Jonathan Mensah began his professional football career in 2007 with the Ashanti Gold academy, quickly establishing himself as a defensive prospect in the Ghana Premier League at age seventeen. A versatile player who later competed across Europe, Russia, and the Major League Soccer circuit, he built a career defined by consistent international service for the Ghana national team.
Early Career and South Africa
After a single season at Ashanti Gold, where he scored twice in 29 matches, Mensah moved to the South African club Free State Stars in September 2008. He became a regular starter, scoring his first goal for the team against AmaZulu in January 2009. Despite interest from European clubs like Panathinaikos, he remained in South Africa until the 2010 transfer window, totaling 40 appearances for the club.
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Mensah signed a three-year contract with Udinese in January 2010 but never made a competitive appearance for the Italian side. Instead, he spent eighteen months on loan at Granada. During this period, he helped the Spanish club gain promotion to La Liga. In 2011, he signed a four-year deal with the French Ligue 1 side Evian, where his tenure was intermittently hampered by injuries.
International Milestones
The defender was a significant presence for the Ghana national team, starting with victories at the 2009 African Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup. He represented his country at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and participated in five consecutive Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. On 5 September 2017, he served as captain for a World Cup qualifier against Congo.
MLS and Later Years
Following his exit from the Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala in 2016, Mensah joined the Columbus Crew in 2017. His time with the organization included winning the MLS Cup in 2020, a year in which he was also named to the MLS Best XI. His subsequent career included stints with the San Jose Earthquakes and the New England Revolution.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 July 1990, Accra, Ghana
- Professional debut: 2007-08 season
- Former clubs: Ashanti Gold, Free State Stars, Granada, Evian, Anzhi Makhachkala
- MLS Cup win: 2020
- International debut: 2010
- Represented Ghana at two World Cups
Questions readers ask
Why is he known as Jonathan?
He uses the name on his shirt to distinguish himself from the unrelated Ghanaian footballer John Mensah.
Did he play for Udinese?
No, despite signing a contract with the club in 2010, he spent his entire tenure there on loan at Granada.
