Famous Senegalese Football Players

Kalidou Koulibaly is a professional footballer who currently plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and captains the Senegal national team. He began his professional club career with French team Metz before moving to Belgian club Genk and then joining Italian team Napoli in 2014. During his time with Napoli, Koulibaly achieved success by winning titles such as the Supercoppa Italiana and Coppa Italia. He has represented Senegal at various international tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

Sadio Mané is a highly skilled Senegalese professional footballer known for his pressing, dribbling, and speed. He began his career at Metz before moving to Red Bull Salzburg and then Southampton. In 2016, he joined Liverpool, where he formed a successful attacking trio with Salah and Firmino. Mané has achieved numerous accolades, including winning the Champions League and Premier League titles with Liverpool. He has also excelled internationally, representing Senegal in various tournaments and winning individual awards for his outstanding performances.

Édouard Mendy is a professional footballer who has experienced a remarkable journey in his career. Starting in France, he overcame setbacks to establish himself as a reliable goalkeeper at clubs like Reims and Rennes. His move to Chelsea in 2020 saw him achieve great success, winning the UEFA Champions League and several individual awards. Representing Senegal internationally, he played a crucial role in their Africa Cup of Nations triumphs. His talent and achievements have solidified his reputation as a top goalkeeper in world football.

Papiss Demba Cissé is a Senegalese professional footballer known for his prolific goal-scoring abilities as a forward. He previously played for SC Freiburg and set a Bundesliga record for most goals by an African player in a single season. Cissé was recognized for his efficiency as a striker, winning the EFFIFU award. With over 30 caps for Senegal, he represented his country at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2015. Cissé has had a successful career both domestically and internationally, showcasing his talent on the pitch.

Aliou Cissé is a Senegalese professional football coach and former player known for captaining the Senegal team to the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations Final. He has managed the Senegal national team since 2015, leading them to victory in the 2022 tournament after reaching the final in 2019. Cissé began his career in France before playing for English clubs Birmingham City and Portsmouth. A defensive midfielder who occasionally played at centre-back, he also served as both assistant and head coach for Senegal's under-23 team.

Cheikhou Kouyaté is a Senegalese professional footballer known for his versatility in playing as a defensive midfielder or centre-back. He began his career in Belgium with RWDM Brussels before moving to Anderlecht, where he achieved success by winning the Belgian First Division A multiple times. In 2014, he made his move to the Premier League, joining West Ham United before transferring to Crystal Palace in 2018. Kouyaté has represented Senegal in various international tournaments, including the Olympics, FIFA World Cup, and Africa Cup of Nations, where he celebrated victory in 2021.

Demba Ba had a successful professional football career spanning various clubs and countries. He started with French team Rouen before moving to Mouscron and TSG Hoffenheim in Germany. Ba then played for West Ham United and Newcastle United in the Premier League, followed by transfers to Chelsea and Beşiktaş. He later joined Shanghai Shenhua in the Chinese Super League. Ba also represented Senegal internationally, including at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He announced his retirement from football in September 2021.

Keita Baldé Diao is a skilled professional footballer known for his versatility as a winger. He has showcased his talent on the field while representing various clubs throughout his career. With a strong presence in the Spanish football scene, Keita has also made significant contributions to the Senegal national team. His dynamic playing style, technical abilities, and goal-scoring prowess have earned him recognition as a valuable asset to any team he is a part of. Keita's dedication and passion for the sport continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike.

Diafra Sakho is a retired Senegalese professional footballer who played as a striker. He started his career in French football with Metz and Boulogne before moving to West Ham United in August 2014. He became a full international for the Senegal national team in May 2014. Sakho later transferred to Rennes in January 2018 and was loaned to Bursaspor in August 2018. Throughout his career, Sakho showcased his skill and talent on the field, earning recognition as a formidable striker.

Bacary Sagna is a retired French professional footballer who predominantly played as a right-back. Known for his versatility, he also excelled as a wing-back and occasionally as a centre-back during his time at Arsenal. Sagna began his career at Auxerre before joining Arsenal in 2007 for £7 million. He later moved to Manchester City in 2014 after winning the FA Cup with Arsenal. Sagna represented France at two FIFA World Cup tournaments and one UEFA European Championship during his international career.

Henri Camara had a successful professional football career as a striker, playing in various countries including France, Switzerland, Scotland, England, and Greece. He retired in 2018 after starting his career in the late 1990s. Camara was a key player for the Senegal national team, earning 99 caps and scoring 29 goals between 1999 and 2008. He notably helped Senegal reach the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where he scored two goals.

Ali Dia is a former professional footballer from Senegal who played as a striker. In 1996, he convinced Southampton manager Graeme Souness that he was the cousin of renowned player George Weah, leading to a one-month contract with the club. Dia's time at Southampton was short-lived, with him playing only one match as a substitute before being substituted himself. He was released just 14 days into his contract, marking the end of his brief and unusual stint in professional football.

Diomansy Kamara is a former professional footballer known for his role as a striker. With a career spanning 17 years, he played for various football clubs in Italy, England, Scotland, Turkey, and India in addition to his home country, France. Kamara also represented Senegal internationally at three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. His successful career saw him showcasing his skills on the field for different teams across Europe and Asia, leaving a lasting impact in the world of football.

Mame Biram Diouf is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a striker for Turkish TFF First League club Göztepe. He began his career at Diaraf before moving to Molde, where he won the Norwegian First Division and earned promotion. Diouf then joined Manchester United in 2009, later moving to Hannover and Stoke City. He scored 35 goals in 71 appearances for Hannover and spent six seasons with Stoke, scoring 25 goals in 157 appearances. Diouf has also represented Senegal in various international competitions.

Dame N'Doye is a retired Senegalese professional footballer who primarily played as a forward. He had a successful career, notably spending a significant portion of it at Copenhagen, where he became the club's all-time leading goal scorer. N'Doye also played for various teams in countries such as Qatar, Portugal, Greece, Russia, England, and Turkey. He represented Senegal at the international level, earning his first cap in 2010 and featuring in two Africa Cup of Nations tournaments during his career.

El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf is a Senegalese former professional footballer who primarily played as a winger or forward. He began his career in France with Sochaux, Rennes, and Lens before moving to the Premier League with Liverpool. He also played for Bolton Wanderers, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, and Rangers in Scotland. Diouf later joined Doncaster Rovers and Leeds United, experiencing ups and downs in his club career. Representing Senegal, he scored 21 goals in 69 international appearances but was also known for his controversial behavior.

Mamadou Hamidou Niang is a retired Senegalese professional footballer known for his role as a striker. He has had a successful career representing Senegal at the international level, notably playing in the African Cup of Nations tournaments in 2004, 2006, and 2008. Niang's skill and goal-scoring abilities made him a valuable asset to both his national team and the various clubs he played for throughout his career. His contributions on the field have left a lasting impact on Senegalese football.

Alfred Gomis is a professional footballer from Senegal, known for his role as a goalkeeper for Serie B club Palermo and the Senegal national team. With his exceptional skills and agility, Gomis has proven to be a key player in both club and international competitions. His impressive performances have garnered praise from fans and experts alike, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and talented goalkeeper. Gomis continues to excel on the field, showcasing his dedication and passion for the sport.

Patrice Evra is a French former professional footballer known for his versatility on the field, playing primarily as a left-back. He captained both Manchester United and the France national team, earning numerous accolades such as PFA Team of the Year, FIFPro World XI, and UEFA Team of the Year. Starting his career in Italy, he joined Monaco before moving to Manchester United where he won multiple trophies. He later played for Juventus, Marseille, and West Ham United before retiring and pursuing coaching.

Henri Saivet is a professional footballer from Senegal who plays as a midfielder for Ligue 2 club Clermont. He began his career at Bordeaux, where he played for nine years before moving to English club Newcastle United. Saivet had loan spells at Saint-Étienne, Sivasspor, and Bursaspor before joining Pau. After two seasons at Pau, he transferred to Clermont in 2024. Saivet represented the Senegal national team from 2013 to 2019, having previously been a France youth international.

Oumar Niasse is a Senegalese professional footballer known for his versatility as a forward. He has played in various top-flight leagues across Senegal, Norway, Turkey, Russia, and England. Niasse achieved success by winning the 2011 Senegal Premier League with Ouakam and scoring a crucial goal in Lokomotiv Moscow's victory in the 2015 Russian Cup Final. His career took a significant turn when he signed with Everton for a substantial transfer fee in 2016. Niasse has also represented Senegal at the international level since 2013.

Khouma Babacar is a Senegalese professional footballer who plays as a striker for Danish club Copenhagen. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent and skills on the field, earning recognition for his goal-scoring abilities. Babacar has consistently delivered impressive performances, contributing to his team's successes and victories. With his speed, agility, and strong technical abilities, he has become a valuable asset to Copenhagen, making significant contributions to their offensive strategies and gameplay.

Famara Diédhiou is a Senegalese professional footballer known for his skills as a striker. He currently plays for Segunda División club Granada and represents the Senegal national team on the international stage. With a strong presence on the field, Diédhiou is recognized for his scoring ability and physicality. His professional career has seen him compete at a high level, showcasing his talent and contributing to his team's success both domestically and internationally.

Mamadou Sylla Diallo is a talented Senegalese professional footballer known for his skills as a forward. He currently showcases his abilities on the field as a member of the Spanish club Real Valladolid. With a strong presence and strategic gameplay, Mamadou Sylla has proven himself to be a valuable asset to his team. His dedication to the sport and continuous improvement have contributed to his success as a professional footballer, earning him recognition among fans and peers alike.