Ghanaians are having fun with one question after Yaw Dabo launched his new Cool Baroe Natural Water brand.
The Ghanaian actor and entrepreneur has recently expanded his business interests beyond entertainment with the launch of Cool Baroe Natural Water, but the move has also revived one of the funniest football-related moments of his 2026 FIFA World Cup adventure.
The question making the rounds online is simple:
Why didn’t Yaw Dabo call the water company “John Terry”?
It is, of course, a joke — but one that has a very memorable backstory.
From John Terry to “John Telly”
During Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, Dabo became one of the tournament’s unexpected social-media personalities after an encounter involving former England and Chelsea captain John Terry.
As Dabo attempted to get Terry’s attention, he repeatedly referred to the football legend as “John Telly” rather than John Terry.
The moment quickly became a viral social-media sensation, with the unusual pronunciation turning into a catchphrase among Ghanaian and international football fans.
The timing was particularly memorable because Ghana and England had faced each other at the World Cup in Boston, with the Group L encounter ending 0–0.
And John Terry Himself Joined the Joke
What made the episode even more entertaining was Terry’s response.
Rather than ignoring the viral moment, the former Chelsea captain embraced it.
In a video message to Dabo, Terry jokingly introduced himself as “John Telly” before correcting himself and saying he was John Terry. He then wished Dabo’s football academy well and expressed hope of visiting Ghana to meet the young players.
That response transformed what could have been an ordinary mispronunciation into a memorable exchange between the Ghanaian entertainer and one of England’s most recognisable football figures.
Terry’s status in football also makes the story particularly significant. Chelsea describes him as one of the club’s greatest captains, noting that he made 717 appearances for Chelsea, won five Premier League titles and later entered the Premier League Hall of Fame.
So Why “Cool Baroe” Instead?
That is where the new water business comes in.
Dabo’s new brand is called Cool Baroe Natural Water, and the launch has generated attention beyond the business itself.
With the “John Telly” moment still fresh in the memories of many fans, some online reactions have jokingly suggested that a water brand named “John Terry” — or even “John Telly” — could have been an even bigger marketing opportunity.
After all, the name already has recognition.
And the story practically writes its own advertising campaign:
“John Telly Natural Water.”
But Dabo went with Cool Baroe, giving the brand an identity separate from the football joke.
Turning Viral Fame Into Business
The bigger story, however, is not really about what Dabo could have named his water.
It is about how the actor is attempting to convert entertainment popularity into commercial opportunities.
Dabo’s World Cup appearances significantly expanded his visibility, with his interactions involving Terry and other football personalities becoming widely shared online. Reports after the tournament indicated that businesses had begun approaching him about potential partnerships following his increased exposure.
His move into sachet water therefore represents another step in a broader entrepreneurial journey.
And that makes the Cool Baroe launch more than just another celebrity-branded product.
It is an example of a Ghanaian entertainer attempting to turn personal visibility, audience attention and cultural relevance into a business venture.
The “John Telly” Moment May Still Have a Life of Its Own
Interestingly, the story may not be over.
Terry later expressed interest in visiting Dabo and his football academy in Ghana, and Dabo subsequently said the visit would take place.
That means the viral “John Telly” moment has already evolved from a funny World Cup encounter into a continuing relationship between the two personalities.
And now, every time Dabo’s new water brand is mentioned, Ghanaians have another opportunity to revive the joke.
Maybe Cool Baroe was the right name after all.
Or perhaps, as social media users are suggesting, “John Telly Natural Water” would have been the ultimate missed marketing opportunity.
Either way, Dabo’s latest venture shows how a viral moment can continue creating attention long after the original video has disappeared from people’s timelines.
Related Reading
Yaw Dabo Launches “Cool Baroe” Sachet Water Brand
John Terry’s Chelsea Legacy and Premier League Hall of Fame
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ghana vs England
John Terry’s Message to Yaw Dabo After the Viral “John Telly” Moment
