Jordan Ayew is a player of Leicester City
When Jordan Ayew stepped onto the pitch against Manchester City on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, it marked more than just another appearance, it was his 300th in the Premier League.
The milestone also places him third on the all-time list of African players with the most Premier League appearances behind Wilfried Zaha, who sits second with 305 appearances, and Kolo Touré, who leads the list with 352.
It also places him among the competition’s most enduring and consistent performers.
This landmark is more than just a number; it tells the story of a player who has quietly built a reputation across four different clubs, adapting, evolving, and making contributions that have propelled these teams forward.
From his early days battling relegation with Aston Villa to a spirited stint at Swansea City, and eventually finding his rhythm and resurgence at Crystal Palace, Ayew’s journey through English football has been one of resilience, versatility, and staying power.
This story highlights how Ayew reached the 300-game mark and the clubs that shaped his path.
Often overlooked in headlines but never off the teamsheet, Ayew established his reputation just a season into his Premier League career.
A hardworking player who, even without prolific goal-scoring, contributed significantly to his teams, Ayew earned the trust of his coaches. His dedication and reliability made him a near-constant presence in the matchday squad.
In 300 games, the Ghanaian started 242 of them, a remarkable 80.67%, underscoring how much his coaches depended on him.
Ayew’s Premier League journey began in 2015 at the age of 24 when he moved from French club Lorient to Aston Villa.
In his debut season, Ayew scored 7 goals in 30 appearances. Unfortunately, Villa were relegated, meaning Ayew spent his second season in England playing in the Championship.
Despite this setback, his standout performances did not go unnoticed, prompting Swansea City to bring him back to the Premier League with a permanent signing for the 2016/17 campaign.
In his debut season with Swansea, Ayew played 14 games, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists. In the following season, he scored 7 goals and added 2 assists. However, Swansea were also relegated.
Ayew was given another opportunity to remain in the league when Crystal Palace signed him on loan. Overall, he played 50 games for Swansea before moving to Palace.
At Crystal Palace, Ayew became a fan favorite. He spent seven seasons at Selhurst Park, working under various managers, including former England manager Roy Hodgson. Ayew developed a deep connection with Hodgson, who he credits with guiding his life.
“Roy Hodgson just understood me. He knew what I needed at any time. He was like a father figure to me, like a grandfather. Not just in football, but even in life, his advice helped me a lot,” Ayew shared with Joy Sports.
During his time at Palace, Ayew made 195 appearances for the Eagles, scoring 22 goals and providing 20 assists.
However, as new head coach Oliver Glasner shifted the team in a different direction, Ayew saw his minutes decline. Seeking a fresh start, he joined newly promoted Leicester City ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
At the King Power Stadium, Ayew quickly became a fan favorite. He scored a late winner against Southampton in October 2024 to secure all three points for the Foxes.
Two weeks later, he came off the bench to net a late equalizer against Ipswich. He has since scored two more goals, against Chelsea and Liverpool, bringing his tally to 4 goals in 25 league appearances and achieving his 300-game milestone against Manchester City.
Ayew’s legacy in the Premier League may not be glamorous. However, his journey has been steady, professional, and impactful, the kind of career path that earns respect from coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
He would however, be hoping Leicester City mount a serious survival push with the threat of relegation hanging in the balance.
FKA/MA
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