Ghanaian · Kibi, Ghana · Born 5 November 1964Ghana's greatest ever footballer and African Player of the Year three times — a key figure in Marseille's Champions League triumph in 1993.
Abedi Ayew — universally known as Abedi Pelé — was born in Kibi, Ghana in 1964 and was given his nickname by a Nigerian journalist who likened his skill to Pelé. He began his career in Ghana and Qatar before joining Marseille (1987–1993) where he won 4 consecutive Ligue 1 titles and, most famously, the 1993 Champions League — his performance in the semi-final against Rangers and the final against AC Milan establishing him as the finest African player of his generation. He earned 73 Ghana caps scoring 33 goals — then a national record. He was African Footballer of the Year three consecutive times (1991, 1992, 1993). His top speed of 32.5 km/h and his creative vision made him a revelation in European football during the early 1990s. He scored 175 career goals and provided 228 assists across 612 appearances at 13 clubs. Later career spells at Lyon, Torino, Feyenoord and 1860 Munich extended his career. His sons André and Jordan Ayew also became professional footballers and full Ghana internationals. He is considered Ghana's greatest ever footballer and one of Africa's finest.
First player to win African Footballer of the Year three consecutive times
He and his three sons — André, Jordan and Ibrahim Ayew — all played professional football at the highest level.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional dribbling, vision and free-kick ability
Lasting Impact
Greatest Ghanaian footballer of all time and inspiration for African football
Career Honours
- Champions League 1993 (Marseille)
- Ligue 1 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992 (Marseille)
- Africa Cup of Nations 1982 (Ghana)
- African Footballer of Year 1991, 1992, 1993
- Ghana all-time caps record holder
- Champions League 1993
- Ligue 1 1989
- Ligue 1 1990
- Ligue 1 1991
- Ligue 1 1992
- Africa Cup of Nations 1982
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Tamale United | 1978–1982 | — | 58 | #11 |
| Asante Kotoko | 1982–1984 | — | — | — |
| Marseille | 1991–1993 | 65 | 17 | — |
| Al Ain | 1993–1996 | 0 | 0 | — |
| 1860 Munich | 1996–1998 | 31 | 6 | — |
| Al-Hilal | 1998–2000 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Al Sadd | 1984–1987 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Niort | 1987–1989 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Chamois Niortais | 1987–1989 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Mulhouse | 1989–1991 | 0 | 0 | — |
 Ghana | — | 73 | 33 | — |
Ghanaian Athletes