'A lot of people in the GFA, media and elsewhere did me a lot of wrong' - Andre Ayew explains why he stayed silent over WC omission

Nii Ayitey Brown 22:52 - 23 August 2026

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Dede Ayew speaking on the Obi One Podcast

André Ayew has explained why he remained silent after being left out of Ghana’s 2026 World Cup squad despite calls for his return to the Black Stars.

André Ayew says he stayed silent after his World Cup omission because “Ghana is more important.”
The former captain said he was playing regularly for NAC Breda and knew some fans wanted him recalled.
Ayew said he felt wronged by people in the GFA, media and elsewhere but chose not to publicly attack the country.

Former Black Stars captain André Ayew has explained why he chose not to publicly react after being left out of the Black Stars squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Nigeria international John Mikel Obi, Ayew said he believed he had a case for selection because he was playing regularly for Dutch side NAC Breda at the time.

“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,” he said.

Ayew said he was aware of the public debate surrounding his omission but decided against responding to the criticism and comments made about him.

“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 said.

The 36-year-old returned to club football in January 2026 after joining NAC Breda. He made 16 official appearances for the Dutch club and scored one goal.

His return to regular football renewed calls from some supporters for his inclusion in Ghana's World Cup squad. Sports Minister Kofi Adams also said in March that he would not be surprised if Ayew was recalled, while stressing that the final decision belonged to the technical team.

However, new Black Stars coach Carlos Queiroz ultimately left Ayew out of Ghana's 2026 World Cup squad. The decision ended his hopes of making a fourth World Cup appearance after featuring at the 2010, 2014 and 2022 tournaments.

Despite his disappointment, Ayew said his decision to remain silent was driven by his desire not to allow personal disagreements to affect his relationship with Ghana.

Ghana Football