23rd Aug 2024 • Written by Henry Swain

Jordan Ayew - The timely end to a perfect love story

As news breaks that Jordan Ayew is set to depart SE25 after six years, it is only fitting to reminisce and cherish his time at Crystal Palace. 

A player who encapsulated exactly what it meant to be Palace, the Ghanaian leaves Selhurst Park having secured true cult hero status. 

Financially, a superb move for the club, turning a potential profit of just over £5 million on a player who was signed for just £2.5 million following a loan spell in 2017/18. 

The son of one of the game’s greats, he made a name for himself throughout his time at the club. 

With tireless effort and determination, sprinkled with a touch of elegance and poise, Ayew has provided Palace fans with many memorable moments. A player who frustrated in spells, but captured the imagination and adoration of the Selhurst faithful time and time again, he was the perfect fit. 

Whilst his journey has been littered with both highs and lows, his overwhelming professionalism and application never wavered. Away from the pitch, he was a pillar of post-game pub chat, some good, some not so. Yet one thing never questioned by fans was his dedication to the club. 

Whilst there have been many stand-outs across his time at the club, here are some of the most notable. 

Boxing Day 2019. The day Ayew etched his name into the Palace history books with one of the best goals in the club’s history. Receiving the ball on the edge of the box, with his back to goal, he executed a turn that left three West Ham defenders in his wake. Demonstrating the skill and technique he possesses, Ayew then edged through oncoming challenges, left foot, right foot, before delicately guiding the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper.

The crowd went silent for a split second, some in total awe of what they had seen, others in desperate anticipation for the ball to find the net. An eruption of passion and pure elation ensued, securing a crucial three points. 

Ayew was rewarded for his efforts in the end-of-season awards, sweeping three titles: Players’ Player of the Season, Goal of the Season and Player of the Season. 

March 2020. “a great day at the seaside with my friends.” Stepping up when it mattered most, Ayew scored the winning goal in a 1-0 victory against Brighton. A perfectly timed run meeting an equally well-executed Christian Benteke pass, Ayew broke free of the Brighton defence, slotting the ball beyond Matt Ryan to send the travelling supporters into a delirium only slightly bettered by Wilfried Zaha’s second goal at the same ground in 2013. A goal that not only meant a great deal, but one which summed Ayew up as a player. 

Credit: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

The following match. Gamesmanship personified. As Palace looked to hold on to three points at home to Watford, Ayew again with strike partner Christian Benteke, orchestrated the most satisfying demonstration of how to close out a tight victory.

As the clock ticked down, the pair found themselves in the corner, masterfully shielding the ball as they took turns to hold off challenges and, in classic Ayew fashion, draw opponents into committing fouls. 

The duo’s work lasted only minutes, but felt like a lifetime, fans in desperation, but also hysterics, as Palace looked to close off a win in style. Another moment that sums Jordan Ayew up perfectly. It wasn’t about simply time-wasting, but more so protecting what had been a hard-fought lead, leaving every ounce of energy and passion on the pitch, as he did in every game he played. 

April 2023. A Palace party at Elland Road. Ayew delivered a battling performance in not only one of the club’s most overwhelming comeback wins, but also one of their biggest Premier League victories. 

After Palace initially fell behind, Ayew’s efforts were rewarded with a 53rd-minute strike to put Palace 2-1 up. The goal was reflective of his predatory penalty box instincts, rising highest to head beyond a helpless Meslier. Goals from Ebere Eze and Odsonne Edouard followed, before Ayew wrapped up the points with a sublime finish into the roof of the net as he miraculously beat the offside trap. 

Credit: Stu Forster/Getty Images

Upon his contract extension in November 2023, he took to Instagram to thank the fans for their support. “The only way to pay back their support is to fight every minute I’m on the pitch." A man of his word. 

Ayew’s final goal for Palace came in a 3-0 thumping of Burnley at the end of February 2024. As he slid in to put Palace 2-0 ahead, he celebrated in classic Jordan Ayew fashion. Getting himself back to his feet, he simply wandered off as if nothing had happened, not a smile to be seen, as if he were disappointed to have found the net. Of course, he was not, but it seemed fitting to bow out this way. 

A player who rarely showed emotion on the pitch, not one for flashy celebrations, preferring to channel his energy solely into his performance. As far as he’s concerned, he’s only ever done his job. 

So for those memories, I  alongside every Palace fan thank you Jordan. For every goal, each foul won, each point you’ve fought for and every drop of sweat you have shed for the red and blue.

You will forever be Palace. 

Thumbnail Credit: Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

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