‘I don’t know if Morocco or Senegal are the African champions’ – Mbappé
French footballer Kylian Mbappé struggled to identify the reigning champions of Africa during his pre-match press conference ahead of France’s World Cup game against Senegal.
In his remarks, Mbappé initially referred to Senegal as the African champions, acknowledging that the game would not be easy against such a side.
Shortly after, the Les Bleus captain paused and admitted he was unsure who won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). He nevertheless went on to mention champions.
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“We face the African champions… ehm, I don’t know if Morocco or Senegal won it at the end! Let’s say the African champions!” he said.
Mbappé’s comment appeared aimed at avoiding backlash, given that the issue remains in court.
The legal battle over the controversial 2025 AFCON final escalated after Senegal filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) over being stripped of the title.
The case was triggered when the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) formally challenged the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award Morocco a 3-0 victory by forfeit.
CAS instructed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) to submit its defense by May 7, 2026, marking the next key step in a dispute that continues to cast a shadow over the tournament’s conclusion.
The controversy stems from the dramatic circumstances that led to Morocco being awarded the title following Senegal’s temporary walk-off.
Read the tweet below:
🚨🌍 Mbappé on facing Senegal: “We face the African champions… ehm, I don’t know if Morocco or Senegal won it at the end!”.
“Let’s say the African champions!”. pic.twitter.com/stuuQspaLy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 12, 2026
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