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Senegal national team: El Hadji Diouf sees Ibrahim Mbaye as a future Ballon d'Or winner

Auteur: Babacar SENE

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Équipe nationale du Sénégal : El Hadji Diouf voit en Ibrahim Mbaye un futur ballon d’or

Senegal national team: El Hadji Diouf sees Ibrahim Mbaye as a future Ballon d'Or winner

 

On the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf paid a glowing tribute to the new rising star of the Lions of Teranga. The former Senegalese football legend was full of praise for Ibrahim Mbaye, the young Paris Saint-Germain striker whom he already sees as destined for an exceptional future.

At just 17 years old, Ibrahim Mbaye has been making waves since the start of the tournament. Although eligible to play for France, the Parisian prodigy chose to represent Senegal, a decision applauded by fans. Currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the young winger now dreams of lifting the continental trophy on Sunday against the host nation in the final.

With seven caps already to his name, Mbaye is generating immense hope in the country. Among his admirers is El Hadji Diouf, two-time African Footballer of the Year (2001 and 2002), who spoke about him in an interview with the newspaper Le Parisien. The former captain of the Lions makes no secret of his enthusiasm:

"Mbaye is a future Ballon d'Or winner. I pray for him. Today, the path I paved for Sadio Mané, Sadio will pave for him. He has everything to surpass all of us."

Having played for prestigious clubs like Rennes, Lens, and Liverpool, Diouf has high hopes for the young talent developed under Luis Enrique at PSG. Even though national team coach Pape Thiaw hasn't yet made him an undisputed starter, Ibrahim Mbaye has impressed every time he's come on as a substitute: a goal, several decisive contributions, and an impressive maturity for his age.

For Diouf, this early success is not surprising. He still remembers their first meeting:

“The first time I saw that kid, I hugged him. I told him, ‘You know you’re a star? You’re a future Ballon d’Or winner. You’re wearing that shirt at 17, it’s exceptional.’ What he’s doing at his age, I’ve never seen anything like it in the world.” Aware of the demands of the very highest level, the former Liverpool and Bolton player nevertheless urges caution:

"This star needs prayers, a listening ear, and a good support system. He already has a passion for football; he loves this sport. In training and afterwards, he's always playing with the ball. He's a future asset for Senegal. He has so much to offer this team."

As Senegal prepares to play a crucial final, Ibrahim Mbaye already embodies the future of the Lions. A future that many, like El Hadji Diouf, see shining at the pinnacle of world football.

On the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf paid a glowing tribute to the new rising star of the Lions of Teranga. The former Senegalese football legend was full of praise for Ibrahim Mbaye, the young Paris Saint-Germain striker whom he already sees as destined for an exceptional future.

At just 17 years old, Ibrahim Mbaye has been making waves since the start of the tournament. Although eligible to play for France, the Parisian prodigy chose to represent Senegal, a decision applauded by fans. Currently competing in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the young winger now dreams of lifting the continental trophy on Sunday against the host nation in the final.

With seven caps already to his name, Mbaye is generating immense hope in the country. Among his admirers is El Hadji Diouf, two-time African Footballer of the Year (2001 and 2002), who spoke about him in an interview with the newspaper Le Parisien. The former captain of the Lions makes no secret of his enthusiasm:

"Mbaye is a future Ballon d'Or winner. I pray for him. Today, the path I paved for Sadio Mané, Sadio will pave for him. He has everything to surpass all of us."

Having played for prestigious clubs like Rennes, Lens, and Liverpool, Diouf has high hopes for the young talent developed under Luis Enrique at PSG. Even though national team coach Pape Thiaw hasn't yet made him an undisputed starter, Ibrahim Mbaye has impressed every time he's come on as a substitute: a goal, several decisive contributions, and an impressive maturity for his age.

For Diouf, this early success is not surprising. He still remembers their first meeting:

“The first time I saw that kid, I hugged him. I told him, ‘You know you’re a star? You’re a future Ballon d’Or winner. You’re wearing that shirt at 17, it’s exceptional.’ What he’s doing at his age, I’ve never seen anything like it in the world.” Aware of the demands of the very highest level, the former Liverpool and Bolton player nevertheless urges caution:

"This star needs prayers, a listening ear, and a good support system. He already has a passion for football; he loves this sport. In training and afterwards, he's always playing with the ball. He's a future asset for Senegal. He has so much to offer this team."

As Senegal prepares to play a crucial final, Ibrahim Mbaye already embodies the future of the Lions. A future that many, like El Hadji Diouf, see shining at the pinnacle of world football.

Auteur: Babacar SENE
Publié le: Vendredi 16 Janvier 2026

Commentaires (8)

  • image
    waaw il y a 23 heures
    On s'en fout du ballon d'or !Laissez le gosse tranquille !
  • image
    Dawal il y a 23 heures
    En tout reste loin des filles, elles vont te transmettre leur sheytan
  • image
    Citoyen il y a 23 heures
    Boy MBAYE devrait rentrer dans cette finale. Il peut bien fatiguer HAKIMI. Il nous faut de la Verticalité et de l'efficacité.
  • image
    Abdoulaye ndoye il y a 22 heures
    Mais mane lima beugue kham boy Souleymane commissaire faye 17 ans la ame Sénégal loumouy kharr si mome
  • image
    Ah ce retraité ! il y a 22 heures
    Diouf sort de sa niche quand toutes occasions se présentent pour qu'on ne l'oublie pas. Il nous fatigue ce frustré , les années ont passées, passe à autre chose vieux déconneur
  • image
    Moi il y a 21 heures
    Mon cher, Elhadji Diouf mérite bcp de respect de la part de tous les Sénégalais. C'est un patriote au vrai sens du terme
  • image
    NDIAYE il y a 21 heures
    Togal fofou di nékhal boyi pour niane léne khaliss boye fowé rék.niak diom
  • image
    Ya bonne il y a 6 heures
    Ya bonne Sierra senegal connai foot avec succe c cette generation a part bokandè Du respect regardless their lifestyle Diouf nes pas pauvre il es bien
  • image
    Legende il y a 13 heures
    Elhadji Diouf da tella maguette limotax les joueurs
    Dois eviter les jugement tu dit 40 mais ressemble a 60
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