Aaron Essel
Ghanaian footballer (born 2005)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Aaron Essel (born 30 July 2005) is a Ghanaian professional footballer who plays as defender for USL Championship side Sacramento Republic, on loan from Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone, and is also a part of the Ghana national team.[2]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 30 July 2005 | ||
| Place of birth | Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana | ||
| Height | 1.79 m (5 ft 10 in)[1] | ||
| Position | Defender | ||
| Team information | |||
Current team |
Sacramento Republic (on loan from St Johnstone) | ||
| Number | 15 | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2021–2024 | Bechem United | 69 | (0) |
| 2024– | St Johnstone | 15 | (0) |
| 2025 | → North Texas SC (loan) | 16 | (2) |
| 2026– | → Sacramento Republic (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| International career‡ | |||
| 2022– | Ghana U20 | 8 | (0) |
| 2023 | Ghana U23 | 3 | (0) |
| 2025– | Ghana | 1 | (0) |
|
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 10 March 2026 ‡ National team caps and goals as of 30 June 2023 | |||
Early life
Essel attended St. John's School, Sekondi, where he captained and played for the school's football team, leading them to the final of the Western Regional Inter-schools and Colleges Super Zonals Boys Soccer Competition but lost the tournament to Takoradi Technical Institute via a 6–5 scoreline on penalty shootouts after a goalless draw at the end of extra time.[3]
Career
In March 2021, Essel joined Bechem United during the second round transfer period for the 2020–21 season.[2] On 4 April 2021, he made his debut after playing the full 90 minutes in a 2–0 victory over Liberty Professionals.[4][5] He played the full 90 minutes in their comfortable 4–0 home victory over rivals Aduana Stars on 18 April 2021.[6]
International career
In May 2025,[7] Essel was called up to the Ghana national team for the 2025 Unity Cup.[8]