Former Yanga SC midfielder Stephane Aziz Ki is mourning the tragic loss of his son (photo courtesy)
Former Yanga SC midfield maestro Stephane Aziz Ki is going through a devastating personal loss following the death of his son.
The Burkina Faso international, who now turns out for Moroccan giants Wydad AC, received the heartbreaking news while on national duty at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). His club moved swiftly to stand with him, sharing an emotional tribute on Instagram after the tragedy.
In a condolence message translated from Arabic, Wydad AC wrote:
“With deep sorrow and sadness, Wydad Athletic Club extends its sincerest condolences to our player, Aziz Ki, on the passing of his son. We ask God Almighty to have mercy on the deceased, grant him a place in Paradise, and give his family and loved ones patience and comfort.”
The sad news comes at a time when Aziz Ki has been in fine form for Burkina Faso at AFCON.
On New Year’s Eve, the midfielder played a crucial role in helping his country advance to the knockout stages. In a decisive 2-0 win over Sudan, he provided the assist for the opening goal, sealing Burkina Faso’s place in the next round.
Burkina Faso finished second in their group with two wins and one defeat, having earlier beaten Equatorial Guinea before suffering a narrow loss to Algeria. Attention now turns to a high-stakes knockout clash against hosts Ivory Coast, set for Tuesday, January 6; though it remains unclear whether Aziz Ki will feature following the family tragedy.
The 29-year-old rose to regional stardom during his spell at Tanzania’s Yanga SC before completing a high-profile move to Wydad AC last year. Beyond football, he has often made headlines for his glamorous lifestyle, including his colourful wedding to Tanzanian socialite Hamisa Mobetto. The couple also share a young daughter.
Aziz Ki is yet to issue a personal statement on the loss.
Meanwhile, fans and fellow football lovers have flooded social media with messages of comfort and prayer.
One Instagram user, Mina Official, wrote: “We belong to Allah and to Him we shall return. May Allah have mercy on him and grant the family patience.” Another, Hamza Tahri, added: “May God have mercy on his soul and grant patience to our player and the mother as well.”