Meet Qatari hatchet man: He broke Kone's leg, Neymar remembers his rough treatment

Assim Madibo - arguably the most infamous name in Canada right now.

Last night, the Qatari midfielder broke Ismael Kone's leg, leaving the hosts without a key player ahead of the final group-stage clash against Switzerland and the knockout phase they are on the verge of securing.

Ismael Kone suffers serious injury at World Cup 2026 as David scores hat-trick in Canada rout

To make matters worse, the game was already decided, with Canada 3-0 up, when Madibo's reckless challenge severely injured Kone, ending his maiden World Cup appearance. He was consequently sent off, but it will be a small consolation to the Sassuolo midfielder and his compatriots.

Not to be too hard on the Qatari, he appeared genuinely sorry after the incident, staring blankly into space in disbelief, as Kone was receiving treatment and getting stretchered off the pitch.

He may not be a naturally rough player, but he somehow keeps finding himself in these controversial situations.

Another happened seven years ago, and Neymar remembers it very well.

Brazil were preparing for the 2019 Copa America and played a warm-up game against Qatar eight days before the tournament's kick-off. The game that ended after just 21 minutes for Neymar and caused him to miss the entire continental championship, which the Selecao eventually won despite his absence.

And even if Madibo didn't mean to hurt anyone - and we're certain that's the case - he's already built a reputation as a "Qatari hatchet man". From now on, opponents will beware of him, that's for sure.

WORLD CUP - GROUP STAGE (ROUND 2)

Group B

Thursday 18.06.

Switzerland - Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-1 (0-0)

/Manzambi 74, 90, Vargas 84, Xhaka 90+7 pen - Mahmic 90+3/

Friday 19.06.

Canada - Qatar 6-0 (3-0)

/David 29, 45+3, 90, Larin 16, Saliba 64, Almanai 75 og/