Kalidou Koulibaly's father dies after Senegal's victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
In shocking news that cast a pall of sadness over the African and international sports world, the Senegalese Football Federation officially announced the death of the father of star player Kalidou Koulibaly, captain of the "Lions of Teranga" national team and defender for Saudi club Al-Hilal, in France on Monday, January 26, 2026. This painful news comes as a complete emotional shock to the Senegalese star, just days after he experienced one of the happiest moments of his football career.
Official statement and heartfelt condolences
The Senegalese Football Federation released a heartfelt statement on its official X platform confirming the death, saying: "With hearts full of faith in God's will and decree, the Senegalese Football Federation mourns the passing of the father of our captain, Kalidou Koulibaly, who passed away today in France." The statement continued, offering condolences: "We extend our deepest sympathies to Kalidou and his family, and to all members of the Senegalese football community, praying that God Almighty may grant the deceased His abundant mercy and admit him to Paradise.".
The irony of fate: between the joy of victory and the bitterness of loss
This incident embodies one of life's cruel ironies, as Koulibaly experiences a dramatic shift in his emotions. Just days earlier, he was raising the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy high in the African sky, after leading his national team to a historic and hard-fought 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final. This achievement cemented Senegal's golden generation and cemented Koulibaly's status as one of the best defenders and leaders in the history of African football.
Great support from Al-Hilal and sportsmanship from Bono
On the domestic front, Coulibaly had just returned to the Saudi capital, Riyadh, to rejoin his Al-Hilal teammates for training. The club welcomed him with a celebratory reception befitting a continental champion. The event featured moments that reflected the high level of sportsmanship and camaraderie between the two clubs, most notably from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, Coulibaly's teammate at Al-Hilal and his opponent in the African Champions League final. Despite the bitterness of losing the title with the Atlas Lions, Bounou was among the first to congratulate his teammate, embodying the values of sportsmanship that unite the stars of Al-Hilal.
The impact of the event and global solidarity
This news is expected to garner widespread international sympathy, given Koulibaly's immense popularity in football circles, both from his previous career in Europe and his current stint in the Saudi Professional League. All eyes are now on how the "Senegalese rock" will overcome this personal ordeal, with expectations that Al-Hilal's management will grant him exceptional leave to be with his family during this difficult time, highlighting the humanitarian approach Saudi clubs take towards their professional players.
