Debate grows over André Ayew’s place in Black Stars plans for 2026

A member of Ghana’s parliament has appealed for veteran forward André Ayew to be included in the country’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, arguing that his years of commitment to the national side deserve recognition.

Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, made the call while speaking to Eyewitness News, urging selectors to consider loyalty and service when assembling the Ghana national football team for the tournament.

Although he acknowledged that the final decision lies with Black Stars head coach Otto Addo, Agbana said Ayew’s long-standing dedication to the national team should weigh heavily in any discussions about the squad.

“We must reward sacrifice, hard work and loyalty. Andre Ayew has shown tremendous commitment to the Black Stars and I think he should be retained ,” Agbana said.

Ayew, who is now 36, continues to play professional football and recently scored his first goal for Dutch club NAC Breda.

The strike served as a reminder that the experienced forward remains capable of making an impact despite growing debate about his age and future at international level.

For many supporters, Ayew has been one of the most recognisable figures in Ghanaian football over the past decade.

His long involvement with the national team has seen him feature prominently in major competitions and qualifying campaigns, making him one of the most experienced players associated with the Black Stars.

Agbana argued that such dedication should not be overlooked when decisions are made about the squad for a tournament as significant as the 2026 World Cup.

In his view, rewarding players who have consistently served the national team can help maintain a culture of commitment within the squad.

To underline his argument, the MP pointed to an example from Ghana’s football history involving former winger Laryea Kingston.

Kingston played an important role during qualifying campaigns but ultimately missed out on selection for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

By recalling that case, Agbana suggested that players who contribute significantly during qualification should not be left out when the final tournament arrives.

The discussion surrounding Ayew’s potential involvement in the 2026 World Cup highlights the wider debate between experience and generational change in the Black Stars setup, as selectors prepare to decide which players will represent Ghana on football’s biggest stage.