Accra Hearts of Oak, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, and Accra Great Olympics stand as the three most iconic football clubs in Ghana, each with a rich legacy and a substantial following in the nation’s football narrative.
Playing for even one of these teams is considered a pinnacle achievement in a player's career. And having the opportunity to wear the jerseys of more than one of these clubs is a rare distinction, highlighting a player's exceptional talent and adaptability.
In the annals of Ghanaian football, only a handful have had the remarkable honour of playing for all three prestigious clubs.
To date, only eight players have accomplished this impressive feat: Winsor Kofi Abbrey, Sampson Lamptey, Thomas Hammond, Charles Taylor, Joe Louis, Razak Musa, Michael Asante, and Haderu Ollenu Ashitey.
These players not only demonstrated exceptional skills on the field but also navigated the fierce rivalries and competition inherent in Ghanaian football to reach such an illustrious milestone.
The list nearly extended to include three more notable players: Kwabena Dodzie, Dan Quaye, and Benard Don Bortey. These talented individuals were on the brink of joining the exclusive club of those who have played for all three teams.
In 2003, Kwabena Dodzie was close to finalising a high-profile transfer to Hearts of Oak, which would have cemented his place in this distinguished group. However, unforeseen complications during the negotiation process halted this anticipated move, leaving Dodzie just shy of making history.
Similarly, Dan Quaye and Benard Don Bortey were both on the verge of iconic transfers to Kotoko, which would have secured their place among this elite circle. Unfortunately, unexpected last-minute developments disrupted these transfers, preventing them from reaching this rare milestone.
These events underscore the unpredictability and complexities of football transfers, where negotiations can shift dramatically at the last moment.
Despite these near-misses, Dodzie, Dan Quaye, and Don Bortey remain celebrated figures in their own right, acknowledged for their significant contributions to the sport.
Ultimately, the players who have donned the jerseys of Hearts, Kotoko, and Olympics have etched their names in Ghana's football history, symbolising not only personal triumphs but also the rich and dynamic landscape of the sport in the country.
Below is a look at all eight players who wore all three famous football kits:
1️⃣ WINSOR KOFI ABBREY: The 1982 AFCON winner enjoyed an impressive career across several major local clubs. He found significant success with Ghana's three giants, especially with Hearts of Oak, where he won two league titles during his three-year stay.
After the "Nyaho Tamakloe Revolution" affected 26 regular players, he transferred to Kotoko.
In 1993, he joined Olympics after successful stints in Cameroon and Morocco between 1989 and 1992.
2️⃣ SAMPSON LAMPTEY: Nicknamed ‘Gaddafi’ Lamptey stands out as the only player on this list honoured by CAF, having been named the best defender at the 1982 AFCON in Libya.
Over nearly a decade, he showcased his talents with both Hearts and Kotoko, winning two league titles and an FA Cup with Hearts, and an FA Cup with Kotoko. In 1995, as he approached the end of his career, he joined Olympics.
3️⃣ RAZAK MUSA: Although Razak only played six matches for Hearts and twelve for Kotoko in all competition, he still qualifies for this list. He found more playing time and success at Great Olympics compared to his time at Hearts and Kotoko.
4️⃣ MICHAEL ASANTE: Asante was a dedicated and talented midfielder who began his football career with two local teams before moving to Great Olympics.
His impressive play caught the attention of Abdul Karim Razak, the head coach of Kotoko at the time. Michael Asante was named Best Player of the 2003 Top 4 Tournament, where his team (Kotoko) emerged as champions.
He won the Ghana Premier League twice and played a crucial role in the team's journey to the 2005 CAF Confederation Cup Final.
In 2008, he joined Hearts, but his impact was limited due to age and injuries, which reduced his appearances with the Phobians.
5️⃣ JOE LOUIS: An unsung legend of his generation, had an eventful two seasons with Great Olympics, winning the Ga Mantse Cup. After some boardroom wranglings within the Olympics hierarchy, he moved to Kotoko. There, he found a long-term home and achieved a domestic double before joining Hearts ahead of the 2024/25 season.
6️⃣ CHARLES TAYLOR: Starting his professional career at Great Olympics in 1995, Taylor's career was marked by controversial transfers from Olympics to Hearts and then to Kotoko.
He achieved notable success by winning the 2004 CAF Champions League and the Super Cup with Hearts.
7️⃣ HADERU OLLENU ASHITEY: Ollenu made his debut for Hearts in 2011 after progressing through the club’s nursery side, Auroras.
He won the President’s Cup twice, in 2013 and 2015, with Hearts before moving to Kotoko in 2017. Unfortunately, he struggled to secure a regular starting position, making just eight appearances, and left after one season. He later joined Olympics in 2019.
8️⃣ THOMAS HAMMOND: Often regarded as one of the best center-backs of his generation, Thomas Hammond aka "Baba Gambo," had a distinctive playing style that set him apart.
His aerial ability earned him the nickname "First in the Air." His jelly curls and signature white scarf around his neck made him one of the most recognisable footballers of his time.
Hearts of Oak signed him from city rivals Great Olympics in 1984, after he helped Olympics win the league title in 1983. With Hearts, he achieved a league and FA Cup double in his first season.
Hammond moved to Kotoko in 1987 following the "Nyaho Tamakloe Revolution," which saw 26 regular players listed for transfer.
