Ghana forward Andre Dede Ayew has listed former Black Stars defenders John Paintsil and John Mensah as players who took care of him during their time together with Ghana’s National Men’s Football Team.
Dede Ayew made this revelation on the French Ligue 1 Show where he listed the top personalities who have influenced him.
The Le Havre Athletic Club player listed his father, the legendary Abedi Ayew, “who always wanted him to dream” and France National Football Team head coach, Didier Deschamps, as major influences on his life.
Ayew also singled out Paintsil and Mensah as players who took care of him when he played with them for the Black Stars.
The trio played together at the 2008 AFCON and 2010 FIFA World Cup.

“Didier Deschamps was very important to me, you know older players who would take care of you, who were there for you, when you go to the national team like John Mensah, John Paintsil.”

In his second season with Le Havre, Ayew has scored two goals in 13 games in all competitions. Scroll down to watch Dede Ayew’s interview.
🇬🇭 Andre Ayew talks about the five people that inspired him the most in his career. Very clear that family is very important to him.
🎥 @Ligue1_ENG pic.twitter.com/dvGAkFkIHU
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) January 28, 2025