In French Ligue 1, Habib Diarra (20), captain of Strasbourg, impresses. With the “Lions”, he begins a rise in power that could make him a future leader.
Powerful, offensive, daring, Habib Diarra is shining brightly in French Ligue 1. A Senegalese international, he is also part of the generation of “Lions” on whom the country is counting to once again settle on the roof of Africa and reach the world summits. But, before establishing himself as one of the best prospects in world football, young Habib had to crawl. Son of former international Samba Diarra, he was born on January 3, 2004, in Guédiawaye. He lived there until the age of 5 before returning to France with his father.
At 14, he signed for the biggest club in Alsace, Strasbourg. Focused on his progress and his performances, Habib, thanks to his strong character, becomes a leader. The Senegalese international signed his first professional contract on July 1, 2021 with Strasbourg and played his first professional match in a 5-1 success over Saint-Étienne. A midfielder widely used on the sides, the native of Guédiawaye needs movement and freedom. His box to box style, his percussion, his ease of projection and his volume of play are major assets for the Strasbourg team. A meteoric progression which also attracts other teams in search of talent. Arriving at the age of 14 in Strasbourg in 2018, Habib Diarra became an indisputable starter. The right-hander's crazy progression was far from over. Last summer, before the opening of the season, he was bombarded captain by the British coach of Strasbourg, Liam Rosenior, even though he had only 64 matches, 6 goals and 3 assists in Ligue 1.
Future pillar of the “Lions”?
Comfortable as a defensive, offensive midfielder, Habib Diarra also plays as a right wide attacker where his big impact and his quality crosses are a great asset for his team. Despite the rather complicated start of the Alsatians who occupy 13th place in the ranking with 17 points, Habib Diarra, author of 3 goals and an assist, is doing well. He is increasingly attracting the interest of big players. teams like Juventus, Everton… Having spent most of his childhood in France, Habib Diarra, a precocious talent, was naturally selected with the French youth teams.
Former U20 international with the rooster flocked jersey, he also has 3 selections with the French hopefuls. In March 2024, he was selected for the first time for the friendly matches against Gabon (3-0) and against Benin (1-0). “Habib Diarra is a well-known and quality player, and I did everything to bring him back to the national team. He was born in Guédiawaye, his place is in the Senegal national team,” declared Aliou Cissé. After his baptism of fire by playing 17 minutes against the Gabonese “Panthères”, he started against the Beninese “Cheetahs”. However, the way Aliou Cissé uses it does not yet allow him to break out and give the full measure of his talent. Pape Thiaw, his successor, first brought him on in place of Formosa Mendy against Malawi (4-0, October 11, 2024).
Coming into play in the group final in Bamako against the “Étalons”, in place of Ismaïla Sarr (61st), he gave victory and first place to the “Lions” with a magnificent goal. Definitely launched, Diarra produced his most accomplished performance against Burundi (2-0, November 19, 2024). His magnificent double shows the player's impressive potential. New favorite of the public, Habib Diarra shakes up the hierarchy in a midfield already filled with Idrissa Gana Guèye, Lamine Camara, Pape Guèye. On the right side, it presents itself as an excellent solution to Ismaïla Sarr too often on alternating current. Like a Swiss army knife, Habib Diarra is a “multi-purpose” player that any coach would like to have at his disposal. At just 20 years old, he has a lot of room for improvement which could take him into the elite of the best in the world.
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