This weekend, several Senegalese internationals distinguished themselves on football fields around the world, flying the colors of their country. Sadio Mané, Iliman Ndiaye and Boulaye Dia were particularly decisive for their respective teams.
Sadio Mané made an impressive start to 2025 by scoring a brace for Al-Nassr against Al Okhdood on matchday 14 of the Saudi Pro League. This performance allowed his team to win 3-1, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring the final goal from a penalty. It was the first return to goal for Mané since the 10th day, where he had already been decisive.
On the other hand, his compatriots in Saudi Arabia also tasted victory. Kalidou Koulibaly, with Al-Hilal, dominated Al Orubah, 5-0. Habib Diallo came on late for Damac, who won 2-0 against Al-Raed. Édouard Mendy and Al Ahli SC beat Al Shabab 3-2, continuing an unbeaten streak that began eight games ago.
In England, Iliman Ndiaye helped Everton qualify for the fourth round of the FA Cup. Scoring a 98th-minute penalty against Peterborough, Ndiaye sealed the score at 2-0. His compatriot, Idrissa Gana Gueye, also played the entire match. Other Senegalese players in the Premier League, such as Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace and Pape Matar Sarr of Tottenham, have contributed to their teams’ progress in this prestigious competition.
In French Ligue 1, Lamine Camara and Habib Diarra were decisive assists for Monaco and Strasbourg respectively, during their away matches for the 17th day. Aliou Badji, playing in Ligue 2, also scored, ensuring his team’s equalizer against Laval.
Lazio Roma’s Boulaye Dia marked his return to the goalscoring record in a draw against Como, scoring for the first time since November. In Serbia, Cherif Ndiaye scored twice in a friendly against Pogon Szczecin, underlining his current form.
However, this weekend was not all triumphant. Hatayspor’s Lamine Diack had a tough time scoring an own goal in his side’s Super Lig defeat to Rizespor, a result that continues the Turkish side’s three-game losing streak.
These performances were reported by the Senegalese Press Agency, highlighting the continued impact of Senegalese players in international championships.
