Ghanaian winger Joseph Paintsil has described his first season with LA Galaxy as a remarkable and fulfilling journey after helping the club end their decade-long wait for the MLS Cup.

The former Genk star joined LA Galaxy on a three-year deal as one of their Designated Players, quickly making an impact in Major League Soccer. Paintsil scored on his debut against the San Jose Earthquakes and provided two assists, setting the tone for a stellar campaign.

By season’s end, the Black Stars winger had amassed 10 goals and 7 assists in 30 regular-season appearances, adding 4 goals and 1 assist during the playoffs. His contributions proved vital as LA Galaxy claimed the Western Conference title before securing their first MLS Cup since 2014.

Speaking to 3Sports, Paintsil expressed his pride in the season: “My season was really great. Coming to MLS was a new challenge, but it’s still football, just a different style of play. Scoring and assisting to help LA Galaxy win the Western Conference and the MLS Cup was an amazing feeling. It’s been 10 years since this club won the trophy, so to be part of breaking that drought in my first season is truly special.”

The winger also emphasized the significance of winning in a league filled with star talent like Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets: “Winning the league is not easy, especially in MLS with the level of competition. Adding this trophy to my record in my debut season is an incredible achievement.”

Paintsil’s remarkable debut season has further cemented his place among Ghanaian players making waves in MLS, joining the likes of Jonathan Mensah, Harrison Afful, David Accam, and Yaw Yeboah.