EXCLUSIVE: Iconic Andre Ayew nearing a sensational return to Black Stars ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifiers in March

The 35-year-old superstar is nearing a big return to the national team for the crucial qualifiers after close to a year absence, GHANAsoccernet.com understands.

Ayew has found his footing and peaked at the right time at Le Havre, with his immense performances overshadowing the side’s struggles in the French Lique 1. He continued his bright start to 2025 by scoring his second goal of the season at the weekend.

The former Swansea City and Marseille star has not featured for the Black Stars since his involvement in an international friendlies against  Nigeria and Uganda back in March 2024.

Ghana coach Otto Addo took an unpopular decision to freeze the iconic captain from his team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on his second spell in charge of the national team and paid dearly for the shocking decision.

Ghana, four-time African champions and one of the respected powerhouses of African football, failed to qualify for the continental showpiece for the first time in 20-years after a calamitous qualifying campaign.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey and West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus failed to inspire the new generation of players to qualify for the famed continental tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco, later in the year.

GHANAsoccernet.com understands that Otto Addo is under enormous pressure to rewrite the wrong by recalling the Black Stars leader for the must-win World Cup qualifying matches against Chad and Madagascar in March.

Andre’s imminent return to the Black Stars will captivate the footballing world, particularly among Ghanaians, many of whom are angling for his comeback to the team.

One of Ghana’s most influential players since he made his debut in 2007 and spanning across an incredible 18-year national service,  the iconic skipper  has been a figurehead of the Black Stars for years. With his ability to change the course of a game, leadership qualities, and wealth of international experience, his absence from the team for the past year had left a noticeable void.

However, Ayew is nearing a comeback, and the timing couldn’t be more perfect.

With Ghana needing to scale up and turn around their downward spiral amid a disastrous AFCON miss, Ayew’s potential return is seen as a pivotal move in their quest to secure a spot in the global football showcase in the USA, Canada and Mexico to appease Ghanaians.

With a fractured esprit de corps in the team, many believe Ayew’s leadership and experience are just what the team needs to push for a successful qualification campaign.

Ayew’s imminent return is expected to have an immediate impact on the Black Stars. At 35, he remains a player of considerable skill, with his technical ability, versatility in attack, and knack for scoring important goals making him a key asset.

Ayew has proven himself on the biggest podiums, representing Ghana in multiple Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments and World Cup appearances. His leadership qualities, especially in crucial moments, have often lifted the team when they needed it most.

But it’s not just his playing ability that makes Ayew’s potential return significant; it’s his presence in the locker room and his influence on the younger players. Many of the current Black Stars squad grew up idolizing Ayew, and his mentorship could prove invaluable as they prepare for one of the biggest qualifying challenges this year.

Ghana’s qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup resumes in March 2025, and Ayew’s imminent return will spark a renewed sense of optimism among fans and players alike.

The Black Stars will face off against Chad and Madagascar in March,  but with a seasoned leader like Ayew leading the charge, they will undoubtedly feel more confident heading into the home stretch.

The Black Stars will assemble in March 2025 to prepare for the World Cup qualifiers against Chad and Madagascar.

Ayew is the most capped Ghanaian footballer with a record 120 appearances, scoring 24 goals for Ghana.

Source:Fiilasports/ghanasoccernet