Ghana captain André Ayew has opened up about his decision to remain silent over his omission from the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite what he describes as unfair treatment from some individuals within Ghana’s football circles.
Ayew, who was playing regularly for NAC Breda in the Netherlands at the time, said he was aware of calls from sections of the public for his inclusion in Ghana’s World Cup squad.
The experienced forward also pointed out that some players who made the final squad had struggled for regular playing time at club level.
“I was playing regularly for NAC Breda, and I know some people were calling for me to be part. To be fair, some of the players who went to the World Cup, they didn’t have a lot of gametime in the season,” Ayew said on the Mikel Obi Podcast.
The former Marseille, Swansea City and West Ham United star revealed that he felt deeply hurt by comments and actions from some people within the Ghana Football Association, the media and elsewhere.
However, he deliberately chose not to respond publicly because, according to him, his love for Ghana was greater than his personal frustrations.
“People said a lot of things. A lot of people in the [GFA, media and elsewhere] did me a lot of wrong. I felt it. But I did not say one word [because] I cannot spit on my country because of certain people.
Ghana is more important,” he added.
Ayew’s comments come amid renewed debate over his place in the Black Stars, with several prominent figures having previously backed his return to the national team. Sports Minister Kofi Adams and National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah were among those who publicly supported the possibility of his inclusion ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The 36-year-old remains Ghana’s most experienced active international and has represented the country at multiple major tournaments, including the 2010, 2014 and 2022 FIFA World Cups.
His latest comments are likely to reignite discussions about his relationship with the Black Stars and the circumstances surrounding his absence from Ghana’s World Cup campaign.
