Table of Contents
- Celebrity athletes across the world have in the past hit headlines due to their rocky marriages
- Some of these divorces shocked the world to the core
- The truth is that separation by a celebrity couple hits a raw nerve
SportsLeo takes a look at top West African footballers who got divorced. Celebrity athletes across the world have in the past hit headlines due to their rocky marriages. It is a common phenomenon and that is why we will be discussing that topic today.
Some of these divorces shocked the world to the core not just for their settlement offers but reasons of their separation. The truth is that separation by a celebrity couple hits a raw nerve among people more than that of ordinary people. On the surface of it though is that; celebrity or no celebrity, we are all human.
West African Footballers Who Got Divorced
Below are five famous footballers from West Africa who have felt the pain of divorce.
1. Emmanuel Eboue
Emmanuel Eboue. Photo/Sky SPorts
Ivorian footballer Emmanuel Eboue‘s divorce from his wife Aurelie Witvrouw became public in 2020. It made headlines due to its acrimonious nature and Eboue’s illustrious career. Eboue and Witvrouw married in 2004 and had three children together. In 2013, his financial troubles began due to bad investments and mismanagement, reportedly leaving him bankrupt. Accusations of infidelity and financial mismanagement by Witvrouw surfaced, creating tension in the marriage.
By 2017, the couple separated, and the divorce proceedings became contentious. Eboue claimed Witvrouw emptied his bank accounts and prevented him from seeing his children. Public accusations and lawsuits ensued, attracting significant media attention.
The final divorce settlement details remain undisclosed. However, Eboue reportedly lost his luxurious lifestyle and faced mental health challenges due to the financial strain. In 2022, news emerged of him coaching youth football in Ivory Coast.
2. Kevin Prince Boateng
Melissa Satta with Kevin Prince Boateng. Photo/Virgilio Sport
When news broke of Italian model Melissa Satta and Ghanaian footballer Kevin Prince Boateng’s divorce, it sent shockwaves through the football world.
Once considered a picture-perfect power couple, their split served as a reminder that even seemingly ideal relationships can face unforeseen challenges. Beyond modeling, Satta is also a successful TV presenter and actress, adding another layer of accomplishment to her multifaceted career.
Facing personal struggles, the Ghanaian footballer initiated the divorce from Melissa Satta in 2020. This came a year after their separation in 2019. In a candid interview, Boateng addressed rumors of infidelity, clarifying that his decision stemmed from mental health challenges, not another woman.
“I would never abandon my wife for another lady,” he emphasized. However, Melissa has previously stated that the split was ultimately his choice.
3. Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor with his ex-wife Dillish Mathews. Photo/Bella Naija
Retired Manchester City player Emmanuel Adebayor is among West African footballers who got divorced and faced harsh media scrutiny for it. Adebayor publicly accused his Namibian ex-wife Dillish Mathews of infidelity and manipulation. She denied these claims and stated that she simply got tired of being humiliated online which is why she chose to get divorced. Mathews hinted at financial struggles after the breakup but details of their settlement remain unknown.
The retired Togolese footballer moved on with his life. He introduced Marechal Sea as his girlfriend in 2020.
4. Michael Essien
Former Ghanaian football player Michael Essien knows the weight of controversy while focusing on West African footballers who got divorced. His wife Akosua Puni packed and left their London home in April 2023 over claims that Essien was cheating with Princess Shyngle.
Puni reportedly got tired of Essien and his cheating escapades with Shyngle, a Gambian actress based in Ghana. This is despite the actress saying that although she had something with the retired Chelsea footballer, he was only one of her seven ex-lovers. Essien married Puni in 2017 but infidelity has always rocked their marriage.
Michael Essien. Photo/ DLFM 106.9.
5. Asamoah Gyan
Asamoah Gyan’s highly publicized divorce from Gifty Gyan, was finalized in November 2023. Gyan filed for divorce based on claims that Gifty was already married during their wedding in 2013 but she did not disclose it. He also initially questioned the paternity of their three children and had DNA tests conducted.
Gifty denied the pre-existing marriage claim and countered with accusations of infidelity and financial mismanagement by Gyan. The public discourse surrounding the divorce became heated, fueled by media reports and conflicting statements. After a lengthy legal battle, the court declared the marriage null and void, acknowledging the pre-existing marriage claim.
Notably, Gyan’s paternity concerns were dismissed by the DNA tests. While Gifty’s request for half of his assets and $1 million alimony was denied, the court awarded her two residences, two vehicles, and a gas station.
