Christian Atsu was killed in the earthquake that struck Turkey and Syria on February 6, 2023
The son of a fisherman, Christian Atsu never got caught in the trappings of fame.
Humble beginnings meant the Ghana midfielder, who lost his life in the recent earthquakes that devastated Turkey and Syria, tried to use his success to help others in their lives.
His generosity and charitable nature led one former international team-mate to describe Atsu as "one in a million".
"He helped a lot of people solve their problems, gave cash out to those in need," John Paintsil told BBC Sport Africa.
"Atsu's mind was so good that it could come up with different ideas.
"He was jovial and creative, like a movie star," the former Fulham and West Ham defender added.
"We have lost a great soul. He was one in a million because he sometimes put others before himself."
The 'Ghana Messi'
Christian Atsu (bottom row, third left) was a central figure as Ghana reached the final of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, picking up the award for the tournament's best player and best goal
Perhaps the highlight of Atsu's international career came at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Equatorial Guinea where he scored two goals en route to the final which was won by Ivory Coast on penalties.
Nonetheless, the left-footed midfielder picked up two awards of his own for best goal and best player at the tournament.
"He was a joy to be with and a great team-mate, someone who had an abundance of skill and quality," said Kwesi Appiah, who played alongside Atsu at that 2015 Afcon.
"He was nicknamed Ghana's Messi for his style and also the way we relied on him as a team," revealed the former Crystal Palace striker.
"He was an exceptional player and I'm really honoured to have shared some special moments with him on the pitch."
In total, Atsu represented his country 62 times, scoring 10 goals.
"Away from football, he was very caring and supportive and would go out of his way to help anyone," Appiah continued.