Former Ghana national football team midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu has added his voice to the growing national discussion about whether veteran forward André Ayew should be included in Ghana’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The debate surrounding the 36-year-old attacker has intensified in recent weeks, with several public figures and football stakeholders arguing that Ayew’s long-standing service to the national team deserves recognition with a final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
Reacting to the discussion, Agyemang-Badu acknowledged that honouring veteran players is not necessarily an obligation but believes it would be a meaningful gesture of appreciation for individuals who have contributed significantly to the national team.
“I don’t think it’s compulsory, but if the country wants to honour former footballers, I will support it. It’s a privilege,” Badu said in an interview with Citi Sports.
Calls for Ayew’s inclusion gained further traction after Eric Edem Agbana, a Member of Parliament, publicly advocated for the forward’s selection. Agbana argued that Ayew’s years of commitment, leadership, and sacrifice for the national team merit recognition at the upcoming World Cup.
Ayew remains one of Ghana’s most experienced international players and has been a central figure for the Black Stars for more than a decade, captaining the team in several major tournaments.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars are scheduled to face Austria national football team and Germany national football team in international friendlies later in March as part of preparations toward the 2026 World Cup.
