Andre Ayew discusses retirement claims: “I have never thought about it’

Former Ghana captain Andre Ayew has said he never thinks of retiring any time soon, insisting he still feels physically and mentally fit to continue his career.

Ayew s currently playing for Dutch side NAC Breda, a Dutch professional club, based in Breda, Netherlands. NAC Breda play in the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after their most important player, Antoon ‘Rat’ Verlegh. They play in the Eredivisie, after winning play-offs for promotion in 2024.

Andre Ayew says retirement is not ‘something I’m thinking about’#JoySports pic.twitter.com/Qz6gxSm5ib

— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) February 18, 2026

‘Your body will tell you’

“I never thought about it because my body is good,” Ayew said as quoted by Flashscore. “I feel good, I live my life day to day so I prepare myself every time to have a better tomorrow on the field and off the field.”

He added: “I don’t think about that. When the moment comes, your body will tell you.”

Ayew is the second-born son of three-time African Footballer of the Year and FIFA 100 member Abedi “Pele” Ayew and has two brothers, Ibrahim and Jordan, who also are professional footballers. In 2011, Ayew was named the BBC African Footballer of the Year and Ghanaian Footballer of the Year.

Ayew began his career in Germany, playing for 1860 Munich, while debuting for the club at age seven. In 2006, he signed with his father’s former club, Marseille, and spent two seasons in the club’s youth academy before making his debut in the 2007–08 season.

Ayew has managed 120 caps for Ghana

He spent the following two seasons on loan with Lorient and Arles-Avignon, helping the latter team earn promotion to Ligue 1 for the first time. In 2010, he returned to Marseille and became an integral part of the first team under manager Didier Deschamps, making over 200 appearances and winning consecutive Trophée des Champions and Coupe de la Ligues in both 2010 and 2011.

Born in France, Ayew has been a full international for Ghana since 2008 and has earned 120 caps. At youth level, he starred for and captained the U-20 team that won both the 2009 African Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

He has played in three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014 and 2022), as well as eight Africa Cup of Nations (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021 and 2023), helping them finish runners-up in 2010 and 2015, and was top goalscorer at the latter tournament.

Andre Ayew Retirement Decision: “Your Body Will Tell You”

The Andre Ayew retirement decision has been a topic of speculation in recent months, but the Ghanaian veteran made his stance clear.

“I never thought about it because my body is good,” Ayew said in an interview. “I feel good, I live my life day to day so I prepare myself every time to have a better tomorrow on the field and off the field.”

He added: “I don’t think about that. When the moment comes, your body will tell you.”

Those words underline Ayew’s professional mindset and disciplined lifestyle. Rather than setting a timeline for retirement, he prefers to focus on daily improvement and performance.

Andre Ayew at NAC Breda in the Eredivisie

The Andre Ayew retirement decision may be distant, but his present focus is on delivering for NAC Breda. The Dutch club, based in Breda, competes in the Eredivisie after earning promotion through the 2024 play-offs.

NAC Breda play their home matches at the Rat Verlegh Stadium, named after club legend Antoon “Rat” Verlegh. Ayew’s experience and leadership have added valuable depth to the squad as they aim to establish themselves in the Dutch top flight.

Even in a new environment, Ayew continues to demonstrate the work ethic and determination that have defined his career.

A Legacy Rooted in Football Excellence

Andre Ayew comes from one of Ghana’s most celebrated football families. He is the second-born son of Abedi Pele, a three-time African Footballer of the Year and FIFA 100 member. His brothers, Ibrahim and Jordan Ayew, are also professional footballers.

In 2011, Ayew was crowned BBC African Footballer of the Year and Ghanaian Footballer of the Year — accolades that cemented his reputation as one of Africa’s elite talents.

Andre Ayew Career Journey from Marseille to Europe

The Andre Ayew retirement decision carries weight given his remarkable club career. Born in France, he began his football journey in Germany with 1860 Munich before joining his father’s former club, Olympique de Marseille in 2006.

After progressing through Marseille’s youth academy, he made his senior debut in the 2007–08 season. Loan spells at FC Lorient and AC Arles-Avignon followed, helping Arles-Avignon secure historic promotion to Ligue 1.

Returning to Marseille in 2010 under manager Didier Deschamps, Ayew became a key figure in the squad. He made over 200 appearances and won consecutive Trophée des Champions and Coupe de la Ligue titles in 2010 and 2011.

Andre Ayew Ghana Career: 120 Caps and Counting

The Andre Ayew Ghana career is equally impressive. Since making his senior debut in 2008, he has earned 120 caps for the Ghana national football team.

At youth level, he captained Ghana’s U-20 side to victory at the 2009 African Youth Championship and the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup — a historic achievement for the nation.

Ayew has represented Ghana at three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, and 2022) and eight editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. He played a pivotal role in Ghana’s runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2015 and finished as top scorer at the 2015 AFCON tournament.

What the Andre Ayew Retirement Decision Means

The Andre Ayew retirement decision reflects a player who still feels capable of contributing at club and international levels. His longevity, leadership qualities, and professionalism continue to inspire younger players.

While retirement will eventually arrive — as it does for every athlete — Ayew’s message is clear: as long as his body responds positively and his passion remains strong, he will continue competing.

For fans of Ghana and NAC Breda alike, that means more moments of experience, resilience, and commitment from one of Africa’s most accomplished footballers.