‘Free our supporters’: Kalidou Koulibaly breaks his silence on the case of Senegalese supporters sentenced in Morocco

The captain of the Senegalese national team has sent a strong message to his compatriots imprisoned in Morocco since the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Kalidou Koulibaly's voice was eagerly awaited, and it has finally been heard. In an audio message relayed by the Senegalese Football Federation, the defender sought to clarify the position of the national team players and technical staff. "My dear brothers, since the first day of this affair, we, the players of the national team and the coach, have been deeply affected on a human and fraternal level. We have been sensitive to your situation from the very beginning," said Kalidou Koulibaly.

The fact that no statement had been made until then by the Lions of Teranga was not due to distance or indifference. Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates preferred discretion to media coverage, believing that ongoing legal proceedings required restraint and responsibility.

"If we remained silent publicly, it was not out of distance or indifference; on the contrary, we chose responsibility. We felt that in the face of ongoing legal proceedings, it was essential to let the State of Senegal, our authorities and the competent bodies take the necessary steps before the courts without our statements and actions interfering negatively. ‘

The players opted instead to take action behind the scenes in order to avoid any politicisation or media exploitation of a case deemed sensitive. ’We did not want to politicise your situation, we did not want to further publicise an already sensitive case and, above all, we did not want to take centre stage in a fight that had only one common goal: your release. We understood our role clearly: to act discreetly, to communicate privately, to support the efforts, to remain united, and to trust the diplomatic and legal channels. Sometimes restraint is a form of strength, you should know that. We have not forgotten you for a moment. In this blessed month of Ramadan and Lent, far from your families, your ordeal is also ours. Every victory, every national gathering has been accompanied by thoughts of you.‘

Looking back on the final in Rabat that led to this situation, the captain of the Senegalese national team recalls a difficult and unfair episode. ’You were on a mission to support your team, your country, convinced of its strength and potential. The turn of events in the Rabat final placed you in a situation that we consider harsh and deeply unfair. But in our hearts, you remain victors. This continental trophy also bears your mark. It is a testament to your passion, your loyalty and your patriotism. Today, we continue to act responsibly, with respect for institutions, with confidence in diplomacy, and with the hope that wisdom and a sense of transcendence will lead to a swift and favourable outcome. You are not walking alone. Behind you stands an entire nation, and by your side are your players, your brothers, united in dignity and patience. Our only fight, our only light, our only goal is to see you free and reunited with your families. Hold on. We remain committed to your families with heart and responsibility, and we are doing everything we can to ensure that you will be free tomorrow. Free our supporters," concluded Kalidou Koulibaly.