For several days, the name of Nicolas Pépé has been making headlines, and on Tuesday, December 9, the news broke: the Villarreal winger is not among the 26 players selected by Émersé Faé to play in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco (December 21–January 18, 2026).
In a press conference, the coach explained: This isn't a sporting sanction. If it were only about his performance on the pitch, he would be with us. He was in the performance bracket. But to make a list, you have to take into account many factors, both on and off the pitch. All these factors explain why he isn't here.
This exclusion originates from a video recently filmed with the YouTuber Justriadh, where Pepe, in a lighthearted atmosphere, spoke freely about his life and career.
Some passages were deemed clumsy, particularly his opinion on players choosing the French national team over an African selection: If a player does that and I'm the coach or president of the Federation, it's a straight-up decision. It means that the African selection is your second option. We players don't care, but we'll have a laugh.
He also mentions his teammate Alban Lafont, a goalkeeper born in Burkina Faso but an Ivorian international:
He's Burkinabé, but he chose Ivory Coast. People tease him about it, but it's not a problem. He's not Ivorian. But he has the passport.
Another phrase that sparked a heated controversy was a little dig at Morocco, the host country of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. In a teasing tone, Pépé declared:"How many stars do they (Morocco) have? One? They don't even have one. Or maybe they won it in 1818. In any case, we weren't even born then."
🇨🇮 Nicolas Pepe teases Morocco about the AFCON Lmao
— Said Amdaa (@SaidAmdaa) December 6, 2025
Watch out Moroccans, I don't think they even have one star. Maybe one they won in 1818. Even my dad wasn't born then 💀😭@WalidRegraguiof you'll show this in the locker room 🙏🏽🧏🏽♂️
A joke that quickly gained momentum on social media, triggering a wave of criticism and abusive messages, to the point that the player had to apologize on his official account, calling for peace and brotherhood.
Upon hearing of his exclusion from the squad, Pépé reacted by talking about a double punishment. His relatives, especially his sister, denounced a decision deemed too harsh, believing that his remarks were more in the spirit of humor than a real intention to hurt.
Nicolas Pépé, the 2023 African champion, is now paying the price for comments perceived as inappropriate. Between misunderstood banter and misinterpretation, the result is clear: he will not participate in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with the Elephants.
By the Editorial Staff
December 9, 2025 at 9:00 PM
