Former Black Stars captain Andre Ayew has addressed his exclusion from Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad, explaining why he chose not to react publicly despite widespread calls for his selection.
Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, hosted by former Chelsea midfielder John Mikel Obi in Accra, the 36-year-old reflected on his international career and the events surrounding his absence from the tournament.
Ayew stated that his regular appearances for Dutch club NAC Breda during the season gave him a strong reason to expect a call-up.
“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 game time in the season,” Ayew said.
His omission sparked debate among Ghanaian football fans, with many questioning the decision to leave out the experienced forward.
Ayew acknowledged feeling mistreated by certain individuals within the Ghana Football Association (GFA), sections of the media, and other stakeholders, but noted that he deliberately chose not to engage in public conflict.
“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,” he explained.
The former captain emphasized that his silence was rooted in his allegiance to the national team.
“I cannot spit on my country because of certain people. Ghana is more important,” he said.
Ayew has not featured for the Black Stars since March 26, 2024, when he appeared as a late substitute in a 2-2 friendly against Uganda in Marrakesh, Morocco.
Despite the disappointment surrounding his international career, the veteran forward is now focusing on his club career and is weighing offers from two or three clubs ahead of the 2026/27 season.