Bernard Tekpetey: A Detailed Profile
Early Football Career
Tekpetey’s journey as a footballer began in earnest during his teenage years, where he played in various youth leagues and street football games in Accra. His talent was undeniable, and it wasn’t long before scouts started taking notice. He played for several youth academies in Ghana, where he honed his skills as a versatile forward, capable of playing on the wings or as a central striker.
His big break came when he joined Unistar Soccer Academy, a well-known academy in Ghana that has produced several professional footballers. At Unistar, Tekpetey’s development accelerated. His speed, dribbling ability, and eye for goal quickly set him apart, earning him a reputation as one of the most promising young talents in the country.
Rise to Prominence: Local and International Career
Tekpetey’s performances at Unistar Soccer Academy soon caught the attention of international scouts, and in 2016, he made his first major move abroad, joining Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga. His move to Schalke was a dream come true for Bernard, but the transition to European football was challenging. The intensity, pace, and tactical discipline required in the Bundesliga were significantly different from what he had experienced in Ghana. However, Tekpetey’s perseverance shone through, and he quickly adapted to the demands of playing in one of Europe’s top leagues.
At Schalke, Bernard made a few appearances in the Bundesliga and also featured in the UEFA Europa League. While his time at Schalke was relatively short, it was a crucial learning experience that exposed him to top-level football and gave him the confidence that he could compete on the global stage.
In 2018, Tekpetey was loaned to SC Paderborn, where he enjoyed a successful season, helping the team gain promotion to the Bundesliga. Following this successful loan spell, Tekpetey moved to Fortuna Düsseldorf in 2019 on a loan deal. His time at Fortuna helped further his development, as he continued to gain invaluable experience in the German top flight. However, his move to Fortuna Düsseldorf was short-lived, as in 2020, Tekpetey secured a transfer to Bulgarian giants Ludogorets Razgrad.
At Ludogorets, Tekpetey has become a key figure in the team, playing a pivotal role in helping the club maintain its dominance in Bulgarian football. His consistent performances have not only helped Ludogorets secure multiple league titles but have also caught the attention of many clubs across Europe.
Tekpetey has earned widespread recognition for his outstanding contributions in the Champions League qualification rounds and the Europa League, where his speed, creativity, and technical prowess have made him a standout player. His ability to perform on these big stages has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dangerous winger, making him a sought-after talent in European football.
International Career
On the international front, Bernard Tekpetey made his debut for the Ghanaian national team in 2017. He was part of the Black Stars squad that competed in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon. Although Ghana did not win the tournament, Tekpetey’s inclusion in the squad was a significant personal achievement and a testament to his growing reputation as one of Ghana’s top footballing prospects. While he has yet to establish himself as a regular starter for the national team, his potential and performances at the club level suggest that he will play a major role in Ghana’s future football endeavors.
Tekpetey’s Foundation: Giving Back to the Community
Recognizing the struggles he faced during his childhood and early career, Bernard Tekpetey established the Tekpetey Foundation, aimed at supporting underprivileged youth in Ghana. The foundation focuses on providing access to education, sports development, and mentorship for young boys and girls who aspire to achieve greatness, whether in sports or other fields.
One of the notable initiatives under the Tekpetey Foundation is its adoption of the Royal Seed Orphanage Home in Kasoa. The foundation has taken full responsibility for the care and welfare of all the children in the orphanage, providing food, clothing, education, and emotional support. Tekpetey has also drilled boreholes in several rural communities, improving access to clean water for hundreds of families who previously had no reliable water sources.
In addition, the foundation organized one of the biggest mass blood donation event in Ghana in June 2024 at the University of Ghana campus. This event was held in collaboration with the National Blood Service, the University’s sports department, and other relevant institutions. The blood drive attracted thousands of donors, significantly boosting the country’s blood reserves, which are often in short supply. The event also helped raise awareness about the importance of blood donation, making a lasting impact on health and wellness in Ghana.
Tekpetey’s foundation has also focused on grassroots football programs, organizing youth tournaments, and providing football kits and equipment to children in underserved communities. The foundation offers scholarships to talented young footballers, helping them access better training facilities and educational opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach.
Achievements and Impact
Through his foundation, Bernard Tekpetey has been able to achieve remarkable results. By adopting the Royal Seed Orphanage Home, he has ensured the well-being of over a hundred children, giving them hope for a better future. His borehole drilling initiatives have transformed the lives of many by providing access to clean water, and the mass blood donation event in 2024 set a record for the largest of its kind in Ghana.
Tekpetey’s journey from the streets of Accra to the bright lights of European football is a testament to the power of resilience, hard work, and self-belief. As he continues to shine on the international stage, Bernard Tekpetey remains committed to his mission of giving back and helping the next generation of Ghanaian youth achieve their dreams.