Former Germany international Gerald Asamoah has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, one of Germany’s highest civilian awards.
Asamoah was honoured in recognition of his humanitarian work and contribution to strengthening relations between Germany and Ghana.
The award was presented by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during a ceremony at the German Ambassador’s residence in Accra on Monday night (November 3, 2025), as part of his three-day state visit to Ghana.
Asamoah, who was born in Ghana but moved to Germany at age 12, enjoyed a decorated playing career with Schalke 04 and the German national team, becoming one of the first Black players to represent Die Mannschaft. But the German President made clear the award recognised much more than his football achievements.
“Gerald Asamoah is being honoured not for his goals or his time with Schalke 04 and Germany,” President Steinmeier said. “He is recognised for his years of dedication to children with heart conditions and for his tireless work building bridges between Germany and Ghana.”
In 2007, Asamoah founded the Gerald Asamoah Foundation for Children with Heart Diseases, which has since helped bring German medical specialists to Ghana to perform life-saving heart surgeries for children.
Asamoah was one of four recipients of the Federal Cross of Merit, alongside Professor Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng, Dr Ralph Nyadu-Addo, and Martin Wilde, all recognised for their roles in promoting social causes and strengthening German-Ghanaian relations.
President Steinmeier praised all the honourees for “embodying the spirit of partnership, compassion, and humanity that unites our two nations.”
The ceremony was attended by former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor, German Ambassador Frederik Landshoft, and family members of the awardees.
By: Pascal Amoah
