There is normally an unseen story of sacrifice, love, and guidance behind every great footballer. My dad's story is the one that begins and concludes with me. Every time I utter, "My dad has done a lot for us," it is not just a simple sentence — it's a deep truth that says a lot about the man I am today. As a professional footballer, everything I have achieved is founded on the foundation he laid for me and my brothers, not just football-wise but in life itself.
Growing up in a football family, it would have been easy to assume that we always lived life on easy street. My father, Abedi "Pele" Ayew, is one of Ghana's greatest footballers, a legend in his own time. But at what cost did his success come, and so did ours. What I have come to understand is that my father's greatest gifts to our lives were not the trophies he brought home or the fame he gained — it was the discipline, values, and love he instilled in us at an early age.
From the very first day, he was not just a father but a mentor and a role model. He showed us what hard work, humility, and never taking anything for granted is all about. No matter how successful he became, he never bragged. He stayed humble instead, always reminding us that without commitment and humility, talent means nothing. That phrase has remained with me and shaped the way I live football and life.
What people don't see are the hours and hours he spent training us, not just on the pitch, but off it as well. He took us to training sessions, attended our games, and even when we performed badly, he was there with words of encouragement and constructive criticism. He never pushed us to be him or to exactly do what he did. Instead, he encouraged us to be ourselves and find our own ways. That autonomy, combined with his consistent encouragement, gave me the confidence to grow.
There were sacrifices, too — large ones. My father could have chosen to live a leisurely life once he retired, but he chose to invest his time and energy in raising us well. He protected us from distractions we did not require, gave us good training, and kept us focused towards our goals at all times. There were times when he was strict, and we did not understand why he was doing it. But in retrospect now, I realize the sense in every decision he took. He wanted the best for us, and he gave his best to make sure that we had every chance to be a success.
The fruits of his toil are not only reflected in me but also in my brothers. André and Rahim have also left their marks on football, and we all stride with the teachings our father had for us. We understand what it is like to carry the Ayew name — not as a curse, but as a call to live with dignity and honor.
Now, when I go out to play on the pitch wearing the Ghanaian jersey or when I am playing for my club, I have my father's spirit with me. My father is a strength and inspiration to me. I know that regardless of whatever adversity I could face, I have the inspiration of a man who faced his own with courage, dignity, and determination.
So yes, my dad has done a lot for us. More than most will ever know. And for that, I will never cease to be thankful. All that I do — every goal I score, every game I play — is an ode to the love, the sacrifice, and the strength of the man who made me.".
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My Dad Has Done a Lot for Us – Jordan Ayew
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