Ghanaian midfielder Rahim Brahim has come a long way from the pitches of Accra Lions.

The 25-year-old, now a key figure at Slovak champions ŠK Slovan Bratislava, recently opened up about his European journey, the challenge of facing Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Champions League, and his hunger to keep progressing.

Ibrahim’s path began in Ghana before he made the move to Europe in late 2020, joining AS Trenčín. After developing steadily there, he transferred to rivals Slovan Bratislava in February 2025. The step up has brought league titles and, this season, a place in the Champions League league phase.

“I went outside in 2024 to Slovakia. My journey begins from Accra Lions to Trenčín to Slovan,” he said, reflecting on the progression. Under a new manager he describes as “a top guy” with good tactics, Ibrahim is absorbing new ideas. “We are learning from him.”

That education was put to the ultimate test earlier this month when Slovan travelled to the Parc des Princes to face defending Champions League holders PSG. The Slovak side suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat, but Ibrahim started and competed for 60 minutes against some of the world’s best, including Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé.

“It was very difficult facing them. They are two-time Champions League winners. It was very tough for us. But on the field we are equal – but they are the best,” Ibrahim admitted. Still, he approached the occasion with the right mindset: “I went to the game to compete, not to participate.”

The experience left a lasting impression. After the match, Ibrahim approached Dembélé for his jersey. “During the game I asked for Dembélé’s jersey and he gave it to me after the match. There were a lot of players who asked for it, but he gave it to me.”

Beyond the shirt swap, Ibrahim focused on what he could take from the elite level. “I learned how they move on the field and the way they control the game and their pass. For me, I learned a lot from them too.”

At club level, the priority remains clear. Slovan are defending their Slovak title. “Yeah, we have to defend our title as champions. We haven’t played more games but we wish to defend our title.”

Ibrahim also spoke about the guidance he has received from coach Yaya Touré. “The main thing Yaya has been telling me is to come back and help the defence anytime I go forward. Basically this is what he told me. He told me I played with both feet and whenever I play a shot it’s accurate, so he encouraged me to do more.”

Looking ahead to the national team, Ibrahim remains patient but ready. He recognises the depth of talent in Ghanaian football. “I agree to that because there are a lot of players across the world, so when this opportunity comes you utilise it – and that is why Ghanaians got to know me.”

His message is straightforward: keep working. “What I can say now is just to put in the work on the field, and Ghanaian people, just like I said, they are the CEO of the work to decide. I’m always ready. My football journey is always a moment and I can’t wait for that opportunity to represent my country anytime they call me.”

From Accra Lions to the Champions League stage against PSG, Rahim Ibrahim’s story continues to unfold – one focused step at a time.

Story by Augustine Appiah