The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is more than just football to many. It is a canvas for penning legacies, and Kalidou Koulibaly falls into that category.

Koulibaly has expressed in no uncertain terms that there is no iota of lethargy in the way he regards the tournament.

Kalidou Koulibaly, who was born in France and represented Les Bleuets at U20 level, revealed which competition he prioritises between the African Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

The former Chelsea defender made it known that he values qualification for the AFCON rather than a win at the FIFA World Cup.

Koulibaly, 34, is amongst Senegal's contingent for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while he is also expected to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking regarding the AFCON, Kalidou Koulibaly acknowledged his adulation for the tournament, while sharing that he knows not everyone has equal respect for the competition.

Koulibaly said: “I would NEVER trade qualification for the World Cup for a win at the AFCON. I know not everyone respects this competition, but I respect it enormously.”

The Al-Hilal man has played at four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, winning it in the 2021 edition played in 2022, while also receiving the silver medal at the 2019 AFCON held in Egypt.

Kalidou Koulibaly has also played at two FIFA World Cup tournaments, 2018 and 2022, going on to score a goal during the outing in Qatar.

His position isn't popular, but expectedly, there should be other African players who echo such sentiments, even if they haven't publicly voiced that stance.

Senegal commenced the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a comprehensive 3–0 triumph over Botswana.

A brace from Chelsea’s Nicholas Jackson, who is on loan at Bayern Munich, alongside a goal from Cherif Ndiaye, gave the Teranga Lions an impressive start to the tournament.

Kalidou Koulibaly played the entire 90 minutes of proceedings, providing his own contributions from the defensive department.

Pape Thiaw’s Senegal will lock horns with DR Congo in their next group assignment at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.