Top Ghanaian footballer Christian Atsu died on 6 February 2023 in Antakya, Turkey, as a result of the catastrophic earthquake that had just struck south-eastern Turkey.
He was born on 10 January 1992 in Ada Foah, Ghana. He was born into a humble home. His father was a farmer and fisherman.
Atsu was born the tenth child in a large nuclear family. He has a twin sister.
Children and wife of Christian Atsu
In 2012, Christian Atsu married Marie-Claire, the love of his life. According to reports, he met the German beauty in Portugal while playing for F.C Porto.
Before Christian Atsu joined Hatayspor, the couple lived in Newcastle and had three beautiful children.
Marie-Claire is a well-known novelist and author of the book "Stop Bullying Me".
Atsu actively juggled his football career with his Christian faith, being a devout follower of Christ.
He was actively involved in helping Ghanaians. He was an ambassador for the Arms Around the Child charity.
He is also said to have helped many Ghanaians who were imprisoned for food and petty theft.
The career of Christian Atsu
Former Ghanaian international, Christian Atsu played as a winger for Hatayspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
In 2009, he started playing for Porto's youth team. He made his first senior appearance for Porto in 2013 and went on to make 17 appearances for the club, scoring one goal.
Before joining Chelsea in 2013, Atsu spent three years on loan at Rio Ave during his time at Porto.
He spent his time at Stamford Bridge without making a single appearance for the Blues. He spent time on loan at Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle United. In 2017, his loan spell at Newcastle United became permanent.
He made 75 appearances for the Magpies, scoring three goals.
Christian Atsu left Newcastle United in 2021 to join Al-Raed and then moved to Hatayspor in 2022. Hours before the Turkish earthquake, he scored his first goal for Hatayspor in one of his three appearances for the team.
Before calling time on his international career in 2019, Atsu made his debut for Ghana in 2012. He went on to win 65 caps and score 9 goals for the Black Stars.
Christian Atsu's Net Worth
Atsu's estimated net worth at the time of his death was $2 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He made his money through his football career, which included playing for elite clubs in Europe.
He supported and funded several humanitarian programmes and played a leading role in Ghana's humanitarian sector.
Death of Christian Atsu
On 18 February 2023, Christian Atsu's death was officially declared after he was buried by a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that shook southeastern Turkey and Syria.
He was found dead in Antakya a week after the quake, after several of his Hatayspor team-mates, including a staff member, were rescued alive.
There were rumours that he had been found alive, but his agent later discredited them and confirmed his death.
After making three appearances for his new club Hatayspor and scoring his first goal for the team against Kasimpasa in the Turkish Super Lig, Christian Atsu died at the age of 31.
The Premier League, Chelsea, Newcastle United and his other former clubs paid tribute to the footballer.