There was a quiet but powerful moment in the 57th minute of NAC Breda’s away clash with Groningen on Saturday, January 10, 2026, when Andre Dede Ayew rose from the bench and prepared to come on.
After months without a club following his departure from Le Havre in 2025, the Black Stars veteran was finally stepping back into competitive football, and this time, in the Dutch Eredivisie.
As Moussa Soumano made way, Ayew walked toward the touchline, pulling on his shirt with visible focus. For a 36-year-old who has played in the Premier League, Ligue 1 and the World Cup, this was still a special moment, the start of a new chapter in Breda.
When the fourth official raised the board, Ayew jogged onto the pitch, greeted by applause from the away section, marking his official debut for NAC.
Dede Ayew makes NAC Breda debut in draw against Groningen
Breda were in a tense battle for a result, and Ayew’s arrival was meant to bring calm and leadership.
Over the next 33 minutes, he held up play, linked passes and helped steady the team as Groningen applied pressure.
He finished with a 6.8 rating, a solid return on a meaningful night.
Watch the video below:
@espnnl André Ayew maakt zijn debuut voor NAC Breda 💛🖤 #ayew #nac #ghana ♬ original sound – ESPN NL
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