The body of former Ghana and Newcastle football player Christian Atsu, an evangelical believer, has been found under the rubble left by the recent earthquakes in Turkey.
He died, aged just 31, when he was playing for local club Hatayspor. His extensive charity work touched countless lives, transforming many for the better from West Africa to Western Europe and the Middle East.
In an interview with The Guardian in 2019 he said: ‘My Christian faith is the most important thing in my life. I know I’m one of the lucky people God has blessed. I’m very lucky and privileged to be in the position. I had nothing and now I’ve got so much I have to give something back.’
Being named player of the tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea made him a household name from Cairo to Cape Town. He channelled that fame into serving as an ambassador for the global charity Arms Around the Child, which provides homes, protection, education and support for children who have been orphaned, abused, affected by HIV/Aids, trafficked, sold or live in child-headed households. ‘I donate often, so they can buy food and stuff,’ said Atsu. ‘We’re building a school in Ghana. About 300 children will attend, I want everyone to have the chance of an education.’
