John Paintsil Recalls Modest Salary During Israeli Football Stint

Former Israeli Premier League player John Paintsil, who played for Maccabi and Hapoel Tel Aviv between 2002 and 2006, and again in 2012-2013, revealed in a recent African podcast interview that he earned $1,500 per month during his time in Israel. Paintsil, who retired from football in 2016, described his initial move to Israel as a stepping stone to Europe, stating he was a capable player before arriving.

He recounted his trial with Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he was offered a contract after just one game because the club feared other teams would sign him. Paintsil noted the significant difference in player support between Israel and England, highlighting that Israeli clubs provided housing and cars, whereas in England, players were expected to secure their own accommodations.

Paintsil contrasted his Israeli earnings with his subsequent move to West Ham United in England, where he earned £15,000 per week, equating his weekly salary in England to two years' worth of earnings in Israel. He also mentioned that his transfer from Hapoel Tel Aviv to West Ham occurred immediately after the World Cup, prompting him to fly to Israel to pack his belongings before heading to London.

Paintsil expressed satisfaction with his time in Israel, recalling positive interactions with fans and management, and stated he was happy and unaware of how far his career would progress. He emphasized his willingness to play right-back despite potential preferences, prioritizing the opportunity to advance his career.