Black Stars: Austria-based defender declares intention to represent Ghana

Grazer AK defender Beres Owusu has declared his intention to represent the Black Stars of Ghana, the country of his parents. The 22-year-old, born in France but with Ghanaian roots, rose through the youth setup of French Ligue 1 side Saint Etienne.

Having signed his first professional contract in 2022 until 2025, he has been on loan at Austria Bundesliga outfit Grazer AK for more playing time where he has enjoyed a strong campaign with 29 appearances.

De Saint‑Étienne à Graz ✈️⚽️ #grazerak #AdmiralBL #inundaut pic.twitter.com/xJhhhFNQos

— GAK 1902 (@grazerak) August 6, 2025

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup a little over a month away, Owusu is targeting a spot in coach Carlos Queiroz’s squad.

“I know this commentary is coming because the timing is not good but I have to tell them it’s a choice from my heart,” he told JoySports. “If I can have the opportunity to tell them before for sure I can say to them but for now I have the opportunity to show my decision.”

Owusu, who previously had a loan stint at French lower tier side Quevilly-Rouen, has ruled out disappointment if he is snubbed for the World Cup. He has however made himself available for the U-23 national team if given the opportunity.

“If I don’t go to the World Cup you know it’s not a problem for me because I’m still young, I have time. But if they want to call me for U-23, I’m also ok because I’m a Ghanaian and I just want to represent Ghana, it’s my nation.”

The Paris-born centre back has admitted that he needs to show up for a bigger club to stand a chance of being recognized by the senior national team selectors.

“To find the solution for playing for Ghana, when you don’t play for a big team it’s difficult for you,” he said. So me I’ve already told them that I have time, if I don’t go [to the World Cup] with first team now, it’s not over for me. I can go with the U-23 and play, show my potential, show my qualities and if they like me, they can call me in the first team.”

“If I don’t make the World Cup squad, it’s okay. I’m still young, U23 or future Black Stars call-ups, I’m ready.” — Beres Owusu

Born in France to Ghanaian parents, Beres says representing Ghana remains a dream#JoySports pic.twitter.com/BFigbVsuXz

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) May 12, 2026

A number of dual national players have been jostling to represent Ghana but it remains to be seen if Carlos Queiroz will include some of them in his final squad for the World Cup to be staged in Mexico, Canada and USA.

Ghana who are making a fifth appearance, have been paired against Panama, Croatia and England.

Owusu has made an impressive 29 appearances with a goal in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.