I have never compared myself to Andre or my father - Jordan Ayew
Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has insisted that he is focused on creating his own legacy in football, stressing that he has never sought to emulate his father, Ghanaian football icon Abedi Pele, or his elder brother, André Ayew.
The Ayew family name is one of the most celebrated in African football. Abedi Pele remains revered as one of the continent’s greatest players, having won the African Footballer of the Year award three times and lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy with Marseille.
André Ayew has also enjoyed an illustrious international career, becoming Ghana’s most-capped player and serving as captain of the Black Stars for several years.
However, Jordan Ayew says his ambition has always been to forge his own identity and be remembered for his individual achievements rather than comparisons with his famous relatives.
Speaking to GFA Media, the former Leicester City forward emphasized that his goal has always been to become the best version of himself while making his family proud.
“I don’t compare myself to my dad. And I've never said I want to be like Andre or my dad. I've always wanted to do my own life and my own career and try to be the best version of myself and make my family proud. I can't be like my father. I can't be like Andre,” the former Leicester City forward told GFA Media.
The 34-year-old played a crucial role in Ghana’s successful qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, delivering important goals and leadership as the Black Stars secured their place at football’s biggest tournament.
Now preparing for what could be his third World Cup appearance, Ayew is expected to be one of Ghana’s key figures as the four-time African champions seek to advance beyond the group stage for the first time since their historic run to the quarter-finals in 2010.
As captain, Ayew will carry the hopes of a nation eager to see the Black Stars make a strong impression on the global stage. Despite the pressure and expectations that come with both the captaincy and his family name, the forward remains committed to writing his own chapter in Ghanaian football history.
Ghana face a stern test in Group L, where they have been drawn alongside England, Croatia and Panama in what many observers consider one of the toughest groups of the tournament.
Carlos Quiroz’s side are already in the United States as they continue preparations for their opening group match against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field.
The Black Stars will then face England at Gillette Stadium on June 23 before wrapping up their group-stage campaign against Croatia on June 27.
Before the tournament gets underway, Ghana will take on Jamaica in an international friendly on June 10, providing the coaching staff with a final opportunity to assess the squad and fine-tune preparations ahead of the World Cup.
For Jordan Ayew, the tournament presents another chance to strengthen his own legacy—one built not on comparisons, but on leadership, resilience and performances in the famous Black Stars jersey.