Former Ghana national team winger Yaw Yeboah has completed a free transfer to Qingdao Hainiu, a club competing in China’s Super League. The 28-year-old, originally from Accra, makes this move following the end of the 2025 Major League Soccer season, seeking a fresh start after four years playing in the United States.
MLS Career and Transition to China
Yaw Yeboah’s MLS journey included spells with Columbus Crew and Los Angeles FC, where he tallied six goals and 12 assists across 97 appearances. Released by LAFC after the 2025 season, Yeboah’s departure opened the door for his transfer to Qingdao Hainiu, a club that narrowly avoided relegation last term and looks to strengthen its squad ahead of the new campaign starting March 6.
Early Achievements and European Experience
Yeboah first gained widespread recognition in 2015 when he was named Man of the Tournament at the African U-20 Championship, where Ghana secured third place. That same year, he scored twice at the FIFA U-20 World Cup and impressed again at the 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations. These feats attracted interest from Manchester City, who signed him from the Right to Dream Academy. His early professional career involved loan spells with Lille in France, Twente in the Netherlands, and Real Oviedo in Spain before a permanent move to Spanish side Numancia for the 2018-19 season.
Highlights at Wisla Krakow and National Team Appearances
Yeboah’s strongest performances came with Polish club Wisla Krakow, where he showcased the talent that initially drew attention to him and earned three caps with the Ghana senior national team. His contributions were celebrated by fans, as seen during a notable match where he was central to the team’s play:
😳😳😳 Co tu się wydarzyło?!
Na karuzelę zaprasza Yaw Yeboah! 👏#GKŁWIS 1:3 pic.twitter.com/scAvdrshUS
— PKO BP Ekstraklasa (@_Ekstraklasa_) August 21, 2021
Recent Challenges and Future Prospects in China
In 2022, Columbus Crew acquired Yeboah, but despite a promising 2023, his playing time declined, and he was converted into a wing-back—a position where results varied. Now, Qingdao Hainiu offers him a chance to return to a more prominent attacking role in a league preparing for its upcoming season. This move presents a significant opportunity for Yeboah to become a key figure for a club aiming to improve upon its previous struggles.
As Yeboah embarks on this new chapter in the Chinese Super League, his experience across multiple leagues and international tournaments will be vital for Qingdao’s aspirations, while also potentially reigniting his career on a substantial stage.
What a way to score your first goal in Black & Gold 👏
Yaw Yeboah makes it four. https://t.co/sQXU9OM4Bc pic.twitter.com/Ch8ACM3qx1
— LAFC (@LAFC) May 15, 2025
😳😳😳 Co tu się wydarzyło?!
Na karuzelę zaprasza Yaw Yeboah! 👏#GKŁWIS 1:3 pic.twitter.com/scAvdrshUS
— PKO BP Ekstraklasa (@_Ekstraklasa_) August 21, 2021
