Drogba backs Pepe after AFCON 2025 snub: "Stay strong, my son"
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 10.12.25. | 14:03
The legendary Ivorian striker took to social media to comment on the news that the ex-Arsenal forward is not called up for the upcoming continental tournament
Nicolas Pepe has spoken out following his surprising exclusion from Ivory Coast's squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and he's found an ally in none other than Didier Drogba.
The Villarreal winger, a key figure for the Elephants since his debut, was left out of head coach Emerse Fae's December 9 squad announcement. The omission shocked many fans, marking one of the most unexpected cuts as the Ivory Coast prepares for the tournament in Morocco.
🚨📲 𝗡𝗘𝗪: Nicolas Pepe on Instagram after not being called up for the AFCON:
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) December 9, 2025
"Double pain for me. It's football, it's life. Thank you to La Liga, to my club Villarreal and to all those who have supported me after these last days of harassment and racism. Good luck to my… pic.twitter.com/L98NvVVLA7
Pepe took to Instagram to respond, sharing a heartfelt message that revealed the personal toll the decision had taken.
"Double trouble for me. That's football, that's life. Thank you to La Liga, my club Villarreal, and everyone who has supported me after these past few days of harassment and racism. Good luck to my teammates," he wrote.
The post highlighted the emotional strain the former Arsenal forward has endured, pointing to both professional disappointment and the impact of off-field harassment. He also changed his profile picture from displaying the 2023 AFCON trophy to an image of himself in the Villarreal jersey, signaling a shift in focus while remaining proud of his club journey.
X m’a demandé quoi de neuf, j’ai voulu écrire…rien de nouveau 🤷🏾♂️
— Didier Drogba (@didierdrogba) December 10, 2025
Force à toi fils #nicolapepe pic.twitter.com/dLK0mjutUQ
Even as he faced this setback, Pepe emphasized solidarity with his national teammates, wishing them success in the tournament. With 50 caps and 11 goals, he has long been a driving force in the Ivory Coast's attack, and his absence leaves a notable gap in the squad.
In the midst of the controversy, Didier Drogba, the Ivorian legend and former striker, publicly showed his support. On X, Drogba wrote: "X asked me what's new, I wanted to write… nothing new. Stay strong, my son."
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