Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly had it very bad just after the elimination of al-Hilal in the quarterfinals of the 2025 World Cup.
Kalidou Koulibaly and Al-Hilal stop in the quarterfinals of the 2025 club World Cup. The Senegalese international rock (34 years old, 91 selections, 1 goal) was defeated with his own by the Brazilian formation of Fluminense (2-1) this Friday at the World Stadium campsite in Orlando, in the United States.
Despite a big Bounou, al-Hilal eliminated from the Club World Cup #football pic.twitter.com/734cXi9WtJ
— Afrik-Foot (@afrikfoot) July 4, 2025
“When you lose this way, it's a shame”
Decisive passer for equalization shortly after half-time (51st), The defender had the hard tooth with the referee After the final whistle. Passing in the mixed zone, the former Chelsea In particular, criticized the official, the non-recourse to the Var on several disputed actions where he could have had or had to benefit from a fault, in particular.
“I think that at the end of the match, there were certain episodes that everyone saw. I do not understand why the referee did not go to check the Var twice on faults committed on me. Sometimes you can accept certain things, but when you lose this way, it's a shame. »»
Koulibaly shocked by the “aggressiveness” of the referee
Kalidou Koulibaly continued in accusing the Dutch whistle of condescending or even hostile remarks towards his teammates and himself. An attitude towards which he expressed his misunderstanding.
“We gave everything in this match, it was the chance of our life!” For me, the referee did not do his job well. He was even very arrogant with us at halftime. He was talking to us disrespectful, and I don't understand why. I cannot grasp this aggressiveness in its tone, only towards our team, facing Al Hilal. »»
🎙️Kalidou Koulibaly (after match):
“The referee was very bad. How could we have lost the match this way? »»
(@a_alhanyan) pic.twitter.com/9I8dGkbUia
— SPL 🇸🇦 (@ActuSPL) July 4, 2025
Finally, he did not fail to express his spite, however, welcoming the performance of his partners throughout the competition.
“In the end, I am proud of my team and my teammates. We have shown a very good level in this competition, and we are all sad to be eliminated today. »»
