- MX24 sports journalist Derrick Ayim was filled with joy after meeting a member of the 2018 World Cup-winning France squad
- In 2024, Ayim had a similar experience when he came face-to-face with Lionel Messi at the 2024 Copa America tournament
- He relocated to the United States last year, and is serving as a correspondent for some media houses in Ghana for the Club World Cup
Ghanaian sports journalist Derrick Ayim couldn’t hide his excitement after sharing a special moment with French football star Olivier Giroud at the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup in the United States.
Ayim, covering the global tournament for Ghanaian broadcaster MX24 and other media houses, crossed paths with the 2018 World Cup winner after the clash between Chelsea and Los Angeles FC at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Source: Getty Images
Derrick Ayim encounters Olivier Giroud
In what felt like a dream come true, Derrick managed to grab a quick selfie with Giroud in the mixed zone following the game.
The delighted journalist later shared the image on his X page, captioning it, “OG9! Legend! 🙌💯.”
The post quickly gained traction, with fans and fellow users reacting to the cheerful moment.
@umarhafiz40 wrote:
“Cook 🔥”
@Kayjnr10 kept it short with:
“👏👏”
@OfficialSitso brought the heat:
“🔥🔥🔥🔥”
@georgemen2244 couldn’t help but tease:
“Dude is a very tall guy, or Ebi you wey be short?”
@_TheSolomon summed with a suggestion to Derrick’s post:
“12 is better 😂😂 OG12. Miss malaika.”
According to Sky Sports, the game ended in a convincing 2-0 victory for Chelsea.
Goals from Pedro Neto in the 34th minutes and Enzo Fernandez in the 79th minute handed Enzo Maresca’s men all three points, placing them level at the top of Group D with Brazilian side Flamengo.
Giroud featured in the match, coming on in the second half. According to Sofascore, the 38-year-old lost possession twice, failed to muster a shot on target, but made one key pass.
Reacting to Chelsea’s victory, Blues boss Enzo Maresca said: “Very good result.
“At this stage of the season it’s also normal that you have to manage different kinds of things. Overall I think the performance has been good and we won the game.”
Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, this isn’t the first time Ayim has found himself basking in a surreal encounter.
In 2024, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by meeting Lionel Messi. A proud Barcelona supporter and devoted Messi fan, Ayim was visibly emotional during their brief meeting.
That encounter took place during the opening fixture of the 2024 Copa America, also hosted in the United States, adding another unforgettable chapter to his journalism journey.
The Club World Cup still in its early stages, and Ayim’s chances of meeting more football greats remain high.
Ghanaian international sets record at FIFA Club World Cup
In the same match, YEN.com.gh reported that Ghanaian international Yaw Yeboah made history at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.
The Los Angeles FC winger came off the bench in their opening clash against Chelsea, marking a significant milestone.
His appearance made him the first Ghanaian to feature in the newly formatted Club World Cup.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh