Caleb Ekuban

Caleb Ekuban was born on March 23, 1994, in Villafranca di Verona, Italy, to Ghanaian parents, Rev. Kobina and Sabina Ekuban. Growing up as one of seven children, Ekuban's father, a district elder of the Pentecostal Assembly of Churches in Italy and an accountant and business entrepreneur, instilled a strong sense of discipline and determination in him.

At the age of 10, Ekuban joined the Mantova youth team after his father was transferred there for ministerial duties. Ekuban's talent on the football field quickly caught the attention of scouts, leading him to be signed up by Chievo after his time at Mantova. Known for his goal-scoring prowess, Ekuban was often compared to fellow Ghanaian Mario Balotelli. He excelled in Chievo's youth system but never made a professional appearance for the club.

Despite being under contract with Chievo until 2018, Ekuban went on multiple loan spells to gain more playing experience. He played for clubs such as Südtirol, Lumezzane, and Renate, showcasing his skills and scoring goals along the way. In July 2016, Ekuban joined Albanian Superliga side Partizani Tirana on loan for the 2016-17 season, where he made notable appearances in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League.

In July 2017, Ekuban made a move to English club Leeds United, signing a four-year contract. Although his time at Leeds was marred by injuries, he made a significant impact during his stint, including scoring his first league goal for the club. However, he eventually joined Turkish Süper Lig side Trabzonspor on loan in August 2018. His loan move turned permanent in July 2019 when Trabzonspor signed him for three years.

With eligibility to play for both Ghana and Italy, Ekuban expressed his desire to represent Ghana. He met with the Ghana national team head coach in April 2018 and was subsequently called up to represent Ghana in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. On his debut, Ekuban scored his first competitive goal for the Black Stars of Ghana.

Throughout his career, Ekuban has achieved significant milestones. He played a crucial role in Trabzonspor's victory in the Turkish Cup during the 2019-20 season. Additionally, he contributed to their success in winning the Turkish Super Cup in 2020.