Stories and facts

Laryea Kingston, a well-known former Ghanaian professional footballer, has transitioned into a coaching role and is making significant strides in the realm of sports development. Born on November 7, 1980, Kingston distinguished himself during his playing days as an attacking midfielder or right winger, showcasing skill and determination on the field.

Hailing from Accra, Kingston's football journey began with local side Great Olympics at just 16 years old. He later ventured to Libya on loan with Al-Ittihad Tripoli in 2000 but swiftly returned to Ghana due to dissatisfaction with his treatment. Joining Hearts of Oak in 2001 marked a pivotal move for Kingston, aligning himself with one of Ghana's esteemed clubs.

Kingston's career took him to various clubs worldwide, including Israel's Maccabi Ahi Nazareth and Hapoel Tel Aviv, before venturing to Russia with Krylia Sovetov Samara and later Lokomotiv Moscow. Notably, he impacted Hearts in the Scottish Premiership and had stints in the Netherlands with Vitesse Arnhem and Israeli Premier League side Hapoel Be'er Sheva.

On the international stage, Kingston represented Ghana with distinction but faced challenges, including a suspension from the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations due to an altercation. Kingston's dedication and contributions to the Black Stars were evident despite setbacks, with memorable performances such as his goal against Nigeria in 2007.

Transitioning from player to coach, Laryea Kingston's journey has come full circle with his recent appointment as the head coach of Ghana's U-17 national team, the Black Starlets. Kingston's coaching career began as an assistant coach with the team in 2022, under Abdul Karim Zito. His elevation to head coach in 2024 underscores the Ghana Football Association's confidence in his leadership abilities.

Off the pitch, Kingston's influence extends to his family, with his son Jacob following in his footsteps as a professional footballer for Accra Great Olympics.

Laryea Kingston's story is not just one of personal achievement but also of commitment to nurturing young talent and shaping the future of Ghanaian football. As he leads the next generation of football stars, Kingston's impact continues to resonate, embodying the spirit of resilience and dedication in sports leadership.

Explore the life of Laryea Kingston below.