Ghanaian football icon Andre Ayew played a pivotal role in helping Le Havre retain their Ligue 1 status following a dramatic final day escape that capped a turbulent yet resilient campaign in the French top flight.
Le Havre secured their safety with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Strasbourg on the final day of the 2024/25 season. The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Abdoulaye Toure held his nerve to convert a 99th-minute Panenka penalty, sparking jubilant scenes at the Stade Océane. Ayew, 35, featured prominently in the high-stakes encounter, lasting 67 minutes before being substituted.
Since joining Le Havre from English Premier League side Nottingham Forest in October 2024, Ayew has been a mainstay in the team. He made 27 Ligue 1 appearances this season, clocking 1,451 minutes. The experienced forward started 15 matches and came off the bench in 12 others, showcasing his enduring value both as a starter and an impact substitute.
Ayew netted four league goals in the 2024/25 campaign, finishing as the club’s joint-third top scorer. He also contributed one assist and picked up two yellow cards over the course of the season. His last goal came in a memorable 4-3 win against Lens on March 1, where he found the net in the 33rd minute. He had earlier opened his account for the season with a goal in a 5-1 defeat to Olympique Marseille on January 5.
This season’s exploits follow a solid debut campaign with Le Havre in 2023/24, during which he made 19 Ligue 1 appearances and scored five goals. Prior to his move to France, Ayew featured in 13 league matches for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League.
A former talisman for Swansea City and a veteran of multiple World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations tournaments with Ghana, Ayew brought a wealth of experience and leadership to Le Havre’s campaign. His influence extended beyond the pitch, as he became a rallying figure for both teammates and supporters during the club’s tense battle against relegation.
As the final whistle confirmed Le Havre’s top-flight survival, Ayew was mobbed by fans in scenes of unrestrained celebration—fitting recognition for a player whose class and commitment made a decisive difference when it mattered most.
