Abédi Pelé’s Son in Ghana Squad for African Cup of Nations

There’s nothing like the pressure of living up to a famous footballing father. Some players find it impossible. Just ask Jordi Cruyff. For others like Paolo Maldini it’s no problem at all. André “Dede” Ayew is literally following in his father’s footsteps after the being named to Ghana’s African Cup of Nations squad. His father is none other than Abédi Pelé (who we saw in action yesterday,) former Ghana captain and greatest African footballer ever. Pelé also played for Marseille, where Dede recently made his debut and signed a professional contract.

Any questions over whether this 18 year old left winger is the real deal or just a young man living on his father’s name were answered today. No less a talent scout than Arsene Wenger is planning to make a move for him. Dede could be an Arsenal player before the African Cup of Nations is over.

Dede chose to represent Ghana over France when he made his debut for the Black Stars in August 2007. He’s obviously keen to emulate his father but knows he has some gigantic shoes to fill. Abédi Pelé also made his African Cup of Nations debut as a teenager, helping Ghana win the tournament in 1982. No pressure then Dede.