Two members of Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, have reportedly fallen victim to theft while in Vienna, Austria, with their luxury watches stolen in what is being described as a targeted incident.

According to reports, the players were in the Austrian capital for a friendly game when the robbery occurred. Details surrounding the exact circumstances remain unclear, but sources indicate the incident happened in a public setting, raising concerns about security and the safety of high-profile athletes abroad.

The incident occurred in the Austrian capital shortly before Friday’s match, with authorities confirming that the stolen items included high-end Rolex watches valued in the low- to mid-five-figure euro range, along with an unspecified amount of cash. The thefts reportedly took place in two separate rooms within the same hotel in the city’s 22nd district, near the match venue.

Police stated that no force was used in carrying out the thefts and declined to disclose the identities of the affected players or the name of the hotel. Investigations are ongoing, with officers working to determine how the perpetrators gained access to the rooms.

The development has raised concerns about team security arrangements, particularly given that such incidents are uncommon in Vienna—a city widely regarded for its strong safety record and consistently ranked among the most liveable in the world.

The off-field incident came at a challenging time for Ghana, who later suffered a heavy 5–1 defeat to Austria in the friendly match, part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

While officials have not directly linked the theft to any broader security lapses, the episode is expected to prompt a review of player safety protocols as the Black Stars continue their international engagements.