By: Belinda Nketia
Nearly two decades after first sharing a locker room for Ghana’s national team, André Ayew and Matthew Amoah have reunited at Dutch club NAC Breda, this time with a blend of mentorship, experience, and talent in a partnership that bridges generations.
Their connection began in 2007, when André Ayew, then a rising star, helped Ghana’s U-20 team defeat Brazil in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final.
Matthew Amoah then was an already established international. He recognized André Ayew through his performances but most prominently, as the son of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, whose name carried weight in both Ghana and France.
Their early years together in the senior national team laid the foundation for mutual respect and brotherhood. The pair played 11 matches together, with Matthew Amoah often outscoring André Ayew in those encounters. Beyond statistics, their shared experiences thus far have forged a bond that has endured over time in friendship and professional admiration.
At NAC Breda now, that relationship has evolved. Matthew Amoah has taken on a coaching role while simultaneously acting as a mentor who guides André Ayew as he adapts to the new club, city, and league.
On the pitch, Mathew Amoah serves as a strategist and advisor; off it, he provides the support and insight of a trusted “big brother.” André Ayew has embraced this dynamic. He sees it as an invaluable way to integrate quickly into the team and understand both the tactical system and the club’s culture.
André Ayew in NAC Breda jersey
André Ayew’s move to NAC Breda was influenced by multiple factors, including the club’s fanbase, professionalism, and respect for its history. He found the community atmosphere and the clarity of the club’s project particularly appealing. He has pointed out that the fans’ enthusiasm and dedication translate into a tangible force on the pitch, which further inspires the players to give their all on the pitch. Mathew Amoah has revealed he played a small part in facilitating the transfer, but the ultimate decision was influenced by the club’s reputation, structure, and the opportunity for Ayew to contribute to the club in a substantial way .
The shift from the tropical warmth of Ghana to the biting cold of the Dutch winter has been a challenge for André Ayew. Nevertheless, he has adapted quickly, and has been helped by the welcoming attitude of his new teammates and the use of English as the team’s primary language. His debut in Groningen revealed a squad already cohesive and confident, and provided a firm footing to carry the team through the season.
The pair’s roles on the field exhibit both experience and adaptation. André Ayew, who previously played as a number 10 or winger, has settled into a striking role reminiscent of Matthew Amoah’s own evolution from creative forward to number nine. In Ghanaian football, the two-striker system they both grew up with has instilled flexibility and allowed them to read the game dynamically to adjust positions as required.
Beyond tactics, the partnership demonstrates work ethic and commitment. Mathew Amoah has instilled in Ayew the importance of giving maximum effort throughout every minute of play. He has expressed that goals follow dedication and teamwork rather than just individual talent. André Ayew has responded by fully immersing himself in training, building chemistry with teammates, and adjusting to the tactical and physical demands of the league.
Matthew Amoah
On the reunion, André Ayew has said, “Having Matthew here is like having a big brother I can learn from on and off the pitch. It helps me adapt faster and focus on giving my best every match.”
For Ayew, Breda represents a club assignment and a new chapter that combines professional ambition with personal growth. He appreciates the fan engagement and community support, which he sees as vital to elevating performance, and he is determined to contribute to NAC Breda’s stability and success in the league.
Seeing these two Ghanaian stars back together draws a picture of two generations of Ghanaian talent, pushing each other, learning from each other, and carrying a legacy that does not end on the pitch . As the season goes on, André Ayew and Matthew Amoah hope to use their experience to help the club succeed, while proving that Ghanaian talent leaves its mark wherever it goes.
