San Diego FC selected Ghanaian midfielder Manu Duah as the first overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, making him the first Ghanaian in history of the game to achieve this prestigious honour. He is expected to make an immediate impact on the team in the upcoming campaign.
“He’s a highly talented young player with exceptional character and values,” San Diego manager Mikey Varas said.
Here are five key facts about Duah:
A Ghanaian Through and Through
Duah was born in Accra, the capital of Ghana, and raised in Kumasi, the regional capital of the Ashanti Region. He began his football journey at New Life Football Academy, a Division 2 club in Accra renowned for producing world-class talent, many of whom now thrive in European leagues.
Prefers Operating from Deep in Midfield
Manu Duah is most comfortable as a defensive midfielder, excelling at breaking up play and starting attacks from deep. Standing at six feet four inches tall, his towering build allows him to make interceptions with ease. He is also known for his composure on the ball and ability to make smart decisions under pressure.
A Big Fan of Sergio Busquets
The 19-year-old is an avid admirer of former Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets. Busquets was part of Barcelona and Spain’s golden generation, winning multiple Champions League titles, a World Cup, and two European Championships. “He’s my favorite player. I like his style of play,” Manu revealed to San Diego FC right after the draft.
Sharpened His Skills in California
He moved to the US at a young age and completed high school at Dunn School in California, where he further honed his football skills. He then attended UC Santa Barbara, where he became a key player. In his freshman season, the midfielder started all 14 matches he played for the Gauchos. He also represented Santa Barbara Soccer Club in MLS NEXT, Major League Soccer’s development program.
Multi-Talented in Sports and Education
At a young age, Duah played volleyball and ultimate frisbee in addition to football. At UC Santa Barbara, he majored in Film and Media Studies, showcasing his versatility beyond the pitch.
