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The original was posted on /r/soccer by /u/Sparky-moon on 2026-04-03 10:00:37+00:00.
Original Title: Pape Cheikh on getting scammed by his family member: “I signed a general power of attorney for him, based on the trust I had placed in him, and he had the authority to act and sign on my behalf. He took my houses, my cars, and my money. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on my worst enemy.”
How are you doing?
I am happy again and have rediscovered my smile after suffering through a horrible nightmare. I’ve been away from the world of football for a while, and the feeling of touching the ball again and being with teammates has been incredible. I’ve only done one training session, but I’m full of desire.
What happened to you?
About three years ago, when I arrived at Aris Thessaloniki, a family member I fully trusted took everything from me. They took the money I had in the bank, my assets, and left me in ruins. It happened so fast, and by the time I realized it, I had nothing.
Someone you trusted completely?
My mother has asked me not to reveal his name, but he was like a father to me. I grew up with him by my side because my biological father abandoned us when I was one year old. He wasn’t a blood relative, but he was like a father to me and stood by me throughout my entire career. I did whatever he told me to do and trusted him completely. It was a tremendous shock and a very unpleasant surprise.
How could he leave you with nothing?
Because I signed a general power of attorney for him based on the trust I had placed in him, and he had the authority to act and sign on my behalf. It was a huge mistake on my part, but I could never have imagined that something like this could happen. He took my houses, cars, and money. I wouldn’t wish what I’ve been through on my worst enemy. Now it’s going to be very hard for me to trust people again.
Haven’t you heard from him since then?
Nothing. I reported him, but no one knows where he is. He’s disappeared, and it’s very difficult to find him. I’ve spent this time in Senegal trying to resolve some issues and sorting out paperwork, but I’ve been left with nothing. I have to start from scratch.
Don’t you have anything left?
He left me completely broke. I have zero euros in the bank. I had earned money and had several million saved up, but he took it all from me. We’ve managed to get by thanks to friends in the football world who’ve given me a hand and, above all, thanks to Erik Alonso, a good man who’s given me a new chance at life, and I’m going to make the most of it. He’s given me a place to live, food, a job as a football player, and he’s helped me regain my happiness and the drive to succeed.
And you’re going to start, at 28, in Regional Preferente…
Yes. Erik has made room for me at E.D.F. Promesas, and I’m going to start getting back in shape because I’m sure I’m going to make it back to the top.
To the First Division?
Yes. I’m absolutely certain of it. I’m going to get back to my best level, and you’ll see me in the elite again. I’m young, I know my strengths, I have experience, I’m mentally stronger than ever, and I have an iron will. I’m giving myself two years to be back at the top again.
Where does that confidence come from?
From my own mindset and from how much stronger everything I’ve been through has made me. I have tremendous ambition, and I’m going to do everything in my power to get back to where I was. I’ll be back on track very soon, and I’m going to succeed in football again. I’m sure of it.
Did you see the racist and xenophobic chants during the Spain-Egypt match?
Yes, and I was very surprised because Spain isn’t a racist country. I’ve never had any problems of that kind here. It made me very sad and angry because Spaniards aren’t like that. The people who do that are frustrated in their personal lives and go to the stadium to let off steam, but they don’t represent society.
Do you think Senegal will retain the Africa Cup of Nations?
There shouldn’t even be a debate about that. It’s only fair that they do because they won it on the field. I played for the national team and I really identify with this.