Benjamin Asare to receive $38,000 JAC Motors car Best Local Player

Ghana goalkeeper Benjamin Asare is set to receive a brand-new JAC Motors vehicle worth $38,000 after being recognised as the best locally based player in the Black Stars squad at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana Football Association (GFA) president Kurt Okraku announced the award at the association's 32nd Ordinary Congress at the Ghanaman Soccer Centre of Excellence in Prampram.

Asare was the only player based in Ghana to make Ghana's 26-man World Cup squad, underlining the significance of his achievement.

The Hearts of Oak goalkeeper started two of Ghana's matches at the tournament and kept clean sheets in both appearances.

His standout display came in Ghana's goalless draw with England, when he made several important saves to help the Black Stars secure a point against one of the tournament's leading sides.

Asare's performances also saw him make history as the first locally based goalkeeper to start a match for Ghana at a FIFA World Cup.

His emergence has been viewed as an encouraging sign for players in the Ghana Premier League seeking to earn international recognition.

Asare made his Black Stars debut at the 2024 Unity Cup and has since established himself as Ghana's first-choice goalkeeper through a series of consistent performances for club and country.

His rise to prominence has also challenged the perception that players must move abroad to secure a place in the national team.

The JAC Motors award is therefore not only a reward for Asare's performances at the World Cup, but also recognition of the role he has played in highlighting the quality of Ghana's domestic football.