Exploring the return migration experience of football migrants: a case study of Ghanaian footballers

This paper extends the literature on return migration by exploring the return decisions and reintegration process of Ghanaian football migrants into the Ghanaian society. Drawing on in-depth interviews with 10 football migrants, we examine their motivations for eventual return, life after return, their challenges and contribution to their country of origin. We adopt the structural approach on return migration as the conceptual framework. Findings show that Ghanaian football migrants return due to their attachment to Ghana, a desire to be with family and a willingness to contribute in a meaningful way toward development in Ghana despite challenges experienced upon return.