According to the report from yen.com.gh Ghana’s Black Stars captain, Jordan Ayew, has opened up about the football idols who inspired his journey to the top. Growing up in a family rich with football talent, Ayew had no shortage of role models, yet his early influences came from international stars.
Despite being the son of Abedi Ayew ‘Pele’, a three-time African Footballer of the Year, and nephew to former Ghanaian internationals Kwame and Sola Ayew, Jordan Ayew’s childhood idols were Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
In an interview with Joy Sports, Ayew shared that his passion for football was initially shaped by watching two of the most iconic players of the early 2000s. “Growing up, I wanted to be like Ronaldinho, then later [Cristiano] Ronaldo when he was coming up at Manchester United,” Ayew recalled. These two players, known for their flair and skill, ignited Ayew’s dreams of becoming a professional footballer.
As Ayew’s career progressed, particularly after joining the academy at Olympique Marseille, his focus shifted. Playing as a striker, Ayew began to admire players who dominated the central forward role. This led him to idolize African greats like Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto’o, as well as former Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor. “When I started playing in the academy as a striker, I looked up to Drogba, Eto’o, and Adebayor as well,” Ayew explained.
Despite these influences, Ayew maintains a flexible approach to role models, drawing inspiration from various players at different stages of his career.
Ayew’s importance to the Black Stars is undeniable. In the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, he has played a pivotal role in Ghana’s bid for qualification. In a dominant 5-0 win over Chad, Ayew scored from the penalty spot and assisted Ernest Nuamah. He also provided the assists for all three goals in Ghana’s 3-0 victory over Madagascar, helping to solidify Ghana’s position at the top of Group I.
His leadership and contribution on the field go beyond just goals and assists, as Ayew has been instrumental in rebuilding his team’s confidence following Ghana’s failure to qualify for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With five goals in the qualifiers, Ayew is just behind Mohamed Salah in the qualification scoring charts.
As the international break ends, Ayew returns to his club, Leicester City, where he aims to help the team recover from a tough run of results. Leicester is currently on a seven-game losing streak in the Premier League and will face Manchester City on April 2, 2025, in a critical match as they fight to avoid relegation.
Off the pitch, Ayew continues to make a difference through his charitable work. Recently, he made significant donations to Muslim orphanages in Liberia during the holy month of Ramadan, showing his commitment to giving back to those in need.
Jordan Ayew’s journey from aspiring footballer to Black Stars leader highlights the significant role that football idols play in shaping the careers of young players. His evolving influences reflect his growth as both a player and a person, driven by the legacy of his heroes.