Stories and facts
Jordan Pierre Ayew, born on 11 September 1991, is a professional footballer known for his versatility as a winger or forward for Premier League club Crystal Palace and the Ghana national team.
Ayew's professional journey began with Marseille, where he made a memorable debut in 2009, scoring in a league match. He later had brief stints with Sochaux and Lorient in Ligue 1 before moving to England in 2015 to join Aston Villa.
Despite his efforts and finishing as the team’s top scorer, Aston Villa was relegated from the Premier League in his first season. Ayew experienced a similar fate with Swansea City in 2018, despite again being the top scorer.
Following Swansea's relegation, Ayew signed with Crystal Palace, where he has since made over 200 appearances. He became an essential part of the team, making significant contributions, including historic goals and helping the team secure crucial victories.
Ayew, born in France, debuted for the Ghana national team in 2010. Over his international career, he has earned more than 100 caps and participated in two FIFA World Cups (2014 and 2022) and six Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, notably aiding Ghana in securing a runners-up position in 2015.
His football talent runs in the family. Ayew is the son of Abedi Pele, a former Ghana national football captain, and the brother of fellow professional footballers André and Ibrahim Ayew.
Ayew's career highlights include significant moments such as joining Marseille as a trainee in 2006 and scoring in his senior debut against Lorient in 2009. His time at Marseille saw him score critical goals, including one in a match against Nice and starting a UEFA Champions League match with his brother André against Arsenal in 2011.
Ayew's loan to Sochaux in 2014 was a brief but noteworthy period before his transfer to Lorient, where he cited the club’s playing style as a decisive factor.
In 2015, Ayew moved to Aston Villa on a five-year deal. Despite Villa's relegation, he finished the season as the team's top scorer. He then joined Swansea City in January 2017, where he played a pivotal role in the club's fight against relegation. His performances earned him the Players' Player of the Season award despite Swansea's relegation at the end of the 2017–18 season.
Ayew joined Crystal Palace on loan in 2018, and his impressive performances led to a permanent move in 2019. His tenure at Crystal Palace has been marked by numerous significant achievements, including becoming the highest-scoring Ghanaian in Premier League history and winning several club awards.
Internationally, Ayew has been a crucial player for Ghana since his debut in 2010. He has participated in major tournaments, scoring vital goals, including a hat-trick in a pre-World Cup match against South Korea in 2014 and crucial goals in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.
Ayew's personal life is deeply rooted in football heritage. He is the son of Maha Ayew and the legendary Abedi Pele, with footballing uncles and siblings, including André and Ibrahim. He is a practising Muslim, married to Denise Acquah, with whom he has two children. Ayew holds dual nationality, being both Ghanaian and French.
Throughout his career, Ayew has demonstrated resilience and skill, establishing himself as a significant figure in both club and international football. His journey reflects a blend of talent, determination, and a strong football legacy, making him a notable player in the sport's history.
Explore the life of Jordan Ayew below.
