Why Jordan Ayew is trending

Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has come under criticisms after the team’s 1-0 victory over Panama in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The team did not fare well in the first half, as their opponents largely dominated play but failed to capitalize on the chances they created.

The second half began with renewed momentum for the Black Stars after coach Carlos Queiroz introduced Thomas-Asante and Issahaku, whose exploits led to the last-gasp goal scored by Caleb Yirenkyi.

2026 FIFA World Cup: Watch highlights of Black Stars’ 95th-minute victory against Panama

Jordan Ayew was barely involved in the game, as he pressed little and was ineffective up front, failing to complement Semenyo and the other attackers.

The captain was eventually substituted late in the game for Kwabena Adu, whose presence made the attack livelier.

After the final whistle, fans in Ghana and across the globe celebrated the victory, but Ayew was chastised for what many deemed a poor performance.

Supporters argued that the skipper does not press, lacks control when in possession, and fails to contribute meaningfully to the game.

They claimed his performance held the team back and insisted the substitution should have come earlier, noting that Ghana scored after he left the pitch.

Others believe that although Ayew is captain, he lacks the energy and ability to start games at the World Cup, urging coach Queiroz to reconsider his role if the team is to excel.

Read the reacftions below:

So Jordan Ayew go take the $100k some?
— Kwadwo Sheldon (@kwadwosheldon) June 18, 2026

He should sit and let the hungry players for their country and their careers. His career is finishing already! 😠😠😠😤😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/IspT0gN7OH
— Liam Roger (@LiamRoger8) June 18, 2026

How is Jordan Ayew starting over Iñaki Williams for Ghana is beyond insane. 🇬🇭
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) June 18, 2026

Ebon paaaa di33r is for him alone. I pray our next match the Coach should bench him
— Mickey Jay (@baahm1992) June 18, 2026

He slows down our game and flow. My Rating : -10/10. He shd be benched for more pacy and sharp attacking minded players to play.
— Geo Dankwa (@Geordan86) June 18, 2026

Jordan Ayew, for the rest of the tournament, shouldn't start any of our games.
— 𝗔𝗟𝗙𝗔 🇬🇭🌍 (@_alfahimself) June 18, 2026

He is a flop aside his pressing, he and Kamaldeen held the ball too long and were easily disposed there by hurting the entire team when on the offensive
— Mensah (@mensah_voltavi) June 18, 2026

Jordan Ayew has to come to the coach himself and ask him to not play. The decline is brutal
— Ayeyi M.Robertson (@m_ayeyi) June 18, 2026

Jordan is not hungry enough. Seems he doesn’t know what we about!
— i’m_glad (@_fiifibernard) June 18, 2026

Jordan don't have that energy 😏.
How can u bench inaki Williams with this energetic play paaa
— Sampson Koduah (@samp39136) June 18, 2026

Enemies are not God, Jordan will still shine at this 2026 world Cup.
— Komkyenyi (@komkyenyi) June 18, 2026

Jordan Ayew is washed he should really be understanding the game at this point in his career, his movement is solid but the old man falling down gimmick doesn’t help anyone in the team
— Dennis Adarkwa (@d_adarkwa) June 18, 2026

Jordan Ayew: a case study on Nepotism in the African workplace.
— Abeeku. (@abeekuacquah) June 18, 2026

We have to have a serious conversation about Jordan Ayew. It’s either we leave the team for him, or he leaves the team for us.
— Big Paradise (@Bigg_paradise) June 17, 2026