Rigobert Song: "In Knockout Matches, You Must Fight Like a Soldier"

One of the most seasoned players in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Rigobert Song shares the record of eight tournament appearances with André Ayew of Ghana.

After making his AFCON debut in 1996, Song went through his first knockout round in 1998, losing to DR Congo. He later won the 2000 and 2002 editions before losing in the 2008 final.

Reflecting on knockout matches, Song compared them to battlefields:

"When you go into a match, you must crush everything in your path. Wearing your country’s jersey means being a soldier. The battlefield is the pitch, and our feet are our weapons. They expect us to give it our all because the entire nation is watching. You have to be hungry, even if you're not always at your best.

He became an AfriAFCON football icon due to his leadership and unwavering attitude.