CAN 2025 final: Adil Rami slams Senegal and Pape Thiaw

Africa 19 January 2026 at 13:25

Joshua SOSSOU

News Editor

Adil Rami took aim at Senegal and Pape Thiaw after the Lions of Teranga clinched the CAN 2025 title.

Speaking on RMC’s Rothen s’enflamme, Adil Rami didn’t hold back when discussing the behavior of Senegal’s players and their coach Pape Thiaw during the CAN 2025 final. For the former defender, this episode has no place in football.

“Congratulations to Senegal, whatever happens—I remain a sportsman—but I was disappointed by Pape Thiaw’s behavior, who, before the match, started his manipulative propaganda, saying ‘look, if we lose, it’ll be the referee’s fault.’ That bothers me. Enjoy yourself as a coach, talk about your squad, about how you’re experiencing the moment. The players listen to you, you’re the leader. Subconsciously, they react because their coach told them to.” said the former French international.