Senegal and Chelsea defender Kalidou Koulibaly has announced his retirement from international football. The decision follows the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) recent ruling to uphold the result of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, a match surrounded by controversy over officiating.
In an emotional statement, the 34-year-old captain expressed his profound disappointment, stating he is "ready to return all my medals" to the Senegalese Football Federation. Koulibaly cited the cumulative effect of the decision and his desire to make way for a new generation of players as reasons for his retirement.
The CAF's decision, announced earlier this week, concluded an investigation into the final match's refereeing. While acknowledging some errors, the governing body determined they did not materially affect the outcome, leaving the original result standing. This verdict has been met with significant criticism from Senegalese officials and fans.
Koulibaly, a stalwart for the Teranga Lions, earned over 70 caps and led Senegal to its historic first AFCON title in 2022. His retirement marks the end of an era for Senegalese football, with tributes pouring in for his leadership and dedication to the national team.
