Joseph Paintsil, the Ghanaian footballer playing for Genk in Belgium, has been nominated for the 2023 Ebony Shoe award in recognition of his outstanding performances this season.
The Ebony Shoe award, established in 1992, is presented annually to the best player of African origin in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
Paintsil has been a vital asset for Genk this season, impressively scoring 16 goals and providing 14 assists across various competitions.
To claim the prize, the Black Stars player will need to surpass his Genk teammates Mike Tresor Ndayishimiye and Bilal El Khannous, who are also in contention.
Other notable nominees for this esteemed award include Victor Boniface of Royal Union SG and Emmanuel Gift Orban of KAA Gent, both from Nigeria.
The winner will be announced on the evening of Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Hotel Tangla in Brussels.
If Paintsil emerges victorious, he will become the second Ghanaian footballer to claim this prestigious award since Eric Addo won it while playing for Club Brugge in 1998.
Reportedly, several Premier League teams, including Brighton, Brentford, and Fulham, have expressed interest in acquiring the services of the former Tema Youth player.
However, Genk has dismissed any possibility of a summer transfer for the Ghanaian international, as they are determined to build a strong squad for upcoming European competitions next season.
Paintsil’s current contract with Genk is set to expire in the summer of 2026.
