From pitches to polls: Adebayor entering politics?
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Reading Time: 3min | Thu. 31.10.24. | 14:23
Former striker, who retired from football in 2023, has a major career switch offer in his native Togo
Emmanuel Adebayor, a popular striker who played for Real Madrid in 2011, retired from football in March 2023. The 40-year-old former footballer, who won 87 caps for Togo, has been offered a chance to become a politician.
Yao Robert Date, president of the opposition Committee for Action for Renewal (CAR) in Togo, has formally invited Emmanuel Adebayor to enter politics.
"Now that he has finished with football, he needs to get involved in politics. And the ideal party to campaign for is the CAR. I invite him to join us. With Emmanuel on board, we can continue the political struggle for freedom in Togo. In Adebayor we see an example of perseverance and success," Yao Robert Date shared at a press conference he held in Lomé.
It remains to be seen whether Adebayor, who recently praised President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbe , will accept the political proposal of the opposition party (which is in crisis following the death of its founder Me Yawovi Madji Agboyibo).
"A huge thank you to the President of Togo, His Excellency Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé, for his support, as well as to the Minister of Sport, the President of the Togolese Football Federation and the football legends who stood by me," Adebayor shared on his social networks after the tribute match that was attended by Samuel Eto'o, Jay-Jay Okocha, Yaya Toure, El Hadji Diouf, Nwankwo Kanu and Patrick Mboma.
Former Togo captain Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor organized a gala match which officially marked the end of his successful football career. 🇹🇬
— Ozor Ndi Ozor (@eemmanuels4) October 29, 2024
Samuel Eto'o 🇨🇲, El Hadj Diouf🇸🇳, Patrick Mboma🇨🇲, Asamoah Gyan🇬🇭, Emmanuel Eboue🇨🇮, Jay Jay Okocha🇳🇬 Nwanko Kanu🇳🇬 and pic.twitter.com/Gyn5rthO0c
Kan U believe it? @e_adebayor Testimonial game, his career has been an incredible journey. We’re all immensely proud of him, and the continent celebrates his achievements. It’s a joy to honor such a man with a big heart. I’m proud to have been part of this journey. God bless you pic.twitter.com/WqYo6ffSw9
— Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) October 29, 2024
Them two, always a delight to watch, Asamoah Gyan and Emanuel Adebayor in Togo, supporting each other’s ❤️😁. pic.twitter.com/JoZqFWQsnZ
— asamoahgyan3_fans (@AsamoahG3_Fans) October 26, 2024
President Gnassingbe's Union for the Republic party won 108 of 113 seats in the last elections.
At the moment, Adebayor, who throughout his footballing career played for Metz (2002-2003), Monaco (2003-2006), Arsenal (2006-2009), Manchester City (2009-2012), Real Madrid (2011), Tottenham (2011-2015), Crystal Palace (2016), İstanbul Basaksehir (2017-2019), Kayserispor (2019), Olimpia (2019) and Semassi (2021-2023), is focused on his foundation SEA (Sheyi Emmanuel Adebayor) which is dedicated to improving education, health and entrepreneurship for young people in Togo.
"I'm also focusing on women and youth empowerment. And, you know, these are vulnerable populations. And these people need our voice to defend them. They need our strength," Adebayor said to explain some of his charity work.
“I may be very direct sometimes but that’s how I did it to build and make my life what it is today”
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) October 30, 2024
After representing some of the world’s biggest clubs, 2008 African Player of the year, Emmanuel Adebayor, marked the end of his playing days with a testimonial in Togo on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/bKPPWJrXva
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