World Cup Squad Spotlight: Kevin-Prince Boateng

• Date of Birth: 6 March 1987
• Height: 182 cm
• Shirt number: 23
• Position: Forward
• Current club: Portsmouth (ENG)
• International Caps: 0
• International Goals: 0

Club History

• Portsmouth (ENG): From 2009 to 2010
• Borussia Dortmund (GER): From 2009 to 2009
• Tottenham Hotspur (ENG): From 2007 to 2008
• Hertha BSC (GER): From 2004 to 2007

Despite being born in Berlin and playing for Germany at every youth level, 23-year-old Kevin-Prince Boateng will represent Ghana, the country of his father, at the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Blessed with strength, speed and a flamboyant amount of skill in the attacking third, Boateng could help overcome the loss of Essien, potentially combining with Anthony Annan, Sulley Muntari and Stephen Appiah in what could be an all-action midfield.

After coming up as a youth with Hertha Berlin, he made his debut in the first team in the 2005/06 season at just 18 years old. His performances in the Bundesliga were such that he earned a big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur, then coached by Martin Jol. The departure of the Dutch boss left Boateng out of the team and off for a loan spell with Borussia Dortmund, prior to his move to Portsmouth before last season. He made 27 appearances and scored five goals for Pompey on the cash-strapped club’s way to the FA Cup final, although relegation means that Boateng is almost certain to be on his way soon.

There is sure to be much discussion when Boateng and Ghana go up against Germany on 23 June in Johannesburg, and he could line-up against brother Jerome. As the third match in the group, it’s likely to be a vital contest, but Boateng will no doubt be hoping to make his Ghanaian debut before then.