Pape Gueye Refuses to Return His African Champion’s Medal

The Senegalese international has made it clear that the Lions of Teranga earned their victory on the field, and no decision can diminish that achievement.

There is ongoing discussion surrounding the African Football Confederation’s Appeal Committee’s controversial ruling that stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco. In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Pape Gueye firmly stated that there is no doubt about who the genuine champions of Africa are. He emphasized that the world witnessed Senegal’s triumph in Rabat on January 18. As such, he has no intention of returning his African champion’s medal, despite CAF’s ruling.

We won that final on the pitch; it was seen by everyone. Our medals are with us, and I’m not giving mine back. The entire world knows that Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations.