ede Ayew made his long-awaited debut for Dutch Eredivisie club NAC Breda during their match against FC Groningen. The game finished in a tightly contested 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon.
Three Ghanaian internationals featured for NAC Breda in the encounter. Experienced defender Denis Odoi and forward Kamal Sowah both started, while André Ayew came off the bench in the 57th minute of the second half. This appearance marked the 36-year-old’s first competitive outing since playing for Le Havre on May 17, 2025, bringing an end to several months without official match minutes.
Ayew joined NAC Breda on the eve of the new year, signing to help the club in their fight to avoid relegation from the bottom of the Eredivisie standings. His introduction to the pitch also represented his very first competitive match in the Dutch top division.
With over 120 caps for the Black Stars, three World Cup appearances and eight Africa Cup of Nations tournaments behind him, the forward added significant experience and leadership to the side in a cold afternoon fixture at Groningen’s Euroborg Stadium.
Although the match remained goalless in what many described as a cautious and low-scoring affair, the point gained was important for NAC Breda as they push to climb away from the danger zone.
The game also created a small piece of club history: NAC became just the fourth Eredivisie team ever to field three debutants aged 34 or older in the same season, joining a select group of sides from the 1950s and 60s. This followed earlier first appearances this campaign by Lewis Holtby at 35 and Denis Odoi at 37.
Ayew’s return to top-flight European football after a period without a club shows his ongoing commitment and desire to make an impact.
Together with his fellow Ghanaian teammates already at the club, he brings quality, know-how and a winning mentality to NAC Breda’s squad at this decisive stage of the season. Supporters will be hoping this debut marks the beginning of a strong contribution in the months ahead.