Senegalese Goalkeeper murdered in Ghana after "Fake Trial" kidnapping | OneFootball

The shocking death of a 17-year-old goalkeeper exposes Africa’s growing football trafficking crisis

Senegalese Goalkeeper murdered in Ghana after "Fake Trial" kidnapping

The football world is in mourning after the brutal killing of Cheikh Toure a 17 year old.

Senegalese goalkeeper who was lured to Ghana with the promise of professional trial , only to be kidnapped, held for ransom and murdered by criminal network exploiting the dreams of young African players.

Toure who was registered with Esprit Foot Yeumbeul Academy in Dakar believed he was on the verge of life changing opportunity.

Scammers posing as football scouts contacted him earlier this year claiming they could arrange trial with Moroccan club. Trusting their story, the teenager travelled to Ghana where his nightmare began.

Kidnapped upon arrival and ransom demand

Upon his arrival in Kumasi , Toure was abducted by the same people who'd promised to launch his career.

They then contacted his family in Senegal demanding ransom in exchange for his release. Despite desperate efforts , the family was unable to meet the criminals demands.

On 17 Oct 2025 Touré’s body was found in Kumasi. According to Senegal’s Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, the perpetrators even sent photos of his body to his family after killing him.

Adding that his body was placed at the morgue.

Wake Up call for African Football

Authorities in both Ghana & Senegal have launched joint investigation while Senegal’s government vowed to pursue justice to the fullest extent.

Officials from the Senegalese embassy in Accra have been dispatched to assist in the legal process and coordinate the repatriation of Toure’s body.

Senegal’s Ministry of Sports described the case as tragedy that highlights the urgent need for vigilance urging parents, coaches & clubs to verify all offers of foreign trials and avoid unregulated recruitment channels.

The ministry statement read: