Carlos Queiroz Steps Down as Ghana Head Coach
Former Portugal and Real Madrid coach Carlos Queiroz announced his resignation as head coach of the Ghana national team via an Instagram post on Sunday. In the message he expressed pride in the players’ efforts while urging the Ghana Football Association (GFA) to implement off‑field reforms that he believes are essential for sustained success.
Background and Appointment
Queiroz took charge of the Black Stars in April 2024, succeeding Otto Addo after the team had suffered four consecutive defeats in friendlies and qualifiers. His appointment brought a wealth of international experience: stints with the Portugal national team, Real Madrid, Iran, and several club sides across Europe and Asia. Prior to joining Ghana, Queiroz had most recently led the Qatar national team in the 2023 AFCON.
His debut in charge came with a 2‑0 win over Panama, followed by a goalless draw against England in a preparatory friendly. Those results helped Ghana secure a place in the knockout stage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where they were eliminated in the round of 16.
Tournament Campaign
During the competition Ghana showed moments of promise but ultimately fell short of its ambitions. The side managed only a single shot on target in the decisive match against Colombia, losing 1‑0. Queiroz acknowledged the result, stating:
“We cannot claim complete sporting satisfaction, but we can proudly say that we have honored the colors of Ghana.”
The coach highlighted that, despite the exit, the squad had restored a degree of respect and credibility to Ghanaian football after a challenging period of results.
Call for Reform
In his farewell note Queiroz stressed that on‑field performance is only part of the equation. He urged the GFA to improve the infrastructure surrounding player preparation, welfare, and development:
- Enhanced training facilities and sports‑science support.
- Stronger liaison between clubs and the national team to manage player workloads.
- Greater transparency in selection processes and financial management.
He argued that reaching a higher level should be viewed
