By Collins Sarkodieh 
The corridors of Ghanaian football are buzzing with reports that Baba Abdul Rahman is seriously weighing a return to the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After nearly three years of self-imposed exile from the national team, the 31-year-old PAOK defender is reportedly reconsidering his stance, potentially ending a long-standing void in Ghana’s defensive line.
Since his last appearance in September 2023, the Black Stars have auditioned a revolving door of left-backs including Gideon Mensah, Derrick Köhn, and Ebenezer Annan with varying degrees of success. However, Rahman’s consistent elite-level performance in the Greek Super League and the UEFA Europa League has kept his name at the forefront of the national conversation. For a team now under the guidance of veteran tactician Carlos Queiroz, a reliable, veteran presence on the left flank could be the missing ingredient for a successful World Cup qualifying campaign.
Why did Baba Rahman stop playing for the Black Stars in 2023?
Baba Rahman’s decision to step away from international duty was a combination of persistent injury concerns and a deeply strained relationship with the local fanbase. Following a difficult 2022 World Cup campaign and a hostile reception during an AFCON qualifier in Kumasi, the defender opted to focus on his longevity at the club level.
The “Kumasi incident” proved to be a breaking point; despite his commitment, Rahman faced heavy criticism and booing from sections of the home crowd, which reportedly took a significant psychological toll. By January 2024, he officially opted out of the AFCON in Ivory Coast, citing the need to manage his fitness and recovery times. At the time, Rahman noted that the lifespan of a footballer is short, and he needed to make “tough calls” to ensure he could continue playing at a high professional level.
How has Baba Rahman performed at PAOK during his absence?
While the Black Stars struggled for defensive consistency, Baba Rahman enjoyed a remarkable career renaissance in Greece with PAOK FC. During the 2025/2026 season alone, he has been a statistical powerhouse, recording 19 clean sheets and contributing 3 goals and 2 assists across 39 matches.
Rahman has clocked over 3,100 minutes of competitive football this season, proving that his previous injury woes are largely behind him. His ability to maintain a high work rate in both the domestic league and the Europa League has made him one of the most reliable left-backs in Europe outside of the “Big Five” leagues. This surge in form is precisely why successive Ghana coaches, including Otto Addo and now Carlos Queiroz, have kept the door wide open for his potential return.
Who has filled the left-back spot for Ghana recently?
In the absence of a permanent “Number 3,” Ghana has experimented with at least five different players, including Gideon Mensah, Isaac Afful, Fatawu Hamidu, and Ebenezer Annan. While Gideon Mensah has been the most frequent deputy, injuries and inconsistent club minutes have prevented him from making the position his own.
The struggle to find a consistent starter has often forced coaches to play right-backs like Alidu Seidu out of position or rely on inexperienced debutants during high-stakes qualifiers. This lack of continuity has led to defensive lapses that plagued the team during their recent AFCON campaigns. Football analysts argue that the left-back position remains the “Achilles’ heel” of the current squad, making the reports of Rahman’s return even more tantalizing for fans hoping for a stable 2026 World Cup preparation.
Will Carlos Queiroz’s appointment influence Baba Rahman’s decision?
The recent unveiling of Carlos Queiroz as the new Black Stars head coach brings a level of international prestige and tactical discipline that might appeal to a veteran like Rahman. Queiroz, known for his defensive organization with teams like Egypt and Iran, likely views an experienced, ball-carrying left-back as a non-negotiable asset.
Queiroz is expected to meet the media on April 23 to outline his vision for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. If the “reports” of Rahman’s return hold weight, it is highly probable that a private dialogue has already occurred between the coach and the player. A “clean slate” under a world-class manager could be the perfect environment for Rahman to return without the baggage of previous technical regimes.
Also Read: Mohammed Kudus Injury World Cup 2026: Will Ghana’s Star Midfielder Be Fit in Time?
Can the Ghanaian fans move past the previous hostility?
The biggest hurdle for a successful reunion isn’t Rahman’s fitness it’s the emotional climate in Ghana. Legends like Sammy Kuffuor have recently urged for more patience and support for the national team, noting that “negative narratives” are costing the country’s football millions in potential growth.
For Rahman to thrive, there needs to be a collective shift in how the fans treat returning veterans. While the Kumasi crowd is notoriously demanding, the prospect of a fit, hungry, and experienced Baba Rahman helping the team reach another World Cup might be enough to turn boos into cheers. Football fans are famously fickle; a couple of solid tackles and a pinpoint cross to Mohammed Kudus would likely go a long way in mending old wounds.
What would Baba Rahman bring to the 2026 World Cup squad?
At 31, Rahman would provide a level of tournament experience that few in the current squad possess, having already featured in multiple AFCONs and the 2022 World Cup. His tactical intelligence, particularly his overlapping runs and crossing ability, would offer an extra dimension to Ghana’s attack while providing much-needed cover for the central defenders.
Beyond the pitch, his presence in the locker room could be invaluable for younger defenders like Marvin Senaya or Alidu Seidu. In a high-pressure environment like a World Cup qualifier, having a player who has faced the likes of Neymar and Son Heung-min provides a psychological cushion for the rest of the team. Rahman’s return wouldn’t just be about a left-back; it would be about restoring a sense of professional standards and veteran leadership.
What are the next steps for a formal reintegration?
If Rahman decides to return, the first formal step would be his inclusion in the squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers scheduled for June. This would allow him to integrate with the new tactical setup under Queiroz and build chemistry with the current core of players like Thomas Partey and Jordan Ayew.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA) will likely handle the announcement with care to avoid a repeat of the media circus that followed his 2023 exit. A quiet, professional return to the training camp in Accra would be the ideal way to transition back into the fold. As it stands, the ball is firmly in Rahman’s court, and the Ghanaian public is waiting with bated breath to see if the “vlogger-in-chief” of the left flank will reclaim his throne.