The defender, then 21, endured a torrid evening in Rabat as his mistake led to one of Morocco’s goals, and his overall performance drew heavy criticism.
What followed was a torrent of abuse. Social media was unrelenting, with fans singling him out as a scapegoat for Ghana’s early exit.
“It was really bad for me,” Yegbe tells Flashscore in an exclusive interview facilitated by Ligue 1.
“After that game, I just had to stay away from social media because the more you’re online, the more you see your pictures, bad captions, people saying all kinds of things. Of course, we are human beings; we have feelings. I started to question myself - maybe I’m not good enough.”
That night in Rabat could easily have defined his career. Instead, it became a turning point.
The Journey Before the Storm
Before the criticism and questions, Yegbe’s rise had been steady and hard-earned. Born in Akatsi in Ghana’s Volta Region, he honed his skills at the WAFA Academy - the same institution that produced several national team stars. From there, he joined Vision FC, a lower-tier side in Accra, to continue his development.
“I think it was a bit challenging from the start,” he recalls. “Coming from WAFA, where you have your freedom and structure, and then going to Vision, it didn’t feel the same. The first six months were very tough because I didn’t even speak Twi, so adapting was hard. But over time, things got better. We started winning games, and I began to enjoy it again.”
His performances soon attracted interest abroad. But like many young African players, Yegbe’s first taste of opportunity came with setbacks.
“I was supposed to move to Midtjylland in Denmark, but my visa was denied twice. That affected me mentally. I started thinking, maybe the people back home were right when they say, ‘you can be a good player, but you won’t make it.’ It was hard, but the club president encouraged me to keep going.”
That persistence eventually paid off when Finnish side SJK signed him.
Cold Beginnings in Finland and the Breakthrough
If rejection had tested his patience, Finland tested his resilience.
“Coming from Ghana where it’s 28 degrees celsius to minus 15 was crazy,” Yegbe laughs. “It was so cold I could barely move, but I told myself I’m not here to give up because of weather. I stayed, worked hard, and got promoted from the academy team to the first team the next year.”
His consistent performances in the Veikkausliiga attracted the attention of Swedish giants IF Elfsborg, where he made further strides.
“At Elfsborg, everything went well,” he says. “The first year was great. I almost got a move to the Premier League in January, but it didn’t happen. Still, I told myself I’ll keep working. It’s all part of the process.”
The U23 Setback and lessons from criticism
That process hit a rough patch at the U23 AFCON in Morocco. Ghana’s 5-1 defeat not only knocked them out of contention but also subjected Yegbe to an intense wave of online trolling.
“I’ve come to understand that this is what we signed for,” he reflects now. “People will talk. Some will like you, others won’t. At that moment, you just have to stay off social media and focus on coming back stronger. It hurts, but you can’t fight everyone’s opinion.”
Yegbe’s comeback began quietly, without fanfare. In the summer of 2025, he joined French Ligue 1 club FC Metz — a move he credits to a timely phone call from his agent and advice from close friend Augustine Boakye.
“I had just come back from training when my agent called and said Metz really want you. I spoke to Augustine and he told me it’s a good team, good city, and they develop players. So I said, ‘why not?’ Within three or four days, everything was done.”
Now at Metz, Yegbe has played both at left-back and centre-back. His versatility has quickly earned him the trust of the coaching staff.
“Playing left-back is tougher because you need to go up and down, attack and defend. I’m more comfortable as a left centre-back, that’s what I’ve done for over five years,” he explains.
His early impressions of life in France have been positive.
“It’s incredible, especially playing at home,” he smiles. “The atmosphere, the fans. It’s a good place to be.”
National Recognition
In November 2024, Yegbe’s steady performances were rewarded when he received his first senior Ghana call-up for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Angola and Niger.
“It came so suddenly,” he recalls. “My agent called me around 4 or 5 a.m. saying, ‘pack your things, Otto Addo just called and said you’re going to the national team.’ I was half asleep, but it was such a proud moment for me, for my family, and for my community in Akatsi.”
For a player once written off by sections of his own country’s fans, that call-up carried deep meaning.
Faith, Focus, and the Future
Ask Yegbe what has kept him grounded through the highs and lows, and he doesn’t hesitate: faith and humility.
“I’ll say it’s not just about hard work; it’s God,” he says. “Back in WAFA, they told us not everyone will become a professional footballer. So for me, being here now, I’m just thankful.”
He still studies the game closely, citing Austrian star David Alaba as his role model. “I love how calm he is with the ball. I try to learn from his videos to see how he positions himself, how he uses the ball. I want to improve.”
Away from football, Yegbe finds balance through music. “I play a lot of Shatta Wale, Stonebwoy, Black Sherif, sometimes King Promise when I just want to relax.”
As for what comes next, the 22-year-old is clear about his ambitions.
“My target is to help Metz stay in Ligue 1 and be in the national team. Hopefully, I’ll be part of the next call-up or maybe even the World Cup squad. I just need to keep pushing.”
Terry Yegbe’s journey is still unfolding, but his response to adversity already tells a powerful story.
From being mocked after a difficult night in Rabat to climbing up the ladder in European football shows how his resilience is gradually reshaping his reputation.
