Former Blackstar captain Stephen Appiah

On December 24, 1980, Stephen Appiah was born.

Did you imagine that Appiah almost quit football because of hepatitis? Did you know that in the 2008 competition for Africa Footballer of the Year, Appiah came in eighth?

Did you know more than 50% of the money Appiah made in football was given away as gifts to the needy in society?

Did you know Appiah used to pay for flight tickets for Black Stars players when he was captain of the team?

Did you know that despite rumors to the contrary, Appiah still owns more than six homes in East Legon, the most affluent district in Accra?

Did you know that Appiah was previously stopped in the Paris airport in 2002 for traveling with €30,000 more than was permitted?

Did you know that when playing for Fenerbahce in Istanbul, Appiah was making roughly €2,633,020.65?

Did you know that Appiah is credited with bringing the current Black Stars together and transforming them into the alluring cash cow they are today?

  
Did you know that Appiah, just 14 years old, was a member of the Ghanaian team that won the FIFA U-17 World Championship competition in 1995?

Did you know that Appiah is married to the person he first fell in love with when he was 14?

Did you know that on his 16th birthday, Appiah made his Black Stars debut, taking Abedi Pele's place?

Did you know that Appiah created the StepApp textiles brand, which debuted in his native Accra at the end of November 2007? All earnings are donated to StepApp a nonprofit organization.

Did you know Appiah has a son who plays for the Premier League side Great Olympics?