Senegalese veterans: Sadio Mané and the leaders of the Lions of Teranga on a mission

Édouard Mendy, Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Idrissa Gueye are more than just players; they are the pillars of the modern Senegal national team. Having experienced almost everything in football, this quartet was instrumental in breaking the nation's curse by winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022.

National team coach Pape Thiaw, in charge since 2024, has placed his trust in these veterans. Mendy revealed that the coach visited them at their clubs upon his appointment, insisting that the squad's locker room must be built around them. They are now tasked with ensuring the collective spirit remains high, describing their current work as a "mission."

Younger teammates, including Pape Gueye, emphasize the profound impact these veterans have on the team's culture. Koulibaly, as captain, oversees everything from tactical leadership to off-pitch logistics, ensuring that the team operates with the professionalism of top European clubs. The deep respect for these elders within the African football culture is central to the squad's harmony.

They steer the ship of the national team, and if we are where we are today, it is largely thanks to them. You cannot dream of better leaders. Yéhvann Diouf

These leaders provide guidance and enforce discipline, such as restricting social media activity after matches to maintain humility. Their dedication is evident, as Mané and Gueye continue to play full matches at their age, often complementing their workload with intense individual training sessions.

Looking ahead, Kalidou Koulibaly is expected to return for the upcoming match against Belgium after recovering from injury, while goalkeeper Édouard Mendy is likely to miss out due to a knee issue.