Alioune Badara Faty: From undisputed starter to backup, the difficult transition at TP Mazembe

Alioune Badara Faty's time at TP Mazembe (DR Congo) is going through a particularly turbulent period. Between a long injury, increased competition for places, and a financial dispute with the Congolese club, the Senegalese goalkeeper has been going through a difficult phase for several months.

In Lubumbashi, Alioune Badara Faty's status has changed considerably. Arriving at TP Mazembe in 2023 with the ambition of establishing himself as the Ravens' first-choice goalkeeper, the 2021 African champion and winner of the 2022 CHAN is no longer Lamine Ndiaye's number one choice. The Senegalese goalkeeper now has to contend with competition from his compatriot Marc Philips Arona Diouf, who has risen to prominence in the pecking order.

A signing bonus at the heart of the dispute

Alongside this sporting situation, Alioune Badara Faty was embroiled in a financial dispute with TP Mazembe. Upon his arrival at the club, the goalkeeper was due to receive a signing bonus of $25,000, equivalent to just over 14 million CFA francs.

According to Foot RDC, this sum was not paid, so Faty took the matter to the appropriate authorities. The case was eventually reviewed by FIFA. On September 7, 2026, the international governing body ruled in favor of the goalkeeper and ordered TP Mazembe to pay him the $25,000 he had claimed. The Congolese club has 45 days to comply.

On the sporting front, Faty's career was also hampered by a serious knee injury sustained in May 2025. Despite successful surgery in Belgium, the goalkeeper saw TP Mazembe renew their confidence in him with a two-year contract extension. His return was expected to allow him to gradually regain his place in goal.

But the reality is different. Now overtaken by Marc Philips Arona Diouf, Faty has to settle for a backup role, far from the status he held before his injury.

However, Faty had made a name for himself with his performances in the Ravens' jersey, particularly on penalties. He had even scored five with the Congolese club.

With just a few months left in 2026, Alioune Badara Faty finds himself at a turning point in his time in Lubumbashi. The financial dispute has now been resolved by FIFA, but his sporting future remains uncertain.

Between returning from injury, competition in goal and a changed status, the Senegalese goalkeeper will now have to fight to regain a place he had long held.