André Ayew: A Marseille Legend

André Ayew made another trip to a place he used to call home,  Stade Vélodrome when Le Havre visited Olympique de Marseille this past weekend. The veteran's goal late in the contest was the lone bright spot for the visitors in the 5-1 loss.

With Ayew scoring, it brought back memories of his time playing for the home side. This was his first match against his former club at Stade Vélodrome, as last season, he only faced OM at Stade Océane.

Ayew joined Marseille as a budding talent, entering the youth academy for the 2006-07 season. The forward broke into the first team the following season, marking the start of a near-decade-long spell with the senior squad.

In the nine years spent at OM, the attacker made 206 appearances across all competitions while scoring 60 goals and recording 25 assists while also winning two Coupe de la Ligue trophies and three Trophée des Champions.

While at Olympique Marseille, Ayew had the chance to play alongside his brother, Jordan Ayew, who was with the club from 2009 to 2014. After departing in 2015, Ayew has played for Swansea City, West Ham United, Fenerbahçe, Al Sadd, Nottingham Forest, and Le Havre.

After returning to Ligue 1 in 2023 to join Le Havre, Ayew's goal at Stade Vélodrome had been a long time coming. Speaking to Free FOOT, the veteran, who opted not to celebrate, described the moment as deeply moving.

"It was touching. Honestly, I want to thank all the Marseille fans and supporters because it truly moved me and made me happy. This is a club where I spent a lot of time—11 years in the youth academy, then until I was 25. It’s my life. I have my friends, my family, and many people who were here tonight."

"Seeing that shows me I really did a good job and gave everything for this jersey. As a player, you aim to leave your mark wherever you go. I managed to do that at Olympique Marseille, and it’s not easy. I just want to thank them and hope they keep going like this."

Ayew is nearing the end of his playing career, making Sunday’s performance a chance for OM supporters to reminisce and relive the special moments he brought to the club during his time there.

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