Issiaga Sylla: Emotional Scenes As Footballer Learns of His Mother’s Death Just Before Ligue 1 Game

• Montpellier defender Issiaga Sylla was hit with the worst-possible news on Saturday
• Sylla, who has scored once and provided three assists in 15 games this season, learned of his mother's death ahead of Montpellier's league game with Nantes
• He put up a resilient performance even after hearing about the passing of his beloved mom

France-based Guinean footballer Issiaga Sylla was heartbroken after he learned of his mom's passing before Montpellier's Ligue 1 clash with Nantes on Saturday, May 20.

The 29-year-old was hit with the devastating news just before kick-off and understandably struggled to come to terms with the information.

Sylla, who plays as a left-back for Montpellier, could not hold back his tears as he was consoled by his teammates. Despite the toll of his mother's death weighing on him, he managed to play full throttle for his side, according to GFFN.

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His presence on the field served as a huge motivation for Montpellier, who beat Nantes 3-0 to enhance their hopes of a top-half finish with two games remaining in the French top flight.

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African footballers and their moms

There is a special bond that is struck between a child and his mother right from birth, and footballers are no different. Owing to the nature of their profession, mothers act as a critical support system for players due to their unerring love and care in a world that operates on individualism.

According to Intechopen, African values and culture portray the mother as the backbone of the family, and thus in the event of their passing, it cuts deep, which creates a gaping hole that is difficult to fill.

Aside from Sylla, the likes of ex-Ghana international Sulley Muntari and Paul Pogba, who is also of Guinean descent, share a special connection with their mothers.

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Muntari opens up on mom's death

In a related publication, Sports Brief reported that legendary Ghanaian midfielder Sulley Muntari says he is yet to come to terms with the passing of his beloved mother, Hajia Kande. The former Inter Milan star lost his mother in May 2021.

Muntari, whose mother was supportive of his career, almost broke down in tears as he opened up on the void left in his life by her passing.

Muntari's mother is famous for publicly defending her son during the 2014 World Cup debacle, where the midfielder reportedly fought a Black Stars management member.