The African football and media community has been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Malian journalist Mohamed Soumare in Rabat, Morocco.[/b]
Soumare, a highly respected sports media professional, was in Morocco on official assignment to cover the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when the heartbreaking incident occurred.
He served as a media officer for Stade Malien de Bamako and also held the position of Head of Marketing and Media at the Malian Professional League, roles through which he made significant contributions to football development and sports journalism in Mali.
According to reports, Mohamed Soumare was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Rabat, where he had been lodged for the tournament.
The shocking discovery was made by hotel staff in the early hours of the morning, prompting immediate notification of local authorities.
Local police officers and forensic teams reportedly arrived at the scene shortly after to begin preliminary investigations.
As of the time of this report, authorities have not disclosed the exact circumstances or cause of his death, leaving colleagues, fans, and members of the sports media community across Africa in a state of disbelief.
Soumare was in Morocco on official AFCON duty and was scheduled to cover Nigeria’s semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, only hours before he was found.
His sudden passing has raised concerns and intensified calls for clarity as investigations continue into what led to his death.
Consular officials are said to be working closely with Moroccan authorities to ensure proper procedures are followed and to assist in repatriating his remains to Mali.
Since the news broke, tributes have poured in from journalists, broadcasters, football administrators, and fans from across the African continent and beyond.
Many colleagues described Mohamed Soumare as a consummate professional, known for his discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment to excellence in sports reporting.
He was widely regarded as a mentor to younger journalists and an advocate for ethical journalism within African football media.
Others praised his analytical depth, passion for the game, and belief in football as a unifying force capable of promoting peace and social cohesion across Africa.
Mohamed Soumare’s death represents a painful and irreplaceable loss to African football journalism and the broader sporting community.
Though gone too soon, his legacy, professionalism, and love for the beautiful game remain deeply etched in the hearts of those who worked with him and followed his impactful career.
Check post below…
🚨 Tragic news at AFCON. 😢
A major figure in Malian and African sports journalism, Mohamed Soumaré has passed away in his hotel room in Morocco, where he was to cover the semi-finals and final of the Africa Cup of Nations. 💔
We extend our sincere condolences to his family,… pic.twitter.com/n5QqrPigMg
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 15, 2026