Otto Addo: Joseph Paintsil makes damning revelation

LA Galaxy winger Joseph Paintsil has made a profound revelation about former Ghana coach Otto Addo that dates back before the 2022 World Cup.

The 28-year-old was conspicuously missing from the squad that failed to glitter at the global football showpiece in Qatar.

🎥 🇬🇭 “I was disappointed to miss the 2022 World Cup, but I was told I wasn’t in the squad because I don’t defend,” — Black Stars forward Joseph Paintsil reflects on Otto Addo’s decision.#CitiSports (@VamosNetwork) pic.twitter.com/FPOixNnyHu

— Citi Sports (@CitiSportsGHA) April 16, 2026

According to Paintsil, then head coach, Otto Addo referenced his “defensive frailties” to the reason for dropping him from the squad.

In an interview with VamosNetwork, the 2024 MLS Cup champion who is currently nursing a muscle injury, expressed his disappointment over Otto Addo’s actions.

Joseph Paintsil was left disappointed

“I was disappointed with the decision of the coach of the national team, there was no tangible or reasonable reason for me being excluded from the list,” Paintsil said.

“He told me there is no reason, but the only reason is that I don’t defend. There was no tangible explanation, and I was left behind really disappointed.”

“I was disappointed to miss the 2022 World Cup,” Paintsil said.

Ghana exited the 2022 FIFA World Cup at the Group stage after recording two losses against Portugal and Uruguay before managing a win over South Korea.

Joseph Paintsil has word for new coach

Paintsil’s red-hot form at the time endeared him to followers of the game and his exclusion surprised many.

With Portugal trainer, Carlos Queiroz now in charge of the Black Stars for the next four months and Ghana preparing for the 2026 World Cup, Paintsil hopes to finally get his chance on football’s biggest stage.

“I’m just focused on proving myself again. I want to play for Ghanaians and make them proud.”

Paintsil, who has 18 caps for the four time African champions, has made three appearances out of a possible seven games with no goals in the current MLS season.

The Black Stars are paired in Group L against Panama, England and Croatia for its fifth FIFA World Cup.

Paintsil career path started in Ghana

Paintsil started his career at Ghana based Tema Youth before signing on loan with Ferencvaros.

Jupiler Pro League club, Genk brought him to Belgium on permanent basis in 2018 where he spent six seasons with a loan spell in between at Turkish outfit, Ankaraguçu.

He has made a combined appearance of 53 since joining LA Galaxy in 2024.