Official: Kiki Kouyaté announces his international retirement with Mali!

Boubakar Kouyaté ends his journey with Mali!

Kiki Kouyaté / @x.com/nationfootmali/status/

In a surprise announcement, Malian defender Boubakar "Kiki" Kouyaté has officially declared his international retirement from the Mali national team at just 28 years old.Kouyaté explained his decision in a comment posted on the "Les Aigles du Mali" page on social network (X), stating:

"Les Aigles du Mali, I am responding to you today with respect.Whether I play or not, whether I am in form or not, that concerns only me, my family, and those close to me.After AFCON, I was clear: I am stepping aside to make room for younger brothers who deserve it more than I do, for the good of Malian football.Today, I am better where I am, and I fully stand by my decision.Support your players.I will no longer be in the national team, and if you don't mind, please do not mention my name in your posts anymore.Long live Mali, long live Malian football."

Boubacar Kouyaté (Kiki) ne supporte plus que la page Les Aigles du Mali (Pas ma page hein) parle de lui. Il l’a fait savoir publiquement dans un commentaire et confirme sa retraite de l’équipe nationale :

“Les Aigles Du Mali je te répond aujourd’hui dans le respect.

Je joue ou… pic.twitter.com/BTuRQF6wFD

— Les Aigles Du Mali 🇲🇱🦅 (@AiglesDuMali_) July 30, 2025

Boubakar Kouyaté began his international career with Mali on March 26, 2019, earning 36 caps. He stood out for his solidity and commitment in defense.After joining Montpellier from FC Metz in the winter of 2023, he became a key player for his club, despite recurring injuries in recent seasons that affected his performance and spot in the squad.It is also important to note that Kouyaté voiced his discontent about certain posts concerning him on the Eagles’ social media, which led him to ask for his decision to be respected and for his name not to be mentioned anymore.

🚨🇲🇱 OFFICIAL: Boubacar Kouyaté "Kiki" confirms his international retirement from Mali — and publicly asks not to be mentioned anymore by the page [ Les Aigles du Mali ] pic.twitter.com/GyivbGIu2T

— Kiddy87_Jnr (@Kiddy871) July 30, 2025