Downfall of African football’s hope: "My best friend drugged me and took millions"

In a deeply personal and unsettling revelation, Pape Cheikh Diop has opened up about the financial ruin and emotional toll he endured after being deceived by someone he once trusted completely, calling the experience “a nightmare he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemies”.

Now 28, Diop—once viewed as a rising prospect—is working to piece his career back together after several turbulent years. Speaking to the Spanish outlet AS, he shared his excitement about signing for Promises E.D.F., a club competing in Spain’s third tier, marking a fresh start in his journey.

Hailing from the Senegalese suburb of Gediwaye, Diop admitted: “I’m happy now, and I can finally smile after a terrifying nightmare… I’ve been away from the world of football for a while, and the feeling of touching the ball again is incredible; I’ve only had one training session so far.”

Having previously featured for clubs like Celta Vigo, Olympique Lyonnais, Aris Thessaloniki, and Elche CF, Diop acknowledged the scale of the challenge ahead: "I have to start from scratch."

He was once part of Spain’s victorious squad at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship and earned three caps for Senegal, but his career trajectory took a sharp downturn, compounded by a painful family episode that left lasting scars.

Recalling the turning point, Diop revealed: “About three years ago, when I arrived at Aris Thessaloniki, one of my trusted relatives stole from me.”

He went on: “He took everything in my bank account and my possessions, leaving me penniless. It all happened in the blink of an eye, and before I could comprehend what was happening, I had nothing left.”

The betrayal cut especially deep due to their close bond: “My mother asked me not to reveal his name, but he was like a father to me; I grew up with him because my biological father abandoned us when I was one year old. I trusted him blindly and obeyed his orders.”

Diop explained how that trust led to a costly decision: “It was a terrible shock and a very unpleasant surprise. I gave him power of attorney because of my trust in him; he had the authority to act and sign on my behalf. That was a huge mistake on my part, but I never imagined this would happen.”

The consequences were devastating: “He took my houses, my cars and my money. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through even on my worst enemies. Now it will be very difficult for me to trust anyone again.”

He added that the person responsible has vanished: “He has disappeared, and it is very difficult to find him. I have spent this time in Senegal trying to sort out my affairs and get my life back on track, but I have lost everything.”

Describing the scale of the damage, he said: “It completely devastated me; I didn’t have a penny left in the bank. I’d earned the money and saved millions, but he took it all.”

Support from within football helped him stay afloat, particularly from his agent Eric Alonso: “I managed to get through this ordeal thanks to the support of some of his friends in the world of football, particularly his agent Eric Alonso, who gave me a second chance.”

He continued: “He provided me with a roof over my head, food, and a job as a footballer, and helped me find happiness and the desire to move forward.”

Despite everything, Diop remains determined to rise again: “I am absolutely certain of it. I will return to my best form and you will see me at the top again. I am young, I know my strengths, I have experience, I am mentally stronger than ever, and I have an iron will. I will give myself two years to get back to the top.”

Currently playing in Spain’s regional leagues, Diop is focused on rebuilding step by step, with the clear ambition of climbing back to elite-level football.