Asamoah Gyan Opens Up About 2010 World Cup Penalty Miss and Teammates Betrayal

Former Black Stars captain Asamoah Gyan has shared new insights into the aftermath of his infamous penalty miss against Uruguay during the 2010 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals.

Speaking candidly during an Instagram Live session, the retired striker revealed how he felt abandoned by his teammates during one of the lowest points in his career.

The moment, which could have secured Ghana a historic semifinal spot, instead turned into heartbreak when Gyan’s last-minute penalty hit the crossbar. Though he redeemed himself by converting a penalty during the subsequent shootout, Ghana’s loss to Uruguay left a bitter taste, exacerbated by public criticism and personal anguish.

According to Gyan, the fallout extended to his relationships within the team.

“As the designated penalty taker, I accepted full responsibility,” he said, firmly rejecting any insinuations that the miss was deliberate. However, what hurt him most was the lack of support from his teammates during the storm of backlash.

“I expected them to defend me, to stand by me, but I felt alone,” Gyan said, reflecting on the emotional toll of the incident. Despite the criticism, the striker went on to solidify his legacy, becoming Africa’s highest World Cup scorer with six goals and Ghana’s all-time leading scorer with 51 goals.