Tunisian football has been plunged into mourning following the death of former international Mondher Msakni, a respected figure of the game and the father of national team players Youssef and Iheb Msakni.
Msakni passed away on Friday, 6 February 2026, at the age of 66, after a deterioration in his health that had seen him admitted to intensive care.
His death has prompted widespread tributes across the Tunisian football community, where he is remembered as a gifted playmaker and a prominent presence on domestic pitches during the 1980s and early 1990s.
A former Tunisia international, Mondher Msakni represented the Eagles of Carthage in several matches, earning recognition for his commitment, composure and influence in midfield.
His performances at international level reflected a career built on technical quality and tactical intelligence, qualities that defined his playing style throughout his time in the game.
Msakni came through the ranks at Club Olympique des Transports, where he was part of what is regarded as a golden era for the club.
He made his debut during the 1972-1973 season and quickly stood out for his vision and ability to control the tempo of matches.
Operating as an attacking midfielder, he became known for his capacity to organise play and link midfield with attack.
In 1977, he played a role in Olympique des Transports’ triumph in the Tunisian Junior Cup, a success that accelerated his progression into the senior side.
His first top-flight appearance came in the 1980-1981 season against Club Sportif d’Hammam-Lif, a match in which he lined up alongside his brother, Mohamed Msakni.
The 1987-1988 campaign marked a high point in his club career.
That season, Mondher Msakni helped Olympique des Transports lift the Tunisian Cup, with the final decided by a penalty shootout.
In the league, the club mounted a strong title challenge against Espérance Sportive de Tunis, with both teams finishing level on points before Espérance were awarded the championship on the basis of head-to-head results.
His club form earned him a call-up to the national team under coach Mokhtar Tlili.
Msakni made his international debut in 1988 against Ivory Coast, beginning a chapter that further cemented his standing in Tunisian football.
After leaving Olympique des Transports in 1992, he continued his career with Stade Tunisien, before joining Club Sportif Sfaxien in 1993.
A year later, he moved to Espérance Sportive de Tunis, recruited by then club president Slim Chiboub.
He brought his playing career to a close in the mid-1990s, leaving behind a legacy as one of Tunisia’s notable midfielders of his generation.
