The PAOK left-back believes that with proper attention and direction, the domestic league can reach the level of some of Africa’s top competitions.

In an interview with Joy Sports, Rahman dismissed the notion that talent is lacking in Ghanaian football.

“The challenges in our league aren’t due to a lack of talent — there are genuinely good players competing,” Rahman said.

“But when it comes to continental competitions, we often fall short.

The real problem lies in planning and organization. Improving these areas is crucial to attracting fans and helping our clubs perform better,” he added.

The 2025/26 Ghana Premier League season is set to commence on September 12.

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At the time, the left-back was recovering from a lengthy injury spell with Chelsea but was still named in the Black Stars squad by then-head coach Charles Kwablan (CK) Akonnor—a move that drew widespread criticism due to concerns over his fitness.

In an interview with Joy Sports, Rahman revealed that he didn’t feel worthy of the call-up.

“I honestly didn’t feel I deserved the call-up at the time, so I initially rejected it,” he said.

“But the GFA and Coach CK Akonnor explained that they were short on left-backs and needed someone with my experience. That’s why I eventually accepted,” he added.

Despite the public backlash, Akonnor defended his decision, insisting that Rahman’s experience was crucial to the team’s balance.

Akonnor was later dismissed after a disappointing start to Ghana’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

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The experienced left-back, who last featured for Ghana in November 2023, stepped away from the national team after being booed by fans during a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium.

Rahman, currently playing for Greek side PAOK, cited both emotional and physical reasons for taking a break from national duty.

Speaking to Joy Sports, the former Chelsea player recounted the impact of the incident.

“The booing didn’t affect me during the match — as a professional, you learn to deal with that. But after the final whistle, as I walked to the team bus, it really sank in,” he said.

“We had just won, so naturally, I expected some joy or support, but instead, I was still being booed. That part was tough to take.”

He added that recurring fitness issues also influenced his decision.

“I hadn’t been fully fit for a while, and I felt it was the right time to focus on my body and recover properly. As for the incident at the stadium, I’ve moved on. It’s part of football, and I understand.”

Rahman stressed that he has not closed the door on the Black Stars and remains in contact with the technical team.

“I’ll be back soon, God willing. I’ve stayed in regular contact with the coach. It’s just been unfortunate timing — every international break, something seems to come up with my fitness. But I’m working hard, and I’ll be ready.”

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In recent years, Ghana has drawn criticism from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over the substandard quality of its playing surfaces.

The issue resurfaced during the 2024/25 FA Cup final, held at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, where fans voiced their frustration over the pitch’s condition.

Speaking to Joy Sports, Rahman called for urgent action from the relevant authorities to address the long-standing problem.

“This is a serious issue that needs urgent attention,” the PAOK defender said.
“I’m pleading with those in charge — let’s at least ensure the national team has a proper pitch to play on. Sometimes it’s really embarrassing.”

He also highlighted how the poor conditions have damaged Ghana’s reputation internationally.

“You go back to your club after international duty, and your teammates mock the country because of the pitches we play on. It’s honestly a national disgrace.”

While acknowledging the challenges of maintaining pitches in Ghana’s climate, Rahman stressed that more effort must be made.

“I understand the weather makes pitch maintenance difficult, but we still need to make the effort. Improving our pitches will benefit all our national teams — from the juniors to the women’s sides.”

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The PAOK defender has been absent from international duty for nearly two years, with his last appearance for Ghana dating back to September 2023.

Rahman withdrew from national team selection after facing severe fan criticism following Ghana’s AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium.

While several players have already reported to camp, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) is yet to announce the official squad for the Unity Cup in London.

The former Chelsea left-back was spotted in a viral video enjoying dinner at the team hotel in London with teammates Lawrence Ati Zigi and Gideon Mensah.

This season, Rahman has featured in 23 matches for PAOK, contributing 5 goals and 2 assists in league play.

A victory over Nigeria would see the Black Stars advance to face either Jamaica or Trinidad and Tobago in the May 31 final.

Rahman, who previously played for Chelsea and Asante Kotoko, last represented Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against the Central African Republic in September 2023.

During that match, the 30-year-old faced criticism from fans, who expressed frustration over his performance.

In an interview with BBC Sport Africa, Rahman explained that his decision to pause his international career is to concentrate on regaining his fitness:

“It’s a personal decision to take a break [from Ghana] to concentrate on my fitness because I’ve not had a great time with injuries,” he said.

“When I joined PAOK last year, I thought it was wise to stay away a bit from international football to get my fitness back.”

Rahman acknowledged the strong support he has received from fans who are keen to see him return but emphasized that his health must come first.

“Fans are asking me all the time to come back to play for Ghana, but I think I need to take care of my health before everything right now,” Rahman shared.

“People know about my injury history, and it has really been a difficult few years. I just want to enjoy my club football again, and then I know my international career will take off again too.”

The former left-back for Asante Kotoko and Dreams FC joined Chelsea in 2015 from Bundesliga club Augsburg.

Despite the promising move, his time at Stamford Bridge was hampered by injuries and limited playing opportunities.

Rahman managed 23 appearances and scored twice before being loaned out to several clubs, ultimately finding stability with Greek team PAOK FC.

Reflecting on his Chelsea days, the Ghana international told the BBC, “I am sad things didn’t work out at Chelsea. I just had so many bad injuries whilst I was there, and because I wasn’t 100% fit, I wasn’t able to give my absolute best.”

Rahman also revealed that he nearly retired after suffering a second ACL injury, crediting Chelsea’s former medical director, Dr. Paco Biosca, for encouraging him to continue.

“I owe them a lot because it was Dr. Paco who convinced me not to retire after my second ACL injury,” Rahman shared.

“It had taken me 18 months to come back, and when the doctor told me I had another ACL injury, I decided I had had enough. I told my family I was quitting.

“But Dr Paco said he had seen other players come back and promised that if I was patient and mentally strong, I could do it too. I slept on it and then decided I wanted to fight for my career.”

Now with PAOK, Rahman is grateful for his second chance in football and the support he received through his toughest moments.

Rahman’s absence was noticeable in the recent squad list for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic, where Ghana secured consecutive victories, boosting their chances of qualification.

The former Chelsea defender had previously declined to participate in national team duties ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, choosing instead to focus on his club career.

During the announcement of his squad for the 2025 AFCON qualifying matches against Angola and Niger on Thursday, Otto Addo shared that Baba Rahman is still reluctant to return to the national team.

“Baba Rahman has family commitments, and last time I asked the media to ease the pressure on him, but he is still hesitant to come back due to the previous incidents. However, the door remains open for his return,” Addo stated at the press conference.

The squad features prominent players such as Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Antoine Semenyo, Mohammed Salisu, and Jordan Ayew, among others.

Notably, team captain Andre Ayew, who is currently without a club, has been left out of the squad for the second consecutive time by the team’s technical staff.

The Black Stars are set to play Angola at the Baba Yara Stadium on September 5, followed by a match against Niger in Morocco on September 9 in Berkane.

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After narrowly missing out on a UEFA Champions League spot due to their defeat to Malmö FF, PAOK is now determined to make their mark in European competition.

The match’s breakthrough came just before halftime when Shamrock Rovers’ Daniel Cleary scored an own goal in the 45+5 minute, putting PAOK ahead.

PAOK wasted no time in the second half, with Taison doubling their lead in the 48th minute. Just five minutes later, Shamrock Rovers were reduced to ten men when Joshua Honohan was shown a red card.

Giannis Konstantelias further solidified PAOK’s dominance with a third goal in the 68th minute, courtesy of an assist from Taison.

Baba Rahman, who played the full 90 minutes, sealed the victory with a spectacular left-footed strike in the 90+4 minute, sending the ball into the top corner.

The teams will face off again in the second leg on Thursday, August 29, at Tallaght Stadium.

Addo, 43, made these comments after announcing his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR).

The former Chelsea defender was a notable omission from the squad for these matches.

Explaining his decision, Addo mentioned that Rahman is still affected by the negative reaction he received during Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against CAR last year, where a significant portion of the crowd at Baba Yara Sports Stadium booed him.

Following that incident, Baba Rahman announced his intention to step away from the national team for an indefinite period.

“I have observed his performances. Currently, he is not ready to return. What happened in Kumasi deeply affected him and his family,” Addo stated.

“I spoke with him, but he doesn’t want to come back. I’m not sure exactly what transpired, but it clearly impacted him and his family. Criticism is acceptable when it pertains to tactics or performance, but personal attacks are unacceptable. We would have benefited greatly from his presence. I had a lengthy conversation with him and even considered flying out to see him, but he was adamant about his decision” he said.

Baba Rahman had a successful season with PAOK, contributing nine goals to their Greece Super League victory.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars will play against Mali in Bamako at the Stade du 26 Mars on June 6, before hosting CAR at the Baba Yara Stadium on June 10.

The POAK left-back after he was booed by fans against the Central African Republic in the final round of qualifiers of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Kumasi has declined several call-ups.

However, having won the Greek Cup, Sannie Daara, who is Head of Communications at CAF believes it is the right time for Baba Rahman to return to the Black Stars.

Speaking on the Ultimate Sports Show on Asempa FM, he explained the reason behind his call for Baba Rahman to return to the senior national team.

Audio below:

Baba Rahman featured in 28 games for the club this season after joining as a free agent following his release from Chelsea.

He scored six goals while also providing three assists.

Meanwhile, Otto Addo is expected to announce his squad for the games against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR) in the coming days.

The Black Stars will take on Mali on June 6 in Bamako before hosting CAR on June 10 at the Baba Yara Stadium in the matchday three and four games respectively.

After collapsing during the match, scans have thankfully shown no major injuries, and Rahman has expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of concern and support from fans.

The left-back started for POAK for their crucial second leg of the Greek Cup semi-finals against Panathinaikos.

Tragically, Rahman’s involvement in the game was cut short during extra time when he was knocked unconscious following a collision with an opponent while attempting to head a corner kick clear.

Emergency medical attention was quickly provided, and Rahman regained consciousness before being taken to the hospital for further evaluation.

Although the game ended with a 2-1 victory for PAOK after extra time, and a 2-2 aggregate draw, with Panathinaikos winning the subsequent penalty shootout 6-5, Rahman’s safety was the primary concern.

In an update on his condition, Rahman took to social media to convey his appreciation for the support.

The former Chelsea defender confirmed that, the scans had shown no significant damage and expressed his gratitude to those who had personally reached out to him during his hospital stay.

Rahman’s stint with PAOK has been marked by a return to form after a period of relative inactivity following his departure from Chelsea.

Since joining the Greek side on a free transfer last summer, he has made 30 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and three assists.

Rahman, playing as a left-back, suffered a loss of consciousness after a collision with an opponent during the match between Panathinaikos and PAOK.

The unfortunate event unfolded in the 115th minute of the game, which had entered extra time following a 2-2 deadlock in regular play. An opponent accidentally struck Rahman’s head during an aerial challenge, resulting in his loss of consciousness.

Prompt medical attention was provided to Rahman on the field, and he eventually regained consciousness. As a precautionary measure, he was transported via ambulance to receive further medical care at a hospital.

Meanwhile, the match was temporarily halted due to the incident. Eventually, the referee decided to conclude the game, leading to a penalty shootout.

Panathinaikos emerged victorious in the shootout, securing a 6-5 win and booking their spot in the Greek Cup final.

Baba, who plays for Greek side, POAK was initially named in their 55-man provisional squad but says his decision to opt out was purely based on footballing reasons and nothing more.

The 29-year-old has not featured for the Black Stars since playing over an hour in the last AFCON qualifiers against Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Stadium.

During that game, the former Chelsea defender was booed by the crowd for his performance.

Hughton named the squad on Monday morning without Baba in the team.

This season, the former Chelsea man has featured in 15 games in all competitions and provided two assists.

Below is Baba Rahman’s statement released on X:

Hear me out:

I just wanted to say that the decision to opt out of the AFCON was solely based on footballing reasons and nothing else.

Playing for my country will always be the highest point of my career and every time I have been lucky to wear the shirt I have given my all.

The last few years I have had to battle injuries and recovery times and I feel that it’s best in the interest of my career and that of the team to only play when I don’t have to think about recovery or pain- that way I can always give my best to the team.

The life span of a footballer is very short and sometimes we have to make these tough calls for the general interest of the nation we love the most and that of our career to enable longevity.

I would be cheering the team and pushing them on to try to win us the AFCON we all desire. But as of now let’s all support anyone the manager picks because the most important thing is Ghana which is bigger than any individual.

God bless our homeland and make us great and strong

The pair have been left out of the final 27-man squad for the tournament which was confirmed by Chris Hughton, who is the head coach of the team.

Before the announcement of the final squad, discussions were held between the two players and the head coach.

Fatawu Issahaku and Baba Rahman have both been on good form for their respective clubs but the pair have decided to opt out of the competition to continue their development at their respective clubs.

Speaking about the exclusion of Issahaku, the Irish trainer said, “When I put this squad together, what I was adamant about was that this was going to be a balanced squad.”

“There is a method and a very big thought process that has been developed on every player that we have picked and every position that we have thought about.

“We have potential seven players that can play on the right or are playing on the right. [Leaving Fatawu out] was a difficult situation but I have to make these difficult decisions for what I believe are the correct reasons,”

Rahman, who has 50 appearances for the Black Stars, has been a regular at all major tournaments since 2015 and was also included in the provisional squad for this competition.

The left-back has not been called up for national assignment since the AFCON qualifier against Central Africa Republic in September.

Issahaku is enjoying a good spell of form since his decision to move to Europe in 2022.

The 19-year-old has registered nine goal involvements in 15 starts in the English Championship since arriving on loan in the summer.

He has scored twice and provided seven assists in that run.

The Black Stars will open camp on Tuesday, January 2 in Kumasi and will take on Namibia in a friendly game as part of the team’s preparations ahead of the tournament in Ivory Coast.

The Black Stars will also leave the shores of the country on January 10 for the tournament that has been slated to kick off from January 13 to Febryary 11.

The Black Stars are pitched in Group B for the AFCON alongside Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

The Black Stars of Ghana will first come up against Cape Verde at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan on January 14, 2024, then face Egypt at the same venue four days later and then Mozambique at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on January 22, 2024.

Rahman who started in Black Stars 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Central African Republic (CAR) sustained an injury.

However, Mensah, who replaced the former Chelsea defender also suffered an injury.

Rahman has returned to his parent club, POAK FC for immediate treatment. Mensah has also returned to his club AJ Auxerre for treatment.

Meanwhile, Medeama SC defender, Fatawu Hamidu has earned a late call-up to join the Black Stars.

The Black Stars will host the Lone Stars of Liberia at the Accra Sports Stadium on Tuesday.

Liberia has arrived in Accra earlier this morning ahead of the game.

The game forms part of Black Stars preparations ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The game has been scheduled to kick off at 16:00GMT.

Togolese referee, Attiogbe Komlan Attisso has been named to officiate the game.

The former Asante Kotoko left-back struggled to glitter at the Premier League side after joining the side in 2015.

The 29-year-old has signed a three-year contract, marking his return to PAOK where he previously had a successful loan spell in 2021, helping the club win the Greek Cup.

However, Chelsea has reportedly agreed to cover 80% of Rahman’s remaining contract salary for the one year left on his deal.

The Greek club will be hoping that Rahman can make a significant impact and strengthen their defensive options as they aim to compete in domestic and European competitions.

Rahman joined Chelsea from German side Augsburg for an undisclosed fee, reported to be an initial £14 million, rising to a potential fee of almost £22 million, but has had limited opportunities with the club, playing 23 games.

He has spent the past six seasons on loan at various clubs, including Schalke 04, Stade Reims, and Reading, where he has played for the past two seasons.

Baba Rahman, who is also a former Dreams FC defender, featured at the 2022 World Cup with the Black Stars in Qatar.

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Rahman initially joined Chelsea in 2015 from Augsburg for a fee of nearly £22 million.

Despite showing promise early on, the talented defender had limited opportunities to showcase his skills at Stamford Bridge, featuring in just one season for the Blues.

As a result, Rahman embarked on a series of loan spells to gain more playing time and experience.

While Rahman’s current contract was set to expire in the summer of 2024, Chelsea made the decision to part ways with the 22-year-old this summer.

Celebrated football reporter, Fabrizio Romano, has tweeted that following his departure, PAOK has stepped in to secure Rahman’s services as a free agent, offering him a two-year contract that will keep him at the club until 2025.

Last season, Rahman spent his loan spell at Championship club Reading FC.

Unfortunately, the club faced relegation to League One at the end of the season.

Throughout his career, Rahman has spent the majority of his time on loan, having played for clubs such as Schalke, Reims, Mallorca, and PAOK.

The Chelsea loanee started the game against Portugal and made a substitute appearance in the South Korea game before playing the full 90 minutes against Uruguay.

Ghana finished at the bottom in Group H with three points.

Rahman, who is a former Dreams FC and Asante Kotoko left-back has been slammed and criticized for his performances in the tournament and how he was selected ahead of AJ Auxerre’s Gideon Mensah.  

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On his return to his club side, Reading FC, the Black Stars defender explained that playing at the World cup means coming up against superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Son Heung-min.

“I mean, that’s what the World Cup is meant for. You have to play against the best players in the world,” he told the club website.

“So, it was a nice experience playing against them, but I mean, I’ve played against Son several times when we played in Germany, so it was a nice experience.”

Touching on Reading’s game on Saturday against Coventry, he said: “It’s always nice I mean having a home game and I’m looking forward to this weekend and hopefully we can get the three points.”

The Ghanaian made 29 appearances for the Royals last term and now returns to the Madejski Stadium for the remainder of 2022/23.

Baba signed for Chelsea from Augsburg in the summer of 2015, playing 23 times during his debut season and impressing against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

He has since spent time at Schalke, Reims, Real Mallorca and PAOK, though it was at Reading last season that he enjoyed his most consistent run of football after an injury, which began when he ruptured his cruciate ligament at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

He later earned a place in the Black Stars’ squad for AFCON earlier this year, starting each of Ghana’s three group games in Cameroon.

The 28-year-old heads back to Berkshire to join a Reading side that is currently fifth in the Championship having won four of their first seven games.

The former Asante Kotoko and Dreams FC left-back signed a new Chelsea deal before joining Reading.

The loan spell will be Rahman’s 5th in total since he joined Chelsea in 2015 but it will be the first time that he will be spending a loan period away in England.

He joins fellow Black Stars player, Andy Yiadom, at the club and Reading manager, Veljko Paunovic, shared his thoughts on having the Ghanaian join them for the Championship season.

“It is no secret that recruiting an experienced left-back was a priority for us this summer, so I am delighted that we have managed to do this deal to bring Baba to Reading.

“He is a quick, strong, physical footballer who has a lot to offer to the club and the players around him. Baba was really keen to be part of our project and to test himself in this tough division and I am excited to see him playing for us.”

Baba Rahman also spoke to Reading’s official website on the loan move:

“I’ve known Reading over the years, it’s a big club with great history. When I spoke with the manager, I just got interested in the project.”

He is likely to make his debut for Reading on Monday when they take on Huddersfield Town.

Rahman, who has fallen out of favour with some Ghanaians, was at the receiving end of criticisms after the qualifiers.

The former Chelsea left-back scored his debut goal for the Black Stars in the 3-1 win over São Tomé and Príncipe but was once again criticised by fans who were not impressed with his overall performance.

Akonnor, speaking after the final group game, asked for patience for the left-back, assuring Ghanaians the player will improve.

“This boy [Rahman] has been through a lot of injuries and stuff. He got injured here with us when he was in the AFCON. Who will be the best people to help him?

“I think it is a little bit too harsh with the way we criticise him. He is on his way to be better and he will do well in the coming days,” he added.

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Rahman secured a last hour loan deal from Chelsea to Greek side PAOK for the rest of the 2020/21 season. So far, the Schalke 04 left back has played five games, scoring one goal.

Akonnor admits the fortunes of the 26-year-old will improve now that he has a new club.

“He’s got a club. He’s gonna play regularly and things will change for him and I think we are a little bit too hard on him,” he said.

Rahman has featured in over 30 games for the Black Stars, scoring one goal.