This article on Mohammed Kudus recounts the journey of a Hausa boy from Accra who, from a young age, was recognized for his exceptional intelligence. Raised in Nima by his mother and grandmother, who earned a living selling foodstuffs, this Ghanaian footballer developed a talent for performing remarkable feats with the soccer ball. It tells the story of a spirited midfielder from Ghana who transformed from humble beginnings to achieve success in the pinnacle of English football, the Premier League.
Our biography of Mohammed Kudus goes beyond his playing style. We’ll share the findings from our in-depth research into Kudus’ childhood, examining his upbringing, his parents, Mariama Suleman and Suleman Idris Kudus, his family background, siblings, girlfriend, and other relevant details. This detailed article also sheds light on his hometown of Nima, his Hausa heritage, education, religion, ethnicity, and other significant aspects. To conclude, we discuss Mo’s lifestyle, personal interests, hobbies, net worth, and salary breakdown. Without delay, let’s delve into the heart of this article.
The Inspiring Journey of Mohammed Kudus: Unveiling the Story Behind Ghana’s Rising Football Star
Preamble:
We aim to pique your interest with Mohammed Kudus’ biography, tracing his journey from his hometown in Ghana to Denmark and his well-deserved transfer to AFC Ajax, and fast-forward to later seasons of playing in the Premier League.
To kick things off, let’s take you through a gallery showcasing Kudus’ childhood years and his rise to prominence. From his humble beginnings in Nima town, this young boy has truly made a remarkable journey in life.
Mohammed Kudus Biography – From his Boyhood Days in Nima to the moment he became a National Celebrity.
Yes, Mo’s is like Cole Palmer whose versatility is well-known, excelling in various positions such as central midfield, false nine, wide midfield, and as a wide attacker. In his hometown in Ghana, he is revered by admirers who aspire to emulate him, as confirmed by a member of the Kudus family.
During our exploration of Ghanaian footballers, we identified a significant gap in knowledge. Surprisingly, few soccer enthusiasts have delved into a comprehensive version of Mohammed Kudus’ biography. We’ve crafted this memoir to fulfil your genuine curiosity. So, without delay, let’s get started.
Mohammed Kudus Childhood Story:
For starters in his Biography reading, this Ghanaian footballer bears the nickname ‘Mo’. Mohammed Kudus was born on the 2nd day of August 2000 to his Mother, Mariama Suleman, in the city of Accra, Ghana.
Our research has it that the Ghanaian Speedster is one among three siblings born to his Mum, Mariama.
Now, let’s introduce you to Mohammed Kudus’ Parents (his lovely Mother). Mariama Suleman is a foodstuff seller who never gave her son the riches of the world but that spirit of reverence.
Introducing Mohammed Kudus Mother. You’ll get to know more about Mariama Suleman as you progress with reading this Biography.
Growing-Up:
Kudus spent his boyhood years in his Accra hometown of Nima. As portrayed in our family origin section, this is a large, popular and populated market town in Ghana’s capital.
The Nima neighbourhood (where he was raised) is made up of mostly Muslim people who speak the popular Nigerian Hausa language.
Aside from its popular market, Nima (where Kudus grew up) is notoriously known for its gang violence.
On 18 January 2022, a deadly violent clash occurred between two rival groups at Nima and Mamobi, another town in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Members of the gangs from the two towns were once seen shooting at each other. The police arrested lots of people, including those holding cutlasses and clubs.
Also, a huge bounty of GHS20,000 was placed on the heads of the two most-wanted gang leaders named Kumordzi and Bombom. Watch it here.
Mohammed was raised by his Mother and grandmother in a devoted Muslim family. He spent his childhood days alongside three of his siblings in Nima’s Islamic community.
Kudus owes everything he has achieved in his life to these persons pictured below. The look-alikes are simply his Mum and Grandmother, people who sacrificed everything they had for his success.
Can you tell the difference between Mariama Suleman and Mo’s Grandmother?
Mohammed Kudus Early Life:
Rather than allowing him to stay in the shop where she sold foodstuff, Mariama Suleman always gave her son the freedom to have fun with sports.
For young Kudus and his friends, the best of excitement often comes when they play soccer in their local neighbourhood.
Anytime Mohammed Kudus’ Mum heard good things people said about her son’s soccer wizardry, she encouraged him to do more and make her proud.
From the onset, Mo was the kind of player who could do extraordinary things with the soccer ball.
Kudus was a boy far smarter than his age. In fact, everyone knew the football Wiz Kid was destined to reach Europe.
Mohammed Kudus Family Background:
This is Mariama Suleman, a foodstuff seller who used proceeds from her sales to raise her son, who is one of Ghana’s most exciting footballers.
The photo above shows the humble beginnings of the Ghanaian Midfielder as reflected in his Mum’s work. Nima market gave Mohammed Kudus Mum the means to sell her foodstuffs, whose profits were used to feed his entire family.
As you have noticed, Mariama Suleman operated an open-space store without a roof. She is a hardworking woman who fought to ensure her entire household lived above the poverty line. Thanks to that, her entire family (including Mo) never went to bed hungry.
Nima market, where Mohammed Kudus Mum sold her foodstuff, is a major commercial market in Nima in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
From the aerial footage of her shop, you’ll notice that Mariama displayed all kinds of local food items. Kudus Mum sold local delicacies like Tuo Zaafi, Dawa, Zobo leaves, Dankali, Garri, Rice, Beans, grounded pepper, etc.
Mariama is a Virtuous Woman who sold many local food items at Accra’s Nima market.
It is on record that Mariama Suleman built a reputation more from selling Tuo Zaafi. This is a popular local Ghanaian dish with Hausa language origins. Also known as Diehuo, the food is dominated by the use of grains, herbs, and assorted meat.
Family Origin:
Mohammed Kudus, born in the year 2000, is solely of Ghanaian nationality. As you probably know, he hails from Nima.
As locals often describe it, Nima is a residential area known as a Zongo community in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The town is renowned for its bustling Nima market, where Mohammed Kudus’ mother used to sell her foodstuffs.
This map and photo aim to give you a view of Nima. Kudus has his origins here. This Zongo residential town made him.
Ethnicity:
Mohammed Kudus identifies with the Hausa ethnic group of Ghana’s Greater Accra Region. In other words, Mohammed Kudus is an ethnic Hausa.
It is estimated that about 290,000 Ghanaians speak Hausa, which is the most powerful ethnic group in West Africa. Hausa is the second most spoken local language in Sub-Saharan Africa – mostly by Nigerians.
Education:
When he reached the required age, Mohammed Kudus’ Mum, Mariama Suleman, enrolled him at a public school in his hometown of Nima.
Mohammed Kudus has lots of football to play during and after his primary school days. His mum, including his grandmother, gave him the freedom to participate in sports while ensuring he never lacked or went hungry.
Mohammed Kudus Biography – Football Story:
Having committed his life to the sport (thanks to his Mum’s advice), the youngster learned the idea of juggling multiple priorities.
Kudus endured some long and arduous roads, which saw him going to school and, at the same time, attending football matches (home/away).
Before Kudus became the golden boy of Ghana and the big boy in Amsterdam, he was a humble lad with Strongtower FC.
This was the first football academy Mo enrolled for. In a quest to push further for European opportunity, Kudus joined Dynamic Heroes football academy in Nima, Accra, Ghana.
Like every young African soccer lover, Kudus’s biggest dream was to play in Europe. He, like Abdul Fatawu, aspires to follow Ghana’s heroes, such as Michael Essien, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Jordan Ayew, etc.
Because of that, he (like other kids) strived to join local clubs that’ll serve as a springboard to smaller leagues in Europe.
The Whiteman whose investment in Kudus:
Right to Dream is a soccer academy founded in 1999 by Tom Vernon, who was Manchester United’s head scout in Africa.
Since 1999, when he formed the academy, the philanthropist has literally brought young African people into his home to lift them out of poverty and the struggles of life.
Tom Vernon is the Godsent man behind the evolution of Mohammed Kudus and other young Ghanaian footballers.
Since the age of nineteen, Tom has developed a passion for helping African kids. He is a good man, someone who often provides them with food, shelter and education to kids.
Tom uses his football platform to allow Mohammed Kudus and others like Simon Adingra to capitalize on their talent.
Upon discovery, Kudus successfully enrolled at his academy at the age of 12. By joining Right to Dream football, he obeyed the clarion call, which meant leaving his family behind to spend hours honing his skills with boys who had accepted the sport as part of their lives.
Kudus and his best friend teammates (Ibrahim Sadiq and Gideon Mensah) never gave up on their dreams to fight for a European opportunity.
In the end, the boys from humble origins achieved the European dream. Kudus and Ibrahim Sadiq got called by Nordsjælland, a club in Denmark.
Young Kudus (middle), during his football years with Right to Dream Academy. The Hausa boy from Nima was sure about making his football journey to Europe.
Road to Fame Story:
In the January 2018 transfer window, young Kudus and his two teammates, Ibrahim Sadiq and Gideon Mensah, left their families for Europe. FC Nordsjælland (which they joined) is a Danish soccer team from Farum that has great partnerships with soccer academies in Africa.
Before Kudus departure to Denmark, Tom Vernon, the owner of his previous club, became the president of FC Nordsjælland (in 2017). He noticed that Kudus had a very big heart and would make his country proud. That was why he pushed for the youngster to play for his Europe franchise – FC Nordsjælland.
Kudus joined Nordsjaelland with one goal in mind – to make a name for himself so other big clubs would notice him. In no time, he immediately became the best player in Denmark. Mo became the ninth youngest to make his debut in FC Nordsjælland’s history. He became a lethal whizkid who formed a knack for drifting past his opponents. With this ability, he achieved the aim of attracting scouts from top clubs around Europe.
Mohammed Kudus Biography – Rise to Fame Story:
On 16 July 2020, the native of Nima signed a five-year contract whooping deal with Eredivisie giants Ajax. Initially, Kudus was deployed to Jong Ajax (the reserve team of the club).
After finding the net five times (in five appearances), Erik ten Hag was forced to make him join the Ajax senior team.
As many who knew his abilities predicted, the Ghanaian midfielder adapted quickly. Kudus was known as a boy with a lot of discipline, someone who never missed meetings and training sessions. On his official debut (on the 20th of September 2020), everyone saw how fast, strong and technical Kudus was.
Mo arrived at Ajax senior team at the same time these persons arrived – the likes of Jurrien Timber (CB), Sébastien Haller (CF), Davy Klaassen (his second return), Antony, etc.
That period saw the departure of some of the club’s Big Guns like – Hakim Ziyech, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Donny van de Beek (CM), Sergiño Dest, Quincy Promes, etc.
Within just two seasons with Ajax Amsterdam, Kudus became a bearer of three individual honours. He won the Eredivisie Talent of the Month of May 2021 and SWAG Foreign Footballer of the Year 2021.
Not forgetting the 2020 IFFHS CAF Youth Team of the Year. As of 2022, Kudus has won the Eredivisie two times, including the KNVB Cup (in the 2020-21 season).
Within two years with Ajax, Mo celebrated these trophies.
Post-ten Hag Era:
In August at the start of the 22/23 season, AFC Ajax saw a new chapter. The departure of André Onana, Antony, Lisandro Martínez and Ryan Gravenberch gave rise to other players becoming regular in the club’s first team.
Mohammed Kudus was one of those who rose to become a regular for the Dutch giant.
The meteoric rise of the boy from Nima manifested itself in many forms. Under Alfred Schreuder’s command, Mo grew to become one of Ajax’s most exciting footballers to watch.
From both club and country, he was known to play with a confidence that was far beyond his years. In fact, Kudus brought the poison that his Ajax team was missing.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup:
As I write Mohammed Kudus Bio, the Ajax hitman, together with Big Stars like Andre Ayew (LW), Thomas Partey, and Inaki Williams, is set for a showdown in Group H.
The 2022 FIFA World Cup gives Ghana the opportunity to revenge against Uruguay. Would Otto Addo and his men achieve that?… well, only time will tell. The rest, as we say, is now history.
Kudus’ Ghanaian team secured qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup after a decisive victory over Nigeria in the qualifiers.
Mohammed Kudus Girlfriend:
There is a saying that behind every Rising Ghanaian footballer comes a glamorous WAG.
In the case of Mohammed Kudus, there is a Girlfriend, a lady who stayed with him before he achieved fame. She is quite close to the family, especially Mariama Suleman, the Baller’s mother.
Mohammed Kudus began dating his girlfriend way back in his Nordsjælland days.
From the moment he dominated Danish football, and even when he signed for Ajax, both lovers have been together.
Here, Mohammed Kudus and his girlfriend pose for a photo when he signed for AFC Ajax. It is pertinent to state that the former Right to Dream soccer product has yet to make public (via his social media handles) the identity of his girlfriend.
Personal Life:
Who is Mohammed Kudus?
Away from the magic he does on the pitch, the Ajax midfielder is best described as an open-minded person. Kudus is full of enthusiasm; he has a great expressive nature, and, most importantly, he loves to sing. Speaking about songs, have you watched him sing? Now watch this.
On another note, Mohammed Kudus is someone who loves to celebrate and promote local musicians in his country. Popular among these artists is Stonebwoy. Mo made a request to AFC Ajax’s DJ to always play Stonebwoy’s Song (in the Stadium) for his goal celebrations. Watch it here!
Mohammed Kusus’ favourite Artist (Stonebwoy) is best known as Livingstone Etse Satekla. Born on the 5th day of March 1988, he is a Ghanaian Afropop, reggae and dancehall musician. Stonebwoy expressed excitement after receiving a gift from his footballer friend.
Mohammed Kudus Lifestyle:
The former Nordsjælland star is a man who enjoys having his private space with nature. Kudus loves every walk with his natural surroundings. The Baller adores the experience of nature’s peace flowing into him – right from his backyard. This photo explains how Mo recharges his batteries.
Have you noticed?… The Tattooless midfielder is built like a tank.
Mohammed Kudus Car:
By our calculation, his fat wage of €1,201,850 (annually) is sure capable of getting him the luxuries of his choice. Kudus is a fan of sports cars, and he began driving one from the moment he earned his first football wages.
Every football celebrity loves to have memories of their first car. Surely, Mo Kudus is not an exception.
On the 27th day of May 2012, the Athlete unveiled his ideal car model to his Twitter fans. Asides from having good dress sense, Mo once spent his hard-earned wages on acquiring the Mercedes-Benz, which is a reliable, fast car.
For this Baller, Happiness is the smell of an exotic Mercedes-Benz car.
Mohammed Kudus Family Life:
Recently, he made a revelation that seems to affect many modern-day footballers. Kudus reveals that when soccer stars play all the time, they tend to be carried away by the sport. However, when an injury comes, and they are out of football, that is the time they realize that there is more to life than just kicking the soccer ball.
When Kudus was out of football due to his injury, he found solace in the people he called his family and close friends. Mohammed Kudus once made the statement;
There is more to life than football.
Mohammed Kudus Father:
Perhaps many have asked… who is the Biological Dad of the Ghanaian midfielder? As you may have noticed, we are yet to discuss anything about Mohammed Kudus’ Dad so far in the course of presenting you his Biography.
As of 2022, Mo has still not mentioned anything about his Dad. However, during our research, we found this man (Suleman Idris Kudus) who indirectly addressed himself as both a father and uncle to the footballer. Here is what he said;
Mohammed Kudus Mother:
Great Ghanaian women have produced successful footballing sons, and Mariama Suleman is never an exception. She is the typical example of a woman from Nima who has worked hard and now enjoys the fruits of her labour. Right from Mo’s Nordsjælland days, his Mum often finds time to attend his games.
Mariama hugs and takes a photo with her son after a football match.
To this day, Kudus still praises his Mum, whom he views as a working miracle in his life. For the former Right to Dream midfielder, his life at Nima began with waking up and loving this woman who sacrificed a lot for him.
Mohammed Kudus Grandmum:
She, alongside her daughter, remains the Custodian of stories regarding every sacrifice the family has made for their breadwinner son. These days, Kudus’ Granny often gets emotional when she remembers their family’s past. Here, Mo’s second Mum couldn’t hold her tears.
Mohammed Kudus Relatives:
The fantastic bond Mo gets with his extended family members is the reason why he would always miss his Ghanaian home. For Kudus, these sets of persons, including his Mum, remain his biggest Homebase fans.
Meet the other members of the Mohammed Kudus Family – at their family compound in Ghana.
Untold Facts:
In the concluding phase of Mohammed Kudus’ Biography, we’ll unveil more information about him. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Mohammed Kudus Ajax Salary:
In terms of what he goes home with, our calculation reveals €1,201,850 (yearly). Based on a 10.25 Ghanaian Cedi exchange rate, Mohammed Kudus makes roughly GH₵ 12,334,219 per year.
Comparing his salary to that of the average Ghanaian worker?
Where Mohammed Kudus’ Family comes from, the average person from Accra makes around GH₵ 7,160 monthly.
Do you know?… Such a person would need 11 years and 11 months to make Kudus’ Ajax monthly wage of €100,154 or GH₵ 1,027,851.
Mohammed Kudus FIFA:
Many fans who love the career mode (football manager) have confessed that he is among FIFA’s best midfielders.
Yes, Kudus, Nico Williams and Tariq Lamptey are Speedsters of Ghanaian origins that’ll make your FIFA career mode exciting. Let’s not forget another Ghanaian forward, Antoine Semenyo, who is another Speedster. This is the movement stats Mo brings to the game.
Aside from defending, the only thing Mo lacks in football is his Free Kick Accuracy. Balance, Agility, Spring Speed and Acceleration are his most valuable assets.
Mohammed Kudus Religion:
Like any other devout Muslim, the Football Celebrity from Nima prays five times daily. Put simply, Mohammed Kudus’ religion is Islam.
Back then, he combined his faith as a Muslim with living the Danish life. Kudus never forgets to say his prayers when he represents his club and country.
About what helps the Ghanaian midfielder to stay positive, Mo points to his religion – which involves faith and belief in Allah. It is clear that Kudus has 100% trust in Allah.
EndNote:
Mohammed Kudus holds the nickname ‘Mo’. The Ghanaian footballer was born on the 2nd to his Mum, Mariama Suleman, on the 2nd day of August 2000. Kudus’s birthplace is the Accra town market town of Nema, Ghana. He is one of three siblings born to Mariama Suleman, his mum.
Two persons jointly raised Mohammed Kudus. They are his Mum, Mariama Suleman and grandmother. In Nima, where he grew up, Kudus’ Mum sold foodstuff seller at the town’s market. Among the items sold is the Tuo Zaafi, a local foodstuff delicacy.
The above-named food is mostly consumed by the Hausa people of West Africa. About Mohammed Kudus Ethnicity, our research shows he is a Ghanaian Hausa from the Zongo residential town of Nima, a part of Accra that is often ridden with violence.
Career Summary note:
Mohammed Kudus was raised as a devout Muslim. Early on, Mariama Suleman (his Mum) gave him the freedom to express himself through his hobby – playing football.
He took his first football steps with Strongtower FC. In his career days, Kudus endured tracking for long journies to train and play football matches.
By joining Dynamic Heroes football academy, young Kudus moved a step closer to his European dreams. But when he joined Right to Dream, he became sure of his future.
This academy is owned by Tom Vernon, a Man United scout, a man that is passionate about using soccer to lift the families of Ghanaian kids out of poverty.
Tom Vernon saw Kudus as a boy with a big heart. After giving his best to the academy, the youngster, together with his friends (Gideon Mensah and Ibrahim Sadiq), finally achieved their European dreams. In Europe, Kudus achieved a meteoric rise in FC Nordsjælland, a feat that earned him a transfer to AFC Ajax.
As a key player for Ajax, a Dutch Giants, Kudus found himself among football’s elite, earning recognition as one of the top goal scorers in the Champions League alongside stars like Erling Haaland (Man City), Kylian Mbappe (PSG) and Robert Lewandowski (Barca).
Aside from Mohammed Kudus Bio, we’ve got other great stories about footballers of whole or partial Ghanaian descent or family origins. The Life History of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Brian Brobbey would interest your autobiography appetite.
Appreciation Note:
Thank you for exploring our rendition of Mohammed Kudus’ biography. We prioritize accuracy and impartiality in our endeavour to present African football narratives. You can find Kudus’ story in the Midfield Category Archive.
If you come across any discrepancies while reading about this rapidly emerging African midfielder, please do not hesitate to inform us. We also welcome your thoughts and insights on Mo’s career and the compelling narrative we’ve crafted about him in the comments section.
