From Black Stars Glory to Leicester Struggles: The Rollercoaster Journey of Jordan Ayew

In a season defined by contrasting fortunes, Jordan Ayew is navigating two very different football landscapes: one in the cutthroat English Premier League and the other wearing the iconic yellow shirt of Ghana.

While his club, Leicester City, continues to spiral toward relegation, Ayew’s form with the Black Stars has been nothing short of stellar. The 33-year-old forward, who once struggled to find consistency at club level, has reclaimed his place as Ghana’s captain and is spearheading the team’s charge toward the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Last Wednesday, amidst a backdrop of frustration at Leicester’s continued failure to score, Ayew reached a significant personal milestone: his 300th Premier League appearance. However, it was a bittersweet moment. Leicester, under the weight of a seven-match winless streak, suffered a 2-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad, further sinking them into the relegation zone. With just 17 points from 30 games, the Foxes are dangerously close to relegation, and a swift return to the Championship looms large.

Despite Leicester’s woes, Ayew’s achievement stood out as a testament to his perseverance. Having made his Premier League debut in the 2015/16 season with Aston Villa, he has since gone on to play for Swansea City, Crystal Palace, and now Leicester. Over the years, Ayew has become a symbol of durability and professionalism in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. He has amassed 41 goals and 25 assists in the Premier League, solidifying his place among the top five Ghanaians for goal contributions in the competition. His 300th appearance puts him in the company of African footballing greats, with only Ivorian stars Kolo Touré (352) and Wilfried Zaha (305) making more appearances than Ayew in the Premier League.

However, Leicester’s downward spiral overshadows his individual milestone. The club’s struggle to find the back of the net and secure crucial points has left fans disheartened, and with relegation now a real threat, every match feels like a final for the beleaguered Foxes. Their next clash against Newcastle United is a must-win if they are to have any hope of survival.

On the international stage, Ayew’s fortunes are in stark contrast. As the captain of the Black Stars, he has been in dazzling form, leading Ghana to the top of their 2026 World Cup qualifying group. In just six matches, Ayew has scored five goals and provided four assists, cementing his status as one of Africa’s finest. Currently the second-highest scorer in the African qualifiers, Ayew’s performances have breathed new life into the national team, placing Ghana firmly in the race for a World Cup spot.

With the qualifiers heading into their decisive final stages in September and October, Ayew’s resurgence for Ghana could provide the spark needed to inspire Leicester’s recovery while keeping the Black Stars’ World Cup hopes alive.