Ghanaian football icon Andre Ayew reached a major career milestone on Saturday, making his 500th professional club appearance as Le Havre AC fell 3-1 to Olympique Marseille in the penultimate fixture of the 2024/25 Ligue 1 season.
The Black Stars captain was named in Le Havre’s starting lineup for the must-win encounter at Stade Océane, which ended in disappointment for the hosts as they inch closer to relegation. Despite the result, the night held personal significance for Ayew, who continues to solidify his status as one of Ghana’s most accomplished footballers.
Out of his 500 professional games, 227 have come in the French top flight, including multiple spells with Marseille, the club where he rose to prominence. He also featured 25 times in France’s second division.
Ayew’s expansive career includes 102 appearances in the English Premier League, playing for Swansea City and West Ham United, and 87 matches in the English Championship. His time in England was punctuated by key contributions and leadership on and off the pitch. Additionally, the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup winner made 29 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig with Fenerbahce and played 30 matches in the Qatar Stars League for Al Sadd SC.
Saturday’s game was a dramatic affair. Marseille took the lead through Amine Gouiri in the 53rd minute. However, the match was briefly suspended due to crowd disturbances, with the referee sending both teams to the dressing rooms for safety reasons.
Upon resumption, Le Havre found a lifeline through Issa Soumaré, who equalised to raise hopes of a positive result on Ayew’s landmark appearance. But those hopes were dashed late on, as Mason Greenwood restored Marseille’s lead with his 19th league goal of the campaign in the 86th minute. Gouiri then completed his brace deep into stoppage time, sealing victory for the visitors.
The result leaves Le Havre teetering on the edge of relegation, with survival hinging on the final round of matches next Saturday, when all Ligue 1 fixtures will kick off simultaneously.
While the outcome may not have favored Ayew and Le Havre, the evening marked a testament to the veteran winger’s longevity, versatility, and enduring impact across multiple leagues and continents.
