Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly is mourning the loss of his father, Dabele Koulibaly, who passed away on Monday in France, just days after the defender led his country to Africa Cup of Nations glory.

The heartbreaking news comes barely a week after Koulibaly lifted the AFCON trophy with the Lions of Teranga, turning what should have been a period of celebration into a deeply emotional moment in his international career.

The Senegal Football Federation (FSF) confirmed the passing in an official statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), expressing sympathy to the Koulibaly family and the wider football community.

“Passing of the father of Kalidou Koulibaly, captain of the Lions of Senegal, which occurred on Monday, January 26, 2026, in France. The Senegalese Football Federation extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his family and to the entire Senegalese football community. May his soul rest in peace.”

Koulibaly was a key figure in Senegal’s successful AFCON campaign, featuring in five of their seven matches. Although he missed two games due to card suspensions, his leadership, experience, and defensive authority were vital to the team’s title-winning run.

Since the announcement, tributes and messages of support have poured in from fans, teammates, and figures across the football world, standing with the 34-year-old centre-back and his family during this difficult time.