From small-town Lüdenscheid to the big world of football

Ansah began his career in the youth ranks of SC Lüdenscheid before moving to VfL Bochum, TSC Eintracht Dortmund and Sportfreunde Siegen, from where he joined SC Paderborn’s U19s. There, the striker impressed with four goals in twelve games in the A-Jugend Bundesliga.

He was soon given the chance to prove himself at senior level, making his debut for Paderborn's second team in the Oberliga Westfalen in April 2023. A professional contract followed in the summer, and he made his 2. Liga debut in September 2023. Ansah started his first game in a 1-1 draw against 1. FC Magdeburg. Just nine matchdays later, he scored his first goal for the pros – at the venerable Volksparkstadion, no less - when the 6’4” right-footer scored the decisive goal in a 2-1 away win against Hamburger SV.

In 2024/25, Ansah was an integral part of the Paderborn team, playing in 33 of 34 2. Liga matches, scoring six goals and setting up another six. He fought for promotion with SCP until the last matchday but they were narrowly beaten by SV Elversberg in the race for the relegation play-off spot.

Ansah also made a name for himself on the international stage. Since November 2023, he has played twelve times for the German U20s, scoring five times. Now he wants to take the next step up with Union.

Three facts about Ilyas

• Ansah has already played alongside Aljoscha Kemlein and Tom Rothe in youth national teams.

• In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his friends, whether playing sports such as bowling or table tennis or relaxing in a café.

• At the DFB, the quiet and likable Ansah is known internally as ‘the gentle giant’

Reactions to the transfer

"Union are a special club that stand for passion, solidarity and honest football – exactly what I associate with this sport,” said Ansah on his move to the capital. “When I was approached, I didn't have to think twice. For me, the move to Berlin is a huge opportunity to develop further at a high level, gain new experiences and contribute to the team's success. I'm looking forward to getting to know the environment, taking part in pre-season training and then hopefully playing at the Stadion An der Alten Försterei as soon as possible.”

“In Ilyas, we are getting a young but already very developed attacking player who performed consistently well last season. He brings pace, physicality and goal-scoring ability – qualities we need in our game. We are convinced that he can take the next step with us and are delighted to welcome him to Union," said Horst Heldt, director of men’s professional football at 1. FC Union Berlin.