I am yet to meet him personally but Jordan Ayew, often subjected to criticism and scrutiny by a section of Ghanaians, is an uncelebrated hero of the Black Stars, I believe.
Detractors contend that as a central figure responsible for spearheading the attack, Jordan should be more prolific in finding the back of the net, however, he is not seen to be scoring frequently enough.
Again, he is also criticized for his propensity to hold onto the ball for extended durations without releasing it to his teammates, when as a striker, he should prioritize quick and incisive passing in order to maintain a fluid and dynamic rhythm within the team’s attacking play. By holding onto the ball for too long, Jordan could impede the team’s ability to create scoring opportunities and limit their overall attacking effectiveness.
And quite recently, some fans indicate that his age is advanced, hence, should make way for younger players within the Black Stars. With emerging talents eager to make their mark on the international stage, there is a growing sentiment that Ayew’s time as a prominent figure in the team has elapsed, and should make way to allow fresh faces to shine and contribute to the team’s success.
However, upon a closer reflection and objective consideration of his contributions as a striker, it becomes evident that he has made significant strides for the nation and deserves to be celebrated.
In this episode, I delve into the life and career of Jordan Ayew, highlighting his achievements and impact on Ghanaian football.
Born on September 11, 1991, in Marseille, France, Jordan Ayew is the son of the renowned former Ghana captain, Abedi Pele, and his mother, Maha Ayew. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in football, it was only natural for Jordan to follow in his father’s footsteps.
At the tender age of 19, he made his debut for the Ghana National Team, the Black Stars, in 2010. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see him become a crucial figure in Ghanaian football.
From his debut in 2010 to April 2024, Jordan Ayew has made an impressive 102 appearances for the Ghana National Team. Throughout these matches, he has showcased his goal-scoring prowess, finding the back of the net 24 times.
This equates to an average of a goal every 4.25 matches, a testament to his consistent performance on the field. In addition to his senior team appearances, he also played a match for the Under 20 team, the Black Satellites, and made a significant impact by scoring.
Jordan Ayew’s dedication and talent have earned him the opportunity to represent Ghana in two FIFA World Cup tournaments. He proudly donned the national colors in 2014 and 2022, contributing to the team’s efforts on the global stage.
Additionally, he has been a key figure in six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, making appearances in 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2023. His involvement in these major competitions extends beyond the final tournaments, as he has played a crucial role in the qualifying matches leading up to them. Jordan Ayew’s presence and contributions have been instrumental in the national team’s success and progress in these prestigious tournaments.
At the club level, Jordan Ayew’s dedication and talent have shone through. Since his professional debut in 2006 for Marseille, he has played an impressive 446 matches for various clubs. His journey has taken him to clubs in France, England, and Turkey, where he has consistently delivered strong performances.
He has contributed over 70 goals at the club level, leaving a lasting impact and putting Ghana on the world map of football. His skill, versatility, and ability to thrive in different footballing environments have further enhanced his reputation as a top-class player.
One of the standout moments in Jordan Ayew’s career came in 2014 when Ghana played a warm-up match against South Korea ahead of the FIFA World Cup. In that match, he scored his first and only hat-trick for the national team, helping secure a resounding 4-0 victory. This remarkable feat showcased his attacking prowess and ability to perform at the highest level.
Notably, Jordan Ayew has maintained an impeccable record when it comes to penalty shootouts. Throughout his career, especially for the Black Stars of Ghana, he has never missed a penalty. His 100% conversion rate from the spot is a remarkable achievement, highlighting his composure and skill in high-pressure situations. His ability to deliver from the penalty spot has undoubtedly been an asset to the national team.
When considering the all-time leading goal scorers for the Ghana National Team, Jordan Ayew occupies an impressive position. With 24 goals to his name as of 1st April, 2024, he ranks sixth on the list, behind legendary figures such as Asamoah Gyan (51 goals), Edward Acquah (45 goals), Kwasi Owusu (36 goals), Tony Yeboah (29 goals), and Karim Abdul Razak (25 goals).
This accomplishment further solidifies his status as a prolific goal scorer for his country. Jordan Ayew’s consistent goal-scoring contributions have played a vital role in the success of the Black Stars and have earned him a place among the nation’s footballing greats.
Jordan Ayew’s consistent appearances for the national team demonstrate his love and commitment to representing Ghana on the international stage. His dedication and passion for his country’s colors have been evident throughout his career.
Clearly, Jordan Ayew’s journey in Ghanaian football has been marked by dedication, perseverance, and notable achievements. Despite facing criticism, his contributions to the national team, his goal-scoring prowess, and his unwavering commitment to representing Ghana deserve admiration and celebration.
Jordan, the uncelebrated hero of Ghanaian football, continues to leave a lasting impact and inspire future generations of footballers. His impressive tally of over 100 appearances for the national team, his goal-scoring record, and his performances in major tournaments highlight his importance to Ghanaian football.
His legacy as a talented striker and his unwavering love for his country make him an integral part of Ghana’s footballing history. As he continues to excel at both the club and international levels, his contributions will undoubtedly be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
Beyond football, he is a practicing Muslim and is married to Denise Acquah, with whom he has two children. His family provides him with a strong support system and serves as a source of inspiration for his performances on and off the field.
I believe we must give him his flowers. He deserves it.
Thank you for reading today’s episode. Continue to follow the insightful articles I share on this page.
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Writer: Daniel Fenyi
The writer is a licensed counselor, professional writer and conference speaker who guides the youth through his writings. If you have any concerns, reach him via email [email protected]