Hearts of Oak’s Benjamin Asare Named Best Black Stars Player for 2025/26 Season, To Receive $`36,000 JAC Vehicle

ACCRA, Ghana — Hearts of Oak shot-stopper Benjamin Asare has been voted the Best Black Stars Player for the 2025/26 football season in a joint decision by the Ghana Football Association and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation.

The announcement, made on Thursday, crowns what has been a standout year for the 31-year-old goalkeeper, who rose to prominence as Ghana’s number one during the World Cup and AFCON qualifying campaigns.
Asare’s consistency between the sticks for Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League laid the foundation, but it was his performances in Black Stars colors that sealed the award. 

The experienced goalkeeper kept 5 clean sheets in 8 appearances for Ghana during the 2025/26 season, including crucial saves in wins against Chad and Madagascar that kept the Black Stars top of their World Cup qualifying group. His command of the box, distribution, and leadership at the back earned praise from head coach Otto Addo and fans alike.

“Benjamin has been exceptional,” a GFA source said. “He brought stability, experience, and calmness to the team at a very important time. This award is deserved.”
As part of the recognition, Asare will receive a brand new JAC vehicle valued at almost $`36,000. The vehicle sponsorship is part of a renewed partnership between the Sports Ministry and JAC Motors Ghana to reward outstanding national team performers.

The presentation ceremony is expected to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium next month, with officials from the GFA, Sports Ministry, and JAC Motors in attendance.

Minister of Sports and Recreation described the award as “a way to motivate players to give their best for the nation,” adding that “Benjamin’s dedication embodies what we want to see from all Black Stars players.”
The award is a major boost for Hearts of Oak, who have seen one of their own recognized on the national stage. It also highlights the growing trust in local-based players in the Black Stars setup.

For Asare, it caps a career resurgence. After years as a backup at club and country level, the 2025/26 season saw him finally establish himself as Ghana’s first choice.

“I’m grateful to God, my coaches, teammates, and the fans,” Asare said in a short reaction after the news broke. “This is for Ghana. I’ll keep working hard.”