Ghanaian midfielder Elisha Owusu has stated that his compatriot André Dede Ayew’s achievements in the French Ligue 1 are well recognised by football fans in France.
The Auxerre player explained that since he moved to France, he has realised how the fans hold Ayew in high esteem because of his performances for the clubs in the league.
The midfielder further indicated that the legacy of Dede’s father, Abedi Ayew “Pelé”, who won titles with some French clubs, also makes the people appreciate them more.
Speaking in an interview with 3Sports, Owusu said that he has been learning a lot from the former Marseille forward in terms mentality in football.
Kudus Mohammed has a bigger media aura than Madueke – Rio Ferdinand
“André Ayew, he’s like my big brother. He’s a top guy since I joined the national team, and even before that, he talked to me. In Ligue 1, he has a huge legacy. He’s amazing, and it’s like everybody knows him in France. When French people see a Ghanaian, they will say André Ayew or Abedi Pele.
“So, he’s a big man. I’ve lived in Ligue 1, and I think what he does, what he shows, people will keep talking about it. People will keep his name high because he’s a top baller, and in Ligue 1, every stadium he goes to, everybody cheers him. In France, he’s a big man, and he’s a guy I respect a lot, and from whom I also learn a lot about his mentality,” he said.
Watch as Dede Ayew links up with Abedi Pele before training
In 2006, Ayew 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.
The Black Stars player spent the following two seasons on loan with Lorient and Arles-Avignon, helping the latter 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 Ligue in both 2010 and 2011.
Watch Elisha’s interview below:
“Andre Ayew is a top guy. Even though he has left Ligue 1, people will keep speaking about him and what he did because he’s a top footballer” – Elisha Owusu, Auxerre midfielder #3Sports pic.twitter.com/hdTEenfZxF
— #3Sports (@3SportsGh) August 21, 2025
SB/JE
Watch as Ghanaians share their views on GFA’s third term controversy
