<<Print>>

Six Ghanaian internationals have made the prestigious World Soccer Magazine's list of the 500 most important players on the planet.

The compilation, which is a list of the world’s most talked-about players – the most newsworthy players who, by definition, are the most important, recognised six Black Stars players as being very influential on the globe.

Expectedly, Ghana and Al Ain skipper Asamoah Gyan was ranked alongside World's greats such as Zlatan Ibrahmovic, Ricardo Kaka, Dimitar Berbatov etc as amongst the most talked-bout players on planet earth.

Gyan's heir apparent, Olympic Marseille's Andre Ayew also made the prestigious list whiles Everton's on-loan Chelsea winger Christian Atsu, who was named as the African Cup of Nations MVP in February this year, also made the coveted rank.

In-form Ausburg left-back, Baba Abdul Rahman, who is being tracked by most top European clubs for his consistent sterling form for the Bundesliga side, also found a place in the compilation. Shockingly, Juventus wing-back Kwadwo Asamoah failed to make the list

In total, 72 countries were represented in the World Soccer 500, with Brazil, having 54 players on our list the country with the most players.

On the African continent, Ghana and neighbouring Ivory Coast had the highest representation with six each, followed by Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria and Senegal.

Here is the list of the six Ghanaian players who made it into the World Football Magazine's Prestigious Top 500 Most Important Footballer on the Planet with their testimonials as scribed by the Magazine, in no particular order.

Christian Atsu – Everton/Ghana/10/01/1992

Winger who is on loan at Goodison Park from Chelsea. Was in outstanding form as Ghana reached the African Nations Cup Final in February.

Andre AYEW – Marseille/Ghana/17/12/1989

Leading striker for club and country who led Ghana to the 2015 African Nations Cup Final. The son of legendary Ghana forward Abedi Pele.

Abdul Rahman BABA – Augsburg/Ghana/02/07/1994

Whether bursting forward on the overlap, putting in good quality crosses, biting into the tackle, or providing cover and maintaining tactical discipline, the 20-year-old from the northern Ghanaian city of Tamale does a fine job in all areas.

John BOYE – Erciyesspor/Ghana/23/04/1987

Versatile defender or defensive midfielder and key figure for Ghana after impressive displays at the 2015 African Nations Cup.

Asamoah GYAN – Al Ain/Ghana/22/11/1985

Plays his club football in the Gulf but remains very important as his country’s all-time top scorer. Injury limited his effectiveness at the 2015 Nations Cup.

Bernard MENSAH – Guimaraes/Ghana/17/10/1994

Ghanaian goalscoring midfielder with a big future. An important figure in the rise of Vitoria in Portugal this season.