Kudus Has Reportedly Dropped The Black Stars No.10 Jersey

Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus has reportedly decided to relinquish the iconic No. 10 jersey for the Black Stars ahead of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Kudus previously donned this number during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan and Niger.

The specific reasons behind his decision remain unclear; it could be due to personal considerations, a desire to alleviate the pressure associated with the number, or an intention to allow another player to inherit the prestigious jersey.

This development coincides with ongoing discussions about leadership roles within the national team. Reports suggest that forward Jordan Ayew is set to be named the permanent captain, starting with the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey, who previously served as the first deputy captain, has reportedly chosen to step down from his leadership role after being surpassed by Ayew.

As a result, Alexander Djiku is expected to assume the position of first deputy captain, marking the end of Partey’s six-year tenure in the team’s leadership hierarchy.

Despite the jersey number change, Kudus remains fully committed to contributing to the Black Stars’ success in the forthcoming matches. The team is scheduled to face Chad and Madagascar in March as part of their World Cup qualifying campaign.