Before closing the chapter on the Pape Thiaw era, Khalilou Fadiga delivered an emotional and clear message. Present at the press conference organized by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) on Monday, where the end of the national coach’s mission was officially announced, the former Senegal international spoke to Wiwsport. He reflected on the Lions’ elimination from the 2026 World Cup, Pape Thiaw’s departure, and the type of coach he hopes will take charge of the national team.
Now an advisor to FSF president Abdoulaye Fall on international relations, Khalilou Fadiga first wanted to clarify the exact nature of his role within the federation. The former playmaker emphasized that he does not get involved in any decisions related to the sporting or administrative aspects of the national team. According to him, his mission is strictly to support the president on certain international matters.
« I do not interfere in administrative or technical matters, meaning everything related to the field. My role is to support President Abdoulaye Fall in certain international decisions. I am neither an employee of the Federation, nor a member of the Comex, nor a decision-maker. »
Fadiga even explained that he makes sure to never disrupt the work of the technical staff. « I forbid myself from stepping onto the field during training sessions. If necessary, I walk behind the advertising boards to avoid any interference. » This, he believes, is a way to fully respect everyone’s responsibilities and allow the technicians to work under the best conditions.
The former international then spoke about Senegal’s elimination against Belgium in the 2026 World Cup. Like many fans, he admits to feeling a lot of pain from this disappointment. Living in Belgium, this defeat resonated even more deeply for him, touching his personal pride.
« Like all Senegalese, we experienced this campaign with a lot of sadness. I believe Senegal has enormous qualities. We are all disappointed to have lost, especially me living in Belgium. You can imagine the pain I felt. My honor and pride were hurt that day. »
For Khalilou Fadiga, this elimination is even more regrettable because Belgium was a team well within the Lions’ reach. He believes the potential of this generation far exceeds the results achieved and that this campaign should not undermine the overall quality of the Senegalese squad.
Regarding Pape Thiaw’s departure, the former Lions number 10 paid tribute to the work done by his former teammate. « Pape Thiaw did a very good job. I’m not saying this because we shared the 2002 adventure or because he’s a friend. Today, the decision was made by the Federation and we must respect it. But I am still saddened by this decision. »
INTERVIEW – Khalilou Fadiga: « Against Belgium, it’s a defeat I still struggle to accept » https://t.co/Rag7Q8uCAP pic.twitter.com/0CMdGev6n0
— wiwsport (@wiwsport) July 13, 2026
Finally, Khalilou Fadiga expressed his thoughts on the profile of the future national coach. For him, the most important thing is not the nationality of the next coach, but their ability to understand the values of Senegalese football and fully harness the potential of this generation.
« I simply hope that the next coach will be competent, competitive, and able to get the best out of this generation. It doesn’t matter. Nationality is primarily a matter of heart, not paperwork. Whoever comes to coach Senegal must embrace Senegalese culture, the Téranga, the mindset, the passion, the determination, and the selflessness that characterize Senegalese people. That’s what matters to me, far more than their passport. » For Fadiga, these qualities will be essential for the Lions to quickly find their way back to success.
