African legends El Hadji Diouf, Asamoah Gyan, Ahmed Hassan, and Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha have emerged as the inaugural signatories for the prestigious CAF Ambassadors Program.
These four luminaries, renowned not only for their on-field prowess but also for their social impact and commercial clout, will take on a pivotal role as ambassadors. The newly-established CAF Ambassadors Program aims to assemble a roster of football legends, community role models, and other influential personalities, positioning them as the face of CAF and African football on a global stage.
More than just symbolic figureheads, Diouf, Gyan, Hassan, and Okocha are set to play a multifaceted role within the program. Their responsibilities range from championing CAF and African football to actively participating in diverse activities such as tournaments, charity initiatives, and various commercial and social events. This holistic approach reflects CAF's commitment to leveraging the collective impact of these legends for the greater good of African football and beyond.
The criteria for selecting these four illustrious ambassadors were comprehensive, encompassing not only their sporting and career achievements but also their profound social influence and commercial appeal. By curating a group of ambassadors who embody excellence both on and off the field, CAF is signaling a strategic move to harness the potential of football legends as catalysts for positive change.
Diouf, a two-time CAF Player of the Year is fondly remembered for his exploits with the Teranga Lions of Senegal’s golden generation of the 2000’s which reached the final of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations and also the quarters of the FIFA World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
On the other hand, Gyan had a remarkable career rising to captain of Ghana’s Black Stars, and featuring in seven Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the final in 2010 and 2015. His six goals from three FIFA World Cups makes him the African with the most goals in the history of the Mundial.
On his part, Hassan remains one of the most decorated players in the history of African football, winning four Africa Cup of Nations titles with the Pharaohs of Egypt – 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010. He also famous for his over 170 caps with Egypt, which ranks him amongst the most capped players of all time.
Nigeria’s iconic midfielder Okocha was a delight to watch during his hey days. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with the Super Eagles in 1994 and also Olympic gold two years later in Atlanta, USA.
The Ambassadors Program is expected to open CAF and its activities to new frontiers with the inclusion of personalities from other fields, and also commercial benefits and social impact across the continent.
Through the continuous connection with legends and celebrities, the program will open up new revenue streams for CAF and also enhance engagement with fans and other stakeholders globally.
Meanwhile, CAF will announce more names that will form part of the Ambassadors Programme in due course.