West Ham United went all out to celebrate their star player, Mohammed Kudus, as he marked his 24th birthday on Friday, August 2, 2024.
The English club took to their social media platforms to extend warm wishes to the Ghanaian midfielder, and they did so in a way that resonated deeply with his roots.
In a heartwarming post on TikTok, the Hammers shared a video compilation of Kudus’ best goals and memorable moments on the field.
But what truly stood out was the soundtrack—Ghanaian artist King Paluta’s hit single “Makoma,” which added a special touch of home to the celebration.
To make the occasion even more special, West Ham wished Kudus a happy birthday in Twi, a widely spoken language in Ghana. Their message, “Mema wo awoda pa, Mo,” translates to “Happy birthday, Mo.” This thoughtful gesture highlighted the club’s appreciation for their player’s cultural background.
Kudus, who joined West Ham from Ajax, has quickly become a fan favorite not just for his skills on the pitch, but also for his efforts to share Ghanaian culture with his teammates and fans in the UK. Recently, Kudus introduced the team to one of Ghana’s most beloved dishes—Jollof rice.
During a media session, the talented midfielder showcased Ghanaian Jollof, a flavorful dish made from rice, stew, and various spices, paired with plantain, salad, chicken, and lamb kebab. In the video, Kudus explained the ingredients and expressed his love for the dish, particularly the fried plantain. “This is Ghanaian Jollof, one of my favourite dishes. It’s very popular and nice, you can try it out. The plantain is my favourite one. It’s like banana and it’s fried,” he shared.
Kudus’ enthusiasm for Ghanaian cuisine has sparked curiosity among his teammates and fans, further endearing him to the West Ham community.
Jollof rice is a cherished dish across West Africa, enjoyed in countries like Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and, of course, Ghana. Kudus’ promotion of this iconic dish adds to the cultural exchange that football often facilitates, bringing people from different backgrounds together.
As Kudus continues to shine for West Ham United, both on and off the field, the club’s celebration of his birthday in such a culturally rich manner is a testament to their appreciation of his identity and contribution to the team.
