Ghana’s latest attempt to secure the international allegiance of Jesse Bisiwu, one of the country’s increasingly prominent football talents, has reportedly hit a major setback after the youngster turned down an approach from the Ghana Football Association (GFA). The development comes at a time when Bisiwu’s profile has risen sharply following his move to FC Barcelona, where he has signed a contract running until June 2031.
Bisiwu, who was born in Belgium to a family of Ghanaian origin, has enjoyed a rapid rise through the European football system. He began his development at Leuven before joining Club Brugge, where he progressed to Club NXT and accumulated 36 appearances in Belgium’s second division despite making his debut at just 15. His performances at the 2025 UEFA European Under-17 Championship, where Belgium reached the semi-finals and Bisiwu was named in the tournament’s Best XI, further elevated his standing as one of the country’s promising young prospects.
That trajectory reached another level this summer when Barcelona secured his services, with the Catalan giants describing the winger as a player with a “great future” because of his pace, power and dribbling ability. Bisiwu has already joined Hansi Flick’s first-team environment during pre-season and was officially presented as a Barcelona player at the club’s offices at Spotify Camp Nou. His rapid rise from Club Brugge’s development setup to one of the world’s most recognisable football clubs has inevitably intensified interest in his international future.
Reports indicate that the GFA approached Bisiwu’s camp with assurances about his pathway into the Black Stars, including strong prospects of first-team consideration. However, his father is said to have rejected the proposal, with the player currently favouring Belgium, where he has represented the various youth national teams. The Belgian Football Association is reportedly monitoring his situation closely, leaving Ghana with another difficult recruitment battle for a player whose stock has risen considerably since breaking into European football and now, with Barcelona behind him, has become an even more valuable international prospect.
