Isaac Ayipei
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Place of birth | Ghana | ||
| Position | Forward | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1988–1991 | Berekum Arsenal | ||
| 1991–1992 | Leones Negros UdeG | 15 | (2) |
| 1992–1995 | León | 101 | (35) |
| 1995–1996 | Veracruz | 17 | (4) |
| 1996–1998 | Rubin Kazan | ||
| 1998–1999 | La Piedad | ||
| Total | 133 | (41) | |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Isaac Ayipei is a Ghanaian former professional footballer who played as a forward.[1] He during his career played for teams like Berekum Arsenal, Leones Negros UdeG, León, Veracruz, Rubin Kazan and La Piedad.
Career
Born in Ghana, Ayipei began his career with Berekum Arsenal in 1988.[2]
Three years later, at the age of 26, he joined Mexican club Leones Negros UdeG,[2][3] He became the African footballer to play for a Mexican First Division team in almost 40 years after Moroccan Abdul Abzarrak played for Puebla in 1952.[3] In the 1991–92 season he scored two goals while Leones Negros finished second to last.[2]
In 1992, Ayipei signed for León.[4][5][6]
On 14 March 1993, in a match against Monterrey, a strong shot from Ayipei knocked Monterrey goalkeeper Rubén Ruiz Díaz unconscious.[1] Ruiz Díaz regained consciousness after six hours in hospital.[1] Initial reports had indicated that the goalkeeper had suffered a broken jaw but that was corrected.[7] In the 1992–93 season, Ayipei scored 17 goals helping Leon achieve second place.[2] During his time with the club, he scored 35 goals.[2]
Ayipei left Leon to join Veracruz in 1995.[2] From 1996 to 1998 he played for Russian side Rubin Kazan.[2] He returned to Mexico with La Piedad, retiring from playing after the 1998–99 season.[2]
Style of play
A forward, Ayipey was noted for his physical strength and a strong shot.[2]
References
- ^ a b c "El balonazo de Ayipei que mandó al hospital a Ruíz Díaz" [The Ayipei ball that sent Ruíz Díaz to the hospital]. am.com.mx (in Spanish). 2 April 2020. Archived from the original on 5 April 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Márquez, Gabriel (15 November 2021). "Isaac Ayipei, el africano que maravilló al Club León" [Isaac Ayipei, the African who amazed Club León]. soyfiera.com (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 December 2025.
- ^ a b "¿Quiénes han sido los africanos más destacados en la Liga MX?". ESPN (in Spanish). 25 May 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2025.
- ^ "LOS 7 MEJORES AFRICANOS QUE HAN VENIDO A LIGA MX". futboltotal.com.mx.
- ^ "Isaac Ayipei es contratado por @LeonesNegrosCF en enero de1992".
- ^ "Isaac Ayipei, jugador nacido en Ghana llega a mexico para la UDEG en la temporada 91-92 anotando solo 2 goles y uno de ellos al león..." Facebook.
- ^ Ramos, Jorge (2 August 2019). "El día que Ayipey noqueó a la 'Bomba' Ruiz Díaz" [The day Ayipey knocked out “Bomba” Ruiz Díaz]. Fieramanía (in Spanish). Retrieved 13 December 2025.