As he announced during a Facebook Live broadcast two weeks earlier, former Ivory Coast international Serey Dié officially began the process of legitimizing his union with Ivorian music diva Josey. The first crucial step was taken this Saturday, May 23, 2026, with the celebration of their traditional wedding.

A dowry ceremony held in complete privacy, surrounded by football legends

To honor tradition and pay his partner's dowry, Serey Dié visited Josey's family. For this significant event, he was surrounded by his loved ones, as well as iconic figures of Ivorian football, including Didier Drogba and Kader Keïta .

Far from the glitz and glamour, the ceremony took place in a simple and intimate atmosphere, reserved exclusively for their respective families and a very small circle of friends. A short video shared on social media quickly went viral, triggering a wave of congratulations from internet users.

Towards the end of criticism and cyberbullying?

This union marks a major turning point for the couple, whose relationship—made official in 2023—has long been the subject of controversy. Josey has indeed been the target of harsh criticism from many internet users, who accused her of being the cause of the separation between the former captain of the Elephants and his ex-wife Aline, the mother of his five children.

The virulence of the cyberbullying had reached a dramatic level. Serey Dié recently revealed that the singer had narrowly escaped death due to this psychological pressure.

"As the one who led her into all this," Serey Dié took responsibility for restoring his partner's honor.

The next steps

After a spectacular marriage proposal orchestrated at the airport on April 6, 2026, upon his return from a concert in Togo, the African champion continues to fulfill his promises. Following the success of this traditional wedding, attention is now focused on the civil and religious ceremonies, which promise to be particularly grand.