Jordan Ayew is set to lead the Black Stars as their new permanent captain, starting with the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The Crystal Palace forward will officially take over the armband, marking a new era for the national team.
A Major Shake-Up in Leadership
Reports from Joy Sports confirm that Ayew will step into the role, replacing his older brother, André Ayew.
This decision also brings changes to the team’s leadership structure, with Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey stepping down as first deputy captain after holding the role since 2019.
Partey, who reportedly declined to continue in a leadership position, will now focus solely on his performances for the national team.
His departure from the vice-captaincy has paved the way for Alexander Djiku to become the new first deputy captain, while Mohammed Kudus has also been identified as a future leader within the squad.
Otto Addo Explains the Decision
Head coach Otto Addo shed light on the leadership reshuffle, stating that he personally spoke with Kudus to help him understand the reasoning behind the decision.
“I have decided to appoint a new captain, Jordan. I spoke to Kudus to help him understand that I want him to grow into this role and serve as the second captain alongside Djiku,” Addo explained.
Jordan Ayew has already stepped up as captain in recent games, including the final round of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, where he led the team in the absence of both André Ayew and Thomas Partey.
What’s Next for the Black Stars?
Ghana’s next challenge will be against Chad in March, a crucial Matchday 5 fixture in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
With Ayew now leading the squad, the Black Stars will be aiming for a strong performance as they push for a place in their fifth World Cup tournament.
This leadership change signals a fresh start for Ghana’s national team, and fans will be eager to see how the new captaincy setup shapes the squad’s future performances.
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