Emmanuel Addai: Everything you need know about Ghana's first scorer in the 2025/26 Champions League

Think Mohammed Kudus, Kamaldeen Sulemana, or Thomas Partey - names that many would anticipate to make headlines in Europe following two rounds of the UEFA Champions League (UCL).

This year, however, 24-year-old Emmanuel Addai made headlines as Ghana's first goal scorer in Europe's best club league.

Addai scored the second goal in Qarabag's 2-0 win over Danish team Copenhagen on matchday two, helping the club win their second UCL game of the season. This turned the attention to him.

So what exactly is Addai's story?

Addai was born in Kumasi and progressed through the academy system, eventually playing for JMG Academy, which former French international Jean-Marc Guillou owns. He spent some time there before joining French club FC 93 Bobigny in August 2021.

But he wouldn't remain long. He scored six goals in 20 appearances for the team and drew interest from Spain after only 11 months.

Addai signed with AD Alorcon, a Spanish third-tier club, on July 12, 2022. He was prepared to hit the ground running, but life had other plans for him. The Ghanaian winger was sidelined for half the season owing to registration issues.

He made his debut six months later, on January 14, 2023, in a 3-1 victory over Deportivo La Coruna.

Clutch in Spain

That season, he played a crucial role in Alorcon's victory, scoring the equalizer as they defeated CD Castellon 2-1 to secure promotion to Spain's second division. Addai later joined Qarabag for €1 million during the 2024 summer transfer window.

Featured in Qarabag's championship-winning season

After joining the Azerbaijani team, the dynamic winger scored four goals and assisted twice as Qarabag won their fourth straight league title.

First Ghanaian goalscorer in the 2026/26 UCL

On Wednesday, 1 October 2025, Addai became the first Ghanaian to score in the UCL this season. His 83rd-minute goal helped Qarabag defeat Copenhagen by two goals.

Market value changes throughout time.

Addai's market value has increased by 300% in three years. He was valued at €50,000 in October 2023, but that figure has now risen to €1.2 million, according to Transfermakt statistics.

If he remains consistent and in good form this season, his worth is likely to rise or triple before clubs start calling for his services.