The Burkina Faso national team and the wider African football community have been thrown into deep mourning following the tragic death of the son of midfielder Stéphane Aziz Ki during the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The heartbreaking news was officially confirmed on Friday, January 2, by Aziz Ki’s club, Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca. In a statement released on the club’s official Instagram page, Wydad expressed profound sympathy and solidarity with the player and his family during this difficult time.
“It is with deep sadness that Wydad Athletic Club extends its heartfelt condolences to our player Stéphane Aziz Ki following the passing of his son,” the statement read.
The announcement came amid what had been a positive AFCON campaign for the 28-year-old midfielder, making the contrast between professional success and personal tragedy all the more painful. Aziz Ki, who joined Wydad Casablanca last summer, is currently in Morocco with the Burkina Faso national team. Born in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, he has earned 22 international caps and is also the father of a young daughter. As of now, he has not issued a public statement regarding the loss.
Just days before the tragedy, on December 31, Aziz Ki featured prominently in Burkina Faso’s final group-stage match against Sudan in Casablanca. He delivered an assist for Lassina Traoré in a convincing 2–0 victory, highlighting his importance to the team prior to the devastating news.
Following the announcement, messages of condolence and support poured in from across the African football fraternity. Journalists, football organisations, and fans took to social media to express their sympathy and offer prayers for the midfielder and his family. Rwandan sports journalist Eric Ndagijimana indicated that Aziz Ki was expected to temporarily leave the Burkina Faso camp, while Football Intel Africa described the loss as a deeply painful moment, extending words of comfort and solidarity.
Meanwhile, Burkina Faso continue preparations for their Round of 16 encounter against host nation Ivory Coast, scheduled for Tuesday, January 6. Aziz Ki’s availability for the crucial fixture remains uncertain as the team places priority on his emotional well-being following the personal tragedy.
The thoughts and prayers of the football world remain with Stéphane Aziz Ki and his family as they navigate this period of profound grief.
Source: Yen.com.gh
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