The Lavish Lifestyle and Football Career of Daniel Afriyie Barnieh
- Daniel Afriyie Barnieh rose to prominence between 2020 and 2023, helping Hearts of Oak secure the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League title
- The ex-Ghana U-20 captain also landed two major Cup trophies for the Continental Club Masters before moving abroad
- Off the pitch, Barnieh maintains an active and stylish presence on Instagram, regularly posting about luxury outings
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Former Accra Hearts of Oak striker Daniel Afriyie Barnieh has navigated a career that has seen both triumphs and setbacks in the last three years.
From leading Ghana’s U-20 team to continental glory to experiencing challenges in the Swiss Super League, his journey paints the picture of an ambitious player with a sense of style and flair that extends beyond the pitch.
Source: Instagram
It's been three years since he left the Ghana Premier League, and YEN.com.gh explores the football career and opulent lifestyle of the Black Stars striker who has just joined Swiss second-tier side FC Aarau on a 2-year deal.
Daniel Afriyie at Hearts of Oak
The talented forward rose to prominence between 2020 and 2023 at Accra Hearts of Oak as one of the team's most important players.
His breakthrough year came when he helped Hearts secure the 2020/21 Ghana Premier League title, with a wealthy fan of the club gifting him a new car, according to GhanaSoccernet.
Along with that, Barnieh was integral in securing the 2020 FA Cup victory, cementing his place as a key figure at the club.
In terms of international football, his contributions to the Black Satellites, Ghana’s U-20 team, were critical during the 2021 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.
Under his leadership as captain, Ghana triumphed in the tournament, marking another significant achievement in his blossoming career.
Daniel Afriyie Barnieh's move to FC Zurich
In early 2023, Afriyie’s career took a significant turn as he made the move to Europe, officially signing with Swiss side Zürich on January 3, 2023, for an undisclosed fee, committing to a contract that runs until June 2026.
The transfer represented the next step in his career, offering him the opportunity to play in one of Europe’s more competitive leagues.
However, despite the excitement surrounding the move, things did not go as smoothly as expected for the 24-year-old.
Since joining Zurich, the former Aduman Senior High School student has found himself on the fringes of the first team.
Between April and May 2025, he was absent from Zurich’s matchday squads, missing a total of 11 consecutive matches according to Flashscore.
Daniel Afriyie's lack of first-team opportunities raised questions about his progress since leaving the Ghanaian football championship.
In an exclusive interview with Gariba Raubil of YEN.com.gh, former Hearts of Oak goalkeeper Eric Ofori Antwi voiced his disappointment over Afriyie's limited playing time at Zurich.
''It is unfortunate Barnieh has not been playing in recent weeks. Soemtimes a lot is happening behind the scenes that the fans do not know. It is easier for people to start tagging him as a flop, but the reality is that the player might be facing some obstacles.'' Ofori Antwi said.
Daniel Afriyie loses Black Stars place
Afriyie’s international prospects have also seen a downturn since his move to Switzerland. Once a key figure for the Black Satellites, the young forward’s transition to the senior national team seemed inevitable.
However, his struggles with Zurich and lack of regular football have contributed to his decline in stature within the Black Stars setup under Otto Addo.
The drop from being an influential U-20 captain to a fringe player for both his club and country is a difficult reality that many footballers face when they leap into bigger leagues.
Afriyie’s lack of consistent first-team action has hampered his development, but at just 24 years old, time is still on his side.
Daniel Afriyie's lavish social media presence
Away from the pitch, Daniel Afriyie Barnieh is known for his active presence on social media, particularly on Instagram.
Source: Instagram
His account offers a glimpse into his luxurious lifestyle, where he often posts pictures of stylish outfits, exotic travels, and high-end experiences.
His posts reveal a young man enjoying the fruits of his labor as a professional athlete, regularly attending lavish events, and indulging in the finer things in life.
Afriyie’s Instagram is more than just a place for him to share his life; it serves as a window into his personality.
His online presence is characterised by a constant stream of new content, ranging from fashionable clothing choices to snaps of exciting outings with friends and fellow celebrities.
It’s clear that he understands the importance of his image both on and off the field, and he has embraced the life that comes with being a professional footballer.
Inside Razak Brimah's lifestyle
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on the glamourous living of another former Ghana international, Razak Brimah, who currently resides in Spain with his family.
The former Cordoba goalkeeper, who captained Ghana to the 2015 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, frequently posts touching moments with his wife and daughter on Instagram.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
