It’s the same story, a different World Cup cycle, and for Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil, the pain is becoming all too familiar.
As the Black Stars gear up for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, a familiar and frustrating name has resurfaced in conversation—not for his performances, but for his exclusion. And many Ghanaians are asking a simple, heartbreaking question: What at all has he done?
Is he a bad player? Has he been underperforming? The evidence suggests otherwise.
Let’s rewind. In 2022, Paintsil played his part in the qualifiers, only to be cruelly snubbed when he was in the form of his life. When Ghana traveled to the World Cup in Qatar, fans watched as his position became a revolving door of underperformance. Nobody—absolutely nobody—who played in his role at that tournament did better than Paintsil could have.
Then came Chris Hughton. After the World Cup, the then-coach handed Paintsil a lifeline and took him to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. And what did he do? He performed. He was one of Ghana’s brightest sparks. He even won Ghana a crucial penalty—only to be hauled off at halftime. His replacement? Dédé Ayew.
The coach claimed injury. But Paintsil, with the quiet dignity of a man who had had enough, stood before the press at the same tournament and clarified: he was not injured. There was no reason. He was simply pulled out, and the coach lied about it.
Fast forward to 2026. Another World Cup on the horizon. And here we are again, debating the exclusion of the same man. By current form and plain sight, he is far better than some players currently occupying his position.
So what has changed? Ghanaians are left to wonder: Is this truly about his form? Or is it the ugly shadow of “leadership animosity”—a lingering vendetta against his former boss?
It is heartbreaking to watch. Joseph Paintsil is not just a winger; he is a Ghanaian. A fellow human being. And no human being—no matter who they are—deserves to have their emotions and career toyed with like this.
So sad. And yet, one particular player is facing the same cruel fate all over again.
