Ronald Donkor Says First Black Stars Call-Up a Dream Comes True
Ronald Donkor’s first Black Stars call-up is more than recognition for a promising MLS campaign but rather the realisation of a dream he had carried since beginning his football journey.
The New York Red Bulls midfielder was included in Carlos Queiroz’s squad for Ghana’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Côte d’Ivoire and The Gambia, earning his first invitation to the senior national team.
“Every single Ghanaian player wants to play for the national team, and wearing this jersey is really good for me,” he said. “I’m really happy. I’m grateful.”
Donkor admitted he initially struggled to believe the news after being informed about the possibility of his selection, choosing to wait for the official squad announcement before allowing himself to celebrate.
“When I finished talking to Alex, I didn’t really believe what was going to happen next,” Donkor said.
“So I was like, okay, let me wait and see what’s going to happen next. I wanted them to release the list so that I could confirm that I was part of the team.”
The 21-year-old eventually received confirmation that the dream had become reality, prompting an emotional conversation with his mother.
“When I was coming to Ghana, I called my mother and told her Ghana wanted me to play for the national team,” he revealed. “She was happy.”
Donkor’s maiden call-up comes after an encouraging 2026 season with New York Red Bulls. He has made 24 MLS appearances, playing 2,084 minutes while scoring twice and providing four assists.
His six goal involvements have helped underline his growing importance at club level and contributed to his emergence on the international radar.
Yet the midfielder sees his Black Stars opportunity as something much bigger than personal achievement.
Donkor also expects the national team environment to provide a reunion with former academy colleagues Ali Uduseidu and Augustin Boakye, who were his seniors at JMG Academy.
His focus, however, is firmly on making an impact with Ghana rather than talking himself up before taking the field.
“I don’t really want to say anything. When we start playing games, I know Ghanaians will see everything,” he said.
The midfielder is now hoping his dream call-up can lead to a dream debut when Ghana begin their AFCON qualifying campaign against Côte d’Ivoire in Bouaké on September 24, followed by a home clash with The Gambia five days later.
“I just want to win every single game with them, win trophies, give everything out there for my family and for the country to be proud,” Donkor added.