Before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some young footballers both home and abroad were very optimistic of having one of the happiest seasons of their careers. One of those young chaps was Derrick Kohn. Week after week, he performed consistently. His statistics spoke for themselves. Coaches praised his discipline. As a matter of fact, supporters believed his national team call – up was only a matter of time.
As the Ghana Black Stars squad was announced, the 27- year old, among a couple of promising young footballers, was omitted, despite having a solid 2025-26 season, making about 29 appearances for Union Berlin. Social media erupted with debates. Some argued that experience mattered more than current form. Others insisted that connections, influence, and reputation had outweighed merit. Most people suspected foul play disguised as order from the powers that be.
It was even said that one of the left out players alleged that some top officials demanded a 50 – 50 share of his appearances fee. Some reports had the assertion that this footballer in question, was eventually omitted from the squad because he couldn’t reach a consensus with the executive committee members.
Well, decisions in professional sports often involve factors that the public never sees. They take into consideration the tactics, team balance, synergy among players, leadership qualities, experience, and long – term planning. It would be unfair to assume that every unpopular decision is driven by favouritism. Derrick Kohn’s omission in particular, was later claimed to be a strict tactical decision by the coach.
The public reaction, however, exposed a deeper human concern that transcends football. People long to believe that effort matters. As I pondered this, I realised that power is rarely announced with loud speeches. More often, it whispers. Like the wind, power is invisible, but its effects are easy to see in the lives it bends.
In fact, we all have power in one way or another. Sometimes, it is the ability to interrupt or to listen. Atimes, it is seen in the desire to recommend others or overlook them. It could also be the choice to respond warmly to one person while barely acknowledging another. These may seem like ordinary moments, but they subtly shape how people experience their own dignity.
Psychologically, it is proven that human beings notice status. We are drawn to confidence, titles, influence, wealth, beauty, and familiarity. Our minds create shortcuts, often without our permission. We assume competence because someone is well known. We have the tendency of becoming patient with people of affluence while being intolerant with those who have little to offer us.
Now, let’s bring it home. Don’t we unintentionally mirror the same patterns we criticise? More often than not, we answer messages from ‘important’ people more quickly than from ordinary acquaintances. Sometimes, we become more courteous when someone has influence. On how many occasions have we assumed less of people whose clothes, education, or occupation fail to impress us.
I believe the greatest danger of power is not corruption but unconsciousness. We become so accustomed to our influence that we no longer notice how our everyday choices shape another person’s sense of worth.
Interestingly, I have come to the conclusion that the true measure of power is not how many people obey us, but how many people leave our presence still believing in their own worth. That is the kind of influence I hope to carry. The kind that does not make people feel invisible, but reminds them that they have always been seen.
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