Nicolas Pépé has come under intense scrutiny ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after making a sarcastic comment about Morocco’s record in African football, a remark that triggered a wave of racist abuse on social media.
The Villarreal winger appeared in a video circulating widely online, where he joked that Morocco had “no stars,” adding that if they ever won one, it must have been “in 1818… my father wasn’t even born yet.”
The comment spread rapidly and infuriated many supporters, with criticism soon turning into personal attacks.
Within hours, Pépé’s Instagram page filled with racist messages, insults, and derogatory emojis.
The Ivorian international, alarmed by the intensity of the backlash, shared his disappointment through a series of Instagram stories.
He condemned the hateful responses, saying the scale of the abuse stunned him.
His situation drew support from several football figures, including Cameroonian forward Paul-Arnold Garita.
In a message posted publicly, Garita denounced the racist attacks and voiced solidarity with Pépé.
He stressed that racism must not be tolerated in football or any other sport, urging fans to reject hatred and focus on the game itself.
The controversy arrives at a sensitive moment, with the Africa Cup of Nations approaching and emotions running high across the continent.
The debate over Pépé’s comment continues, but the racist abuse he received has prompted broader reflection on the behaviour of online supporters and the responsibility to uphold respect within international football.
