44 appearances for the Ghana national team defined the international career of Samuel Inkoom, a defender who performed professionally in nine different countries. Born in Sekondi-Takoradi on 1 June 1989, his trajectory took him from the domestic Ghanaian league to clubs across Europe and the United States, marked by significant tournament victories and multiple international transitions.
Early Career and Domestic Success
Inkoom began his professional footballing journey with Sekondi Hasaacas before transferring to Asante Kotoko SC. His time in the Ghana Premier League included winning the 2007–08 title, alongside the President's Cup and SWAG Cup in 2008. These early performances established his reputation as a versatile defender, eventually leading to his move into European competition.
Swiss Super League Tenure
In April 2009, Inkoom signed a three-year contract with FC Basel. During his 18-month tenure, he participated in 74 games, including 19 appearances in UEFA Champions League and Europa League fixtures. He contributed to a historic 2009–10 season, securing both the Swiss Super League championship and the Swiss Cup after a 6–0 final victory against Lausanne-Sport. He recorded two goals for the club, one against Zürich and another against Roma.
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Following his Basel stint, Inkoom moved to the Ukrainian Premier League with FC Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk. His career subsequently spanned various international leagues, including French Ligue 1 with Bastia, the Greek Super League with Platanias, and Major League Soccer with D.C. United. He later played for Boavista in Portugal, Antalyaspor in Turkey, and FC Vereya in Bulgaria. In 2022, he achieved success with Accra Hearts of Oak, winning the Ghanaian FA Cup.
International Milestones
Inkoom represented Ghana across several age levels, starting with the Black Starlets and later the Black Satellites. He played a key role in the 2009 African Youth Championship win in Rwanda and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup, where Ghana defeated Brazil on penalties. His senior international career with the Black Stars began on 20 November 2008 against Tunisia. He appeared in the 2010 and 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals, earning silver medals on both occasions.
Legal and Administrative Issues
During his time in the United States, Inkoom faced a civil lawsuit from a property landlord regarding unpaid rent and alleged damages to a rental unit. In June 2017, the Bulgarian Football Union issued a one-year ban against the player, citing a legal notice from FIFA regarding property damages amounting to 65,316 USD incurred during his period with D.C. United.
Fast facts
- Born: 1 June 1989, Sekondi-Takoradi
- Senior national team debut: 20 November 2008
- Professional career spanned 9 countries
- 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup winner
- 2010 Swiss Super League champion
- 2022 Ghanaian FA Cup winner
- International ban imposed: June 2017
Questions readers ask
How many senior international caps did Samuel Inkoom earn?
Between 2008 and 2014, he made 44 appearances for the Ghana national team.
Why was Samuel Inkoom banned from professional football in 2017?
The Bulgarian Football Union banned him for one year following a FIFA notice concerning unpaid rent and property damages totaling 65,316 USD from his time in the United States.
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