Derrick Luckassen Profile, Stats and Career Overview
Derrick Luckassen is a Ghanaian centre-back who plays for Pafos FC. Born on 3 July 1995 in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Luckassen is a right-footed defender known for centre-back positioning, aerial presence, defensive duels and passing from defence.
Career Progression
Luckassen developed in the AZ youth system before moving into senior football with the first team. He played in the Eredivisie, domestic cup competitions and European fixtures during his time at the club.
He later joined PSV and added further Eredivisie and European competition experience. During this period, he also had loan spells with Hertha BSC, Anderlecht, Kasımpaşa and Fatih Karagümrük.
Luckassen then joined Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he played in the Israeli Premier League, domestic cup fixtures, league cup matches and UEFA Conference League.
In 2024, he moved to Pafos FC and became part of the club’s defensive group in Cyprus. His time at Pafos has included domestic league football, cup fixtures, the Cypriot Super Cup, UEFA Conference League and UEFA Champions League.
Playing Style
Luckassen operates mainly as a centre-back, with additional background as a defensive midfielder. His role includes defensive positioning, marking, aerial duels, clearances and passing from defence.
His strengths include centre-back positioning, aerial presence, defensive duels, right-footed passing, set-piece threat and European competition experience. He gives his team a defender who can protect central areas, compete physically and contribute on attacking set pieces.
What Derrick Luckassen Can Bring to the 2026 World Cup
Derrick Luckassen could bring senior defensive experience, physicality and European competition exposure to Ghana’s 2026 World Cup squad. His club career across several countries gives him experience in different tactical systems and competitive environments.
His strengths suit tournament football because he can defend central spaces, compete in aerial duels, cover defensive transitions and support build-up play from the back line. His set-piece threat also adds value in tight matches.
If selected, Luckassen could offer Ghana a centre-back option with maturity, physical presence and experience across domestic and European competitions. His defensive positioning and aerial ability make him useful when Ghana need structure and control in the back line.
International Career
Luckassen represents Ghana at senior level. He received his first Ghana call-up in March 2026 and has one senior cap for the national team. He also represented the Netherlands at U18, U19, U20 and U21 level earlier in his career.