Yves Bissouma of Mali ©Abderrahmane Damaan/BackpagePix
Monday Dec 15, 2025. 15:00
Despite his recent lack of playing time and allegations of Nitrous Oxide use, Yves Bissouma has been named in Mali’s 28-man squad for the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
The 29-year-old last played competitively in August and has not featured for his club, Tottenham Hotspur, this season.
The defensive midfielder picked up an injury during the FIFA World Cup qualifiers and underwent ankle surgery.
Bissouma was outed for a second time for using Nitrous Oxide last week, which has been illegal for recreational use in the UK since 2023. He was previously caught last year and issued a one-match ban by Spurs.
Speaking to the Sun, Bissouma apologised to Spurs fans and revealed that he has been suffering from mental health issues after reported losing up to £1 million in a string of multiple break-ins at his home.
“I am sorry. This incident broke something in me I didn’t even know I could break,” he said. “I apologise to the fans. The trauma added to my life — fear, panic, depression and paranoia,” Bissouma told the Sun.
“I hate feeling like a victim, but what I lost wasn’t just material. It was what the trauma added to my life — fear, panic, depression, paranoia, sleepless nights, and a constant loss of trust,” he said.
Bissouma was a mainstay in the Malian side in the last AFCON where he played four of five games for his side, including their quarterfinal loss to hosts and eventual champions Côte d’Ivoire.
He captained Mali through AFCON qualifying for this year’s edition, playing in all six games and leading the Eagles through the campaign unbeaten.
The midfielder will be looking to remind critics of his ability as he is set to return to the continental stage.
By Nic Gleeson