Charles Kweku Bismark Taylor Asampong, born on July 14, 1981, in Sefwi Asawinso in the Western North Region of Ghana, is a former professional footballer known for his incredible skills as a striker and an attacking midfielder.
His love for football began at an early age, and he started his amateur career in the early 1990s at Anokye Stars, a local team in Sefwi Asawinso.
His career in Ghanaian football remains legendary, as he is among the few players who have played for both Accra Hearts of Oak S.C. and Asante Kotoko, two of the biggest clubs in Ghana.
Taylor’s playing style and dominance on the field earned him widespread recognition and respect in Ghanaian football history. During his childhood, he was often called “tailor” because he used to assist his uncle, who was a tailor by profession.
Inspired by this, he later adopted the name Charles Taylor, which coincidentally matched that of the former Liberian President. Despite the name association, Taylor made a name for himself through his exceptional football skills, which terrorized opponents and brought him fame.
His ability to dribble past defenders and create scoring opportunities made him a feared player on the field. Nicknamed “Terror” due to his ability to trouble defenders and goalkeepers, Taylor became one of the most exciting players to watch in the Ghana Premier League. His exceptional dribbling skills and attacking prowess quickly set him apart as a promising talent.
Rise to Stardom
Taylor’s professional journey started with Accra Great Olympics, where he had an unconventional introduction to the club. As a young football enthusiast, he worked around the team, even polishing the shoes of the management.
He once had a bet with the club’s chairman, Ade Coker, that he could play better than the existing squad members. Given the opportunity to prove himself, Taylor showcased his outstanding dribbling abilities and was immediately signed by the club.
He later moved to Accra Hearts of Oak, where he became a household name in Ghanaian football. His pace, agility, and goal-scoring ability made him a crucial player for the club.
Taylor was an integral part of the famous “64 Battalion” squad, which dominated the Ghana Premier League and continental football in the early 2000s.
In 2000, he played a pivotal role in helping Hearts of Oak win the CAF Champions League, a historic achievement for the club. His performances throughout the tournament made him one of the most feared attackers in Africa.
Hearts of Oak also won multiple domestic titles during his time with the team, further cementing his status as one of Ghana’s greatest players.
Controversial Transfer to Asante Kotoko
Despite his immense success at Hearts of Oak, Taylor’s career took a dramatic turn when he made a controversial move to rivals Asante Kotoko.
His transfer remains one of the most talked-about moves in Ghanaian football history, with Hearts fans feeling betrayed while Kotoko fans celebrated gaining a superstar.
At Kotoko, Taylor continued to shine, delivering outstanding performances and proving his worth. His technical skills, vision, and goal-scoring ability made him a key player for the club.
Beyond Ghana, Taylor also had stints with clubs such as Étoile du Sahel in Tunisia, Enugu Rangers in Nigeria, and Berekum Chelsea. His experience playing in different leagues helped refine his skills and adaptability on the field.
Club Achievements
During his illustrious club career, Taylor won several titles that highlighted his exceptional contributions to every team he played for. With Accra Hearts of Oak, he won the Ghana Premier League in 1999, 2000, and 2001, along with the Ghanaian FA Cup in 1999 and 2000.
One of his most remarkable achievements was winning the CAF Champions League in 2000 and the CAF Super Cup in 2001. His move to Asante Kotoko saw him continue his winning ways, clinching the Ghana Premier League title in 2003.
His overseas stint with Étoile du Sahel in Tunisia also earned him the Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title in 2005.
International Career and Achievements
Taylor was a key figure in Ghana’s national team setup, representing both the Local Black Stars and the Senior Black Stars. His impact on the national stage was significant, as he brought creativity and attacking depth to the team.
Taylor was part of the Ghana U-20 squad that finished as runners-up in the 2001 FIFA U-20 World Cup, further proving his quality on the international stage.
One of his notable achievements with the national team was finishing as runners-up in the 2009 African Nations Championship (CHAN), a competition designed for home-based players. His contributions in the tournament were crucial to Ghana’s success.
Legacy and Influence
Although Taylor’s career had its fair share of controversies, his impact on Ghanaian football remains undeniable. His journey from Sefwi Asawinso to becoming one of the most celebrated footballers in Ghana serves as an inspiration to aspiring players.
Even after retiring from professional football, Taylor’s legacy continues to thrive. He is often invited to share his experiences and mentor young talents.
His influence as a player, mentor, and football analyst ensures that his name will always be remembered among the greatest footballers to ever grace the Ghana Premier League.
