner 2010–11
- FIFA World Cup appearances: 2006, 2010
- Film role: Balthasar in 3 Türken und ein Baby
- Citizenship: Ghana and Germany
Questions readers ask
Did Hans Sarpei play for the German national team?
No, he was a regular member of the Ghana national team throughout his international career.
What major trophies did he win?
He won the DFB-Pokal during the 2010–11 season while playing for Schalke 04.
