Fadiga slams ‘voodoo’ myth as prejudice against African football

On a crisp July afternoon in Seattle’s bustling Pike Place Market, 51‑year‑old former Senegal international Khalilou Fadiga chatted with ’s football editor Niels Poissonnier, offering candid views on Belgium, African football myths and the World Cup. The interview, published on 1 July 2026, revealed Fadiga’s dual role as FIFA consultant, Champions League analyst and personal adviser to Senegal’s president.

Fadiga described his love for Belgium’s “friendliness, good food and hospitality” while insisting his football allegiance remains wholly Senegalese. He added, “I am one hundred percent Senegalese,” emphasizing his national identity.

The former Club Brugge and Lommel favourite recounted a spontaneous selfie with Belgian fans near the market and a hug from ex‑Manchester United defender Mickaël Silvestre. Silvestre’s brief appearance underscored Fadiga’s status as a “world citizen” who spends more time on planes than at home.

When asked about Senegal’s official ambition to reach the World Cup semi‑finals, Fadiga smiled and said his personal goal is “to win the final and become world champions.” He warned fans, “Als ik jullie een tip mag geven: Kom niet naar het stadion. Geef forfait.”

Fadiga criticised what he called Belgium’s “lack of chauvinism,” arguing the country should celebrate stars like Romelu Lukaku, Kevin De Bruyne and Thibaut Courtois instead of questioning their age after a poor result. He said, “Jullie gebrek aan chauvinisme heeft me altijd gestoord,” and praised the experience of veteran players, comparing their game intelligence to that of Lionel Messi.

The interview also touched on the controversial Africa Cup final, where Fadiga recounted the official referee report confirming Senegal’s victory and the subsequent legal review by the International Sports Tribunal. He dismissed media stories linking the match to “voodoo,” stating, “Als voodoo zou werken, dan had Afrikaans land al lang WK gewonnen.”

Photographs by Jan De Meuleneir captured Fadiga beside a graffiti wall, while Nico Vereecken documented the surrounding fans and the iconic Seattle backdrop. The shoot also featured Senegalese star Sadio Mané and actor Omar Sy, and Fadiga referenced penalty taker Brahim Diaz, goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and Moroccan striker Ismael Saibari in the context of the disputed penalty episode.