Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew says some individuals tried to have his younger brother, Jordan Ayew, removed from Ghana’s Black Stars during his international career.
The former Ghana captain said Jordan faced repeated criticism but remained focused on contributing to the national team, eventually playing a significant role in their qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jordan, who is the current Black Stars captain, scored seven goals and provided seven assists during the qualifying campaign. Ghana scored 22 goals in total as they secured their place at the tournament.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Dede praised his brother’s commitment despite the pressure surrounding him, particularly after Ghana failed to qualify for the AFCON.
“Jordan has done and is doing so much. The players, the younger ones, Jordan is very reserved. He’s a calm guy, doesn’t talk much, very observant, sees everything, understands everything. But won 24 caps, 30-whatever goals. Every game he’s there, being the captain right now, who qualified. Let’s say we scored 22 goals in the qualifiers. Jordan had seven goals and seven assists.
“To get to the World Cup. And we were not confident that we’d get to the World Cup because of the AFCON disappointment that we didn’t qualify for the AFCON. So it would be Jordan who took all that stress. Because they were even trying to get him out. So, a lot is going on, and he’s strong. People seem like that. Literally, I’m so, so proud of him because he has really done a lot for the country and given a lot,” he said.
Dede said Jordan had been forced to deal with the burden of expectations at a difficult time for Ghana, while continuing to produce important performances for the Black Stars.
He also said his brother’s future with the national team would be a personal decision as he approaches the later stages of his career.
“He’s thirty-four now. He wants to continue or not. That’s his decision. We don’t even talk about these kinds of things. But I’m so proud of him,” Dede said.
Jordan’s contribution helped Ghana reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite the disappointment of missing out on the AFCON.