Special honor: Ordained German- Ghanaian bron Gerald Asamoah receives the Federal Cross of Merit

Former Germany and Schalke 04 striker Gerald Asamoah has been awarded the Federal Cross of Merit, one of Germany’s highest honors  on Monday (November 3). In Accra, the capital of his native Ghana, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier praised Asamoah’s contribution to German-Ghanaian relations.

Asa, who shaped Schalke not only as a player but also as an administrator after his active career, is currently accompanying President Steinmeier as a special guest on the German president’s official tour of Africa.

With this award, Steinmeier highlighted the 47-year-old’s long-standing commitment as a “bridge builder between Ghana and Germany.” At the heart of this work is the “Gerald Asamoah Foundation for Children with Heart Disease,” which he founded in 2007 and which regularly sends medical specialists from Germany to Ghana. Asa’s commitment also has personal roots: his own heart defect was only diagnosed late in life—a fate he wants to spare other children.

Furthermore, the Federal President pointed to Asamoah’s commitment against discrimination and for social cohesion, including his role as ambassador for the “School without Racism” project.

At the award ceremony in the ambassador’s residence, the Schalke icon was visibly moved. “I still can’t believe I’m receiving such an award. It’s pure joy.” The honor also serves as motivation for him to continue his commitment: “It makes me proud that my work is paying off. When God blesses someone, you have to try to give something back.”

Source: Schalke 04