Leaving Accra in 1996 to pursue a professional career, Richard Kingson established himself as a goalkeeper across multiple leagues in Europe and Turkey. Known alternatively as Faruk Gürsoy due to his naturalised Turkish citizenship, the Ghanaian athlete navigated varied club tenures, international duties, and significant administrative hurdles regarding his identity documentation throughout his long career.
European Club Tenure
Kingson spent his formative professional years in Turkey, representing six clubs, including Galatasaray S.K. His transition to English football began with a loan to Hammarby IF, followed by a move to Birmingham City in 2007. His time there was marked by limited appearances and public criticism from co-owner David Sullivan, leading to a mutual contract termination in 2008. He subsequently joined Wigan Athletic, where he served as a backup goalkeeper, and later Blackpool, before his release in 2011. Later career stages included spells with Doxa Katokopias in Cyprus, Balıkesirspor in Turkey, and a short-term contract with Great Olympics in 2015.
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As a key member of the Ghana national football team, Kingson served as vice-captain and primary goalkeeper. His international profile included participation in the 2006 and 2010 World Cup tournaments, as well as the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, where he was selected for the tournament's all-star team. Beyond his defensive duties, he notably scored a late equaliser in a 2008 friendly match against Tanzania. His international record was complicated by naming irregularities, as he was often registered as Kingston, a surname shared by his brother and teammate, Laryea Kingston.
Coaching and Personal Life
Following his retirement from active play, Kingson transitioned into coaching roles within the Ghanaian national structure. He was appointed goalkeeper coach for the national team in May 2017, serving until a full technical staff dismissal in 2019. He was later reassigned to coach the Ghana A' national team. Privately, Kingson is married to Adelaide Tawiah. His background includes a period of suspension in Turkey during the 2004–05 season following a failed doping test.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 June 1978, Accra
- Citizenship: Ghana, Turkey
- Turkish Name: Faruk Gürsoy
- Professional debut: 1996
- Spouse: Adelaide Tawiah
- Brother: Laryea Kingston
- Languages: Turkish, English
Questions readers ask
Why is his name sometimes spelled Kingston?
The variation originated from irregularities in his identity documents, which led to the use of Kingston in UEFA registrations.
What is his current occupation?
He serves as a goalkeeper coach for the Ghana A' national football team.
