Image Credit: opaleak.com
A leaked image of Ghana’s alleged Puma-designed World Cup jersey has sparked mixed reactions among football fans and the general public, with debate centring on its reported inspiration from the folkloric character Kwaku Ananse.
The jersey, which surfaced online over the 2nd day of the year 2026, features abstract line patterns forming a web-like design, a clear reference many believe points to Ananse the spider, a central figure in Akan folklore known for wisdom, creativity and trickery. From the official leak site, they describe the design as a Kente-inspired Kwaku Ananse design. While some Ghanaians have praised the concept for drawing from indigenous culture, others have criticised the execution, describing the design as confusing, unattractive or disconnected from national identity.
Kwaku Ananse is one of the most enduring figures in Ghanaian folklore, known both as a man and a spider, and celebrated for his mastery of storytelling. Through his tales, Ananse represents intelligence, creativity and the power of narrative to shape reality, as his stories were believed to be so persuasive that they could make people see mountains that were not there, search the depths of the sea for imagined treasures, or crown him king simply because he spoke it into being. At the same time, he embodies human flaws, greed, cunning and laziness, often falling victim to his own tricks and suffering humiliation as a moral lesson, especially for children.
This balance of wisdom and imperfection, imagination and consequence, makes Ananse a symbolic figure, one that reflects Ghanaian identity, oral tradition and the influence of stories in shaping thought and culture. It is this rich symbolism and visual association with webs, storytelling and creativity that likely informed PUMA’s decision to draw inspiration from Kwaku Ananse in reimagining a national football jersey meant to tell a Ghanaian story on a global stage.
The Kente Spider concept of the jersey blends tradition and modernity by drawing from the cultural story of Kente cloth. Kente, now one of Ghana’s iconic symbols, historically associated with royalty, identity and storytelling, is not presented in its familiar woven form but abstracted into web-like patterns that echo the symbolism of the spider that links the fabric’s origins to creativity, intelligence and interconnectedness. Through layered lines and bold colour accents, the design translates heritage into a modern visual language, allowing the home kit to honour Ghana’s cultural roots while projecting innovation and movement that is suited to the global football stage.
On social media platforms, several users questioned whether the Ananse symbolism was necessary or properly communicated, arguing that national team jerseys should project simplicity, pride and visual strength. Others expressed concern that the design does not reflect the traditional colours and aesthetics many associate with the Black Stars.
However, supporters of the jersey have defended Puma’s approach, saying it represents a bold attempt to tell a Ghanaian story on the global stage. They argue that Kwaku Ananse is a powerful cultural symbol whose use highlights Ghana’s rich oral traditions and intellectual heritage, even if the design may not appeal to everyone.
Neither the Ghana Football Association nor Puma has officially confirmed the authenticity of the leaked jersey from Opaleak or commented on the inspiration behind it. Until an official unveiling is made, the design remains speculative, though the conversation it has generated shows how deeply football, culture and national identity are intertwined in Ghana.
If confirmed, the jersey is expected to be worn by the Black Stars at the upcoming World Cup at USA, Canada and Mexico in the summer, where both performance and presentation will be under intense scrutiny.
Editor: Ama Gyesiwaa Quansah.
