Murder of Bryan Alifoykooye: the shattered destiny of a talented football player

Jean Richard Bryan Alifoykooye, 35, was very popular with those around him. Simple, funny and always smiling, the resident of La Brasserie stood out for his respect for others. But he was also a talented young man. Passionate about football, he played in the first national division, recognized for his innate sense of goal. An injury, then his meeting with Laura Beatrice Travady, 29, changed the course of his life.

Bryan was found with his throat slit at his home on April 11, 2026. His partner was the first suspect. It was in Rodrigues that Laura Beatrice Travady was arrested. On Wednesday, the alleged murderer was taken back to the scene of the tragedy under heavy police escort for a reconstruction of the facts. Sangara Gengan, arrested in this case, also participated in the exercise.

In the neighborhood, Bryan's disappearance leaves a void. “Li ti enn Yamal” (in reference to footballer Lamine Yamal), confides a friend and former teammate of the man many nicknamed “Pioux”.

“We all play football in the family. I played there too and I passed the baton to him,” says Steven, his brother. Bryan was passionate. “He loved playing so much that he could spend hours on the field, rain or shine,” he continues. “Mo konn li depi lontan. Nounn bien zwe football ansam. Li ti kontan riye, badine,” adds a former teammate of the La Brasserie team.

On the field, Bryan was feared. “He could play as a striker or right winger.” His talent allowed him to reach the first national division. “He then played for Curepipe Starlight. He had one or two seasons,” said his former teammate.

Steven remembers that his younger brother had even been approached by the Mauritius Football Association. “I remember he was selected for Club M. The MFA wanted him to join the first team. It happened before my eyes, but at the time my brother refused. I pointed out to him that such an opportunity was incredible. I encouraged him to accept this offer. He replied that playing for his club was enough for him. He was so talented that everyone wanted to have him. I can no longer count his trophies and his best player titles,” he confides with pride.

However, a work accident changed everything. “Li ti pe pe travay dan depotwar. Enn zour linn sapp lor kamion benn li’nn tonbe, enn gran oter mem sa, linn kass so tibia,” explains his brother. This injury took him away from the field permanently. “After that, he never came back to the field again,” laments a friend. According to those close to him, Bryan gradually fell into drugs. His relationship with Laura Travady was on the rocks. “She was an authoritarian and confrontational woman. They met while working at the dump,” confides a relative. At La Brasserie, no one expected such a violent end. Priscille, a local shopkeeper, keeps the memory of a young