Senegalese footballer Kalidou Koulibaly, now playing for Al-Hilal, has dropped a bombshell regarding the controversial decision made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. In a revealing interview, Koulibaly discussed the surprise announcement and how it affected his mindset, as well as his relationship with teammate Yassine Bounou (Bono). His comments also shed light on the behind-the-scenes discussions surrounding the signing of Karim Benzema to Al-Hilal, a move that created a stir in the football world.
The stunning news from CAF, which saw Morocco crowned AFCON champions over Senegal, came as a shock to many. Koulibaly’s reaction to this unexpected turn of events revealed his initial disbelief, though he remained focused on his team's next match despite the unsettling news. Furthermore, Koulibaly shared exclusive details about his role in Benzema’s move to Saudi Arabia, giving fans an insight into the behind-the-scenes conversations leading up to one of the most high-profile transfers in recent memory.
The Shocking AFCON Decision: Koulibaly’s Reaction
Koulibaly opened up about how he first learned of the CAF decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON title, a decision that shocked him deeply. According to the defender, it was his teammate Yassine Bounou (Bono) who first informed him about the controversial ruling. “Bono was the first to tell me about the decision,” Koulibaly recalled. “He joked, ‘We’re the champions now, not you,’ after receiving a call from someone about it.”
Koulibaly admitted that at first, he couldn’t believe what had happened. He said, “I was shocked, but I had to focus on the team because we were due to play a match the next day.” Despite the emotional blow, Koulibaly maintained his professional composure, stating that the news did not affect his relationship with Bono, with whom he shares a strong bond. “This didn’t affect my relationship with him at all. We continued as usual,” he added.
The Benzema Deal: Behind the Scenes with Koulibaly
In addition to discussing the AFCON controversy, Koulibaly also gave an exclusive account of his interactions with French football star Karim Benzema prior to his transfer to Al-Hilal. Benzema’s move to the Saudi club during the last winter transfer window was one of the most talked-about deals, and Koulibaly revealed that he was in close contact with the striker during the negotiations.
“Three days before Benzema signed, I contacted him to check on his situation,” Koulibaly explained. “He told me that he was in advanced negotiations and things were progressing positively.” Koulibaly continued to stay in touch with Benzema during the lead-up to the official announcement. “On the day the deal was finalized, we sent him a photo from inside the stadium to show that he would be joining us the following day,” he said. The news of Benzema’s signing was met with excitement by the Al-Hilal squad, further boosting the morale of the team.
Life in Saudi Arabia: Koulibaly’s New Chapter
Koulibaly also shared his thoughts on life in Saudi Arabia, where he has quickly adapted to his new environment. “I feel very comfortable here. I fit in naturally with Saudi society,” he said, reflecting on his transition to life in the Middle East. The Senegalese defender praised the rapid development of the Saudi Pro League, expressing his belief that it has the potential to become one of the top football leagues in the world. “The league is improving every day, with great players and strong organization. I expect it to be on par with the top leagues soon,” Koulibaly added, showing his optimism for the future of football in Saudi Arabia.
