In a glittering ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the Sports Writers Association of Ghana (SWAG) Awards on November 15, 2025, Accra Hearts of Oak and Ghana Black Stars goalkeeper Benjamin Asare emerged as a standout winner, securing the prestigious Home-Based Footballer of the Year award.
He beat competition from Stephen Amankona (Berekum Chelsea): A prolific forward known for his goal-scoring prowess in the Ghana Premier League and Razak Simpson (Nations FC): A versatile midfielder whose consistent displays earned him earlier accolades, including Home-Based Footballer of the Year at the 7th Ghana Football Awards in June 2025.
The event, held in Accra, celebrated a golden jubilee of excellence in Ghanaian sports, honoring athletes, coaches, and administrators for their contributions throughout 2025.
Asare’s victory highlights his meteoric rise in domestic and international football, solidifying his status as one of Ghana’s most promising talents.
Benjamin Asare’s 2025 campaign has been nothing short of transformative. Joining Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League earlier in his career, the young shot-stopper quickly established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.
His shot-stopping ability, command of the penalty area, and distribution skills were instrumental in Hearts of Oak’s solid defensive record, helping the Phobians navigate a challenging season.
On the international stage, Asare’s call-up to the Black Stars in March 2025 marked a pivotal moment. Under head coach Otto Addo, he debuted in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, delivering back-to-back clean sheets in a 5-0 rout of Chad and a 3-0 win over Madagascar.
Addo publicly declared Asare as Ghana’s “number one goalkeeper,” praising his composure and potential to anchor the national team for years to come. These performances not only boosted Ghana’s qualification hopes but also elevated Asare’s profile globally.
The SWAG Awards, Ghana’s longest-running sports recognition program since 1976, recognize outstanding performances across various disciplines.