Corinne Pépé, sister of Ivorian international Nicolas Pépé, publicly defended her brother following recent criticism surrounding his actions and AFCON participation.
She described the situation as deeply unjust and expressed frustration over the scrutiny the striker faces.
In a candid statement, Corinne challenged the narrative that Pépé acted improperly.
“He makes a video, he’s natural, chill, relaxed… and it backfires on him? He ‘apologized,’ even though he’s the victim! But since he had to go to Morocco, it was ‘better’ to do that, right… After enduring racism, a wave of hatred, harassment, all for a simple video! And now, he’s the one being punished? He’s the one being singled out?” she said, highlighting the unfair treatment of her brother in the public eye.
Corinne emphasized Nicolas Pépé’s dedication to the Ivory Coast national team and his commitment to representing his country with pride. “My brother chose Ivory Coast when he was only 18. He always represented his country with pride.
“He never spoke on social media, never sought attention. For him, it’s all about PlayStation, football, family, and peace and quiet. Nowadays, you joke around, you talk normally, and it becomes a tragedy. In the end, staying out of it is better,” she explained.
The comments come amid discussions about Pépé’s absence from the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and the backlash he has faced over a recent video.
Critics have questioned his attitude and conduct, while supporters, including his sister, argue that he has been unfairly targeted.
Corinne’s statement reignites debate over the pressures faced by international players, particularly when navigating public perception and social media scrutiny.
Her defense of Pépé underscores the emotional toll on players and their families when off-field controversies intersect with professional obligations.
As Ivory Coast prepares for AFCON 2025, the focus remains on the team’s preparation, while Nicolas Pépé’s situation continues to draw attention and provoke discussions across media and fan platforms.
