Ghana international and Leicester City forward, Jordan Ayew, has paid glowing tribute to his legendary father, Abedi Pele, crediting him for shaping the football journeys of both himself and his brothers, Ibrahim Ayew and Andre Ayew.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with his club’s official website, Jordan acknowledged the unique challenges and expectations that came with being the son of one of Africa’s most celebrated footballers. Abedi Pele, a former African Footballer of the Year and UEFA Champions League winner with Olympique Marseille, laid a remarkable foundation that has inspired his children to pursue professional football careers at the highest level.
“My Dad has done a lot, for not only me, but my whole family,” Jordan said. “It’s not easy to come after your father in a sense of the expectations being so high back home and even in Europe.”
Jordan and his elder brother Andre Ayew have both had the privilege of playing for Marseille, their father’s former club, before taking different paths in their respective careers. Jordan has gone on to make over 300 Premier League appearances, featuring for clubs such as Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace, and currently Leicester City.
Despite the inevitable pressure that came with being a second-generation footballer, Jordan emphasized how he and Andre remained focused on forging their own identities in the sport.
“I think me and my brother have coped really well with it and tried to focus on ourselves and ensure that we had our own journey,” he added.
Jordan was also quick to highlight the equally important role played by his mother in supporting their careers. “My Mum tells me that, but mums are always positive! Personally, that’s how I feel, that my parents can be proud of the journey me and my brother have made.”
The Black Stars striker expressed optimism about the future, stating that both he and Andre, who recently captained Ghana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, still have a lot more to contribute on and off the pitch.
“There’s still more to come from us, and hopefully we can give them more moments to enjoy,” he stated.
As Jordan Ayew continues to contribute to Leicester City’s promotion campaign and Ghana’s national team ambitions, his story reflects a powerful legacy of talent, resilience, and family support. The Ayew family remains one of the most influential dynasties in African football, with Abedi Pele’s impact resonating through his sons’ enduring presence on the global football stage.
