Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel says Andre Ayew could become a leading figure in the future development of football in Ghana and believes the ex-Black Stars captain has the character to deliver meaningful change.
Mikel made the comments after arriving in Ghana on Friday to work on a project with Ayew. He praised the 36-year-old’s achievements on the pitch and away from football, while also identifying his leadership qualities as an important asset.
The former Nigeria international said Ayew deserves to be regarded alongside the outstanding players in Ghana’s football history, including Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah and Asamoah Gyan.
“He’s the main man. You talk about the legends in Ghana football, you talk about Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Asamoah Gyan, the guys that I played against. Of course, then you talk about Andre Ayew. I think he’s a top player,” Mikel said.
Mikel also suggested Ayew’s influence could extend well beyond his playing career, pointing to his personal qualities as well as his footballing experience.
“He’s a great guy. He’s a top player, a great human being. I think if you talk about African football, I think he might be the guy that can bring some change to Ghanaian football.”
The remarks come as former players take on increasingly prominent roles in football administration and development across Africa. A number of ex-internationals have moved into leadership and governance positions since ending their playing careers.
Ayew is Ghana’s most-capped senior international and has enjoyed one of the country’s most successful football careers.
He was part of the Ghana side that made history by becoming the first African nation to win the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2009. He subsequently became a central figure for the senior national team, playing an important role for the Black Stars for more than a decade.
The forward represented Ghana at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups. He also played in several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, including the Ghana teams that finished runners-up in 2010 and 2015.
Ayew was not selected for Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but he has continued to maintain a strong connection with the national game. He remains involved in supporting the country’s national teams and has retained a visible presence in Ghanaian football.
The former Swansea City and West Ham United forward is also involved with Nania FC, the club founded by his father and Ghana legend Abedi Pele.
His long experience at the highest level has led to increasing speculation that Ayew could eventually move into football administration. Some observers regard him as a potential future figure within the Ghana Football Association.
Mikel’s support adds to the attention surrounding Ayew’s possible contribution to Ghanaian football after his playing career, with the former Nigeria midfielder presenting him as someone capable of helping to shape the game’s future in the country.
