But for some, the weight is far more personal; a burden no football pitch should ever have to witness. Behind every anthem sung and every flag waved, there are men stepping onto the pitch with private grief burning inside them. While millions watch for goals and glory, some players are playing for something far heavier than qualification or trophies. Some players walk out of the tunnel not just as professionals, but as sons, fathers and brothers in mourning. Burkina Faso midfielder, Stéphane Aziz Ki suffered the unimaginable: the death of his young son while playing at the 2025 AFCON.

Source: GhanaWeb January 12, 2026 13:38 UTC