Ghana captain Jordan Ayew is celebrating his 35th birthday today, September 11, with tributes pouring in from the Ghana football community and his new club, Sheffield United.
The veteran forward, who recently completed a move to Sheffield United after leaving Leicester City, has enjoyed a long and distinguished career for both club and country.
Born in Marseille, France, on September 11, 1991, Ayew comes from one of Ghana’s most famous football families. He is the son of legendary Ghanaian midfielder Abedi Pele and the younger brother of fellow Black Stars star André Ayew.
Black Stars Celebrate Their Captain
The Ghana national team joined the birthday celebrations by sharing a tribute highlighting some of Jordan Ayew’s memorable moments in the Black Stars shirt.
The message celebrated his contribution to Ghanaian football and wished the captain well as he marks another year.
Ayew has been an important figure for Ghana for more than a decade, having made his senior international debut in 2010.
He has since become Ghana’s record appearance holder, with more than 120 caps for the Black Stars.
Sheffield United Also Send Birthday Wishes
Ayew’s new club, Sheffield United, also joined the celebrations.
The Championship side recently announced the Ghana captain’s arrival on a one-year deal after he became a free agent following his departure from Leicester City.
His move to Sheffield United represents another chapter in a career that has already included spells with Marseille, Lorient, Aston Villa, Swansea City, Crystal Palace and Leicester City.
Sheffield United will be hoping his experience can help the club during the current Championship campaign.
A New Chapter After Leicester City
Ayew joined Sheffield United after spending the 2025/26 season with Leicester City.
He made 42 Championship appearances for Leicester last season and scored six goals, although the Foxes ultimately suffered another relegation.
The move to Sheffield United gives Ayew another opportunity to compete in the Championship and contribute his experience to a team with ambitions for a strong campaign.
It also means he will remain in English football, a league where he has spent much of his professional career.
From Abedi Pele’s Son to Ghana Captain
Jordan Ayew has understandably lived under a significant footballing shadow.
His father, Abedi Pele, remains one of the greatest footballers Ghana has ever produced, while his older brother André has also enjoyed a remarkable career with the Black Stars.
But Jordan has built a career of his own.
After beginning his professional career at Marseille, he moved to England, where he played for Aston Villa, Swansea City and Crystal Palace before joining Leicester.
Over the years, he has developed a reputation for his work rate, versatility and ability to contribute both as a forward and from wider attacking positions.
A Long International Journey
Ayew’s Ghana career has included some of the country’s biggest football moments of the past 16 years.
He has represented the Black Stars at major international tournaments and has become one of the most experienced players in the squad.
His leadership role has grown considerably, and he eventually took over the captaincy of the national team.
That experience became particularly valuable during Ghana’s recent international campaigns, including the country’s successful qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Fans Celebrate His Longevity
As birthday messages continue to circulate, many supporters have focused on Ayew’s longevity and commitment to the national team.
There have also been some light-hearted jokes from fans about his age, especially as the forward enters another year of his career.
But the overall mood has remained positive, with supporters recognising the number of years Ayew has dedicated to Ghana.
For a player who has spent so much time in the Black Stars setup, reaching 35 while still serving as captain is an achievement in itself.
What Comes Next for Jordan Ayew?
The next challenge for Ayew will be balancing his international responsibilities with his new club career.
At Sheffield United, he will be expected to bring experience to an attacking group competing in a demanding Championship season.
His arrival also gives him the opportunity to start another chapter after Leicester’s difficult campaign.
For Ghana, meanwhile, his leadership and experience remain valuable as the Black Stars prepare for the challenges ahead.
My Opinion
I think Jordan Ayew deserves a lot of credit for his longevity.
He has been part of the Black Stars for so many years that an entire generation of Ghanaian football supporters has grown up watching him play for the national team.
He has certainly faced criticism along the way, particularly when fans expected more goals from him, but footballers who remain at international level for more than a decade are not easy to find.
His versatility, work rate and experience have kept him relevant for Ghana, and his decision to continue playing at 35 shows that he still has plenty to offer.
The move to Sheffield United could also be a good opportunity for him to finish this stage of his career strongly.
Final Thoughts
Jordan Ayew’s 35th birthday comes at an interesting moment in his career.
He has just started a new chapter with Sheffield United, remains captain of the Ghana Black Stars and continues to hold the record for Ghana’s international appearances.
From following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Abedi Pele, to establishing his own identity in Ghanaian football, Ayew has created a career that will be remembered for years to come.
As fans celebrate his birthday, the message is simple: Happy 35th birthday to Ghana captain Jordan Ayew, and here’s to the next chapter.
