ASC HLM Dakar: Ibrahima Dione "Vampire". "I want to bring the U17 World Cup back to Senegal"

Winner of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2026, Ibrahima Dione, nicknamed "Vampire," has reached a significant milestone in his young career. At just 17 years old, the striker for ASC HLM of Dakar, who has scored two goals since the start of the season, intends to continue his development step by step. In this exclusive interview, the young talent discusses his ambitions with his club and the national teams, his decision to remain true to his roots, and also the origin of his nickname "Vampire."

How do you analyze your start to the season, marked in particular by some beautiful goals?

I think I've had a good start to the season, but I know I can still improve. The goals I score are the result of hard work, the confidence of my teammates, and the efforts of the coaching staff. I remain focused on what's most important: helping ASC HLM achieve good results and continuing to grow as a player.

How did you experience the victory at the U17 AFCON, which led to you attracting the interest of several clubs in the Senegalese Ligue 1?

It's a huge source of pride to have won the U17 Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal. Wearing the national colors and representing my country at the highest level is an unforgettable experience. This victory has given me more confidence and allowed me to make a name for myself. The interest from several clubs is encouraging, but I'm keeping my feet on the ground. I know that the most important thing is to keep working hard and improving.

Do you think you made the right choice by staying at your current club? If so, why?

Yes, I think I made the right choice. ASC HLM isn't just a club for me: it's my home. I'm a product of the club, I was born in the neighborhood and I still live here. I grew up here, in this environment, and the club, as well as the Modou Mbaye football academy, contributed to my development and growth.

I am grateful to everyone who has supported me. I want to continue to progress with ASC HLM, give back to the club and the Modou Mbaye football academy everything they have given me, and contribute to writing great new chapters in their history. For me, staying here is also a way of showing that you can grow and succeed while remaining true to your roots.

Many football observers see you as a future great player. How do you handle this pressure and these expectations?

I take these compliments as a source of motivation, but I don't consider myself a great player yet. I'm young and I still have a lot to learn. In football, talent isn't enough: you need hard work, discipline, humility, and patience.

I prefer to take things one step at a time, listen to the advice of my coaches and loved ones, and let my performances speak for themselves. My goal is to continue improving without being distracted by external expectations.

Your nickname "Vampire" arouses curiosity and sometimes fear among your adversaries. Where does it come from?

It's a nickname that's stuck with me and is now part of my sporting identity. It reflects my character on the pitch, my desire to fight for every ball, and my determination in front of goal. When I'm on the field, I give everything for my team and I never give up until the final whistle.

Today, "Vampire" has become a brand recognized by fans. But behind this nickname, there is above all a young player who works every day to improve.

What are your goals this season, both at club level and with the national team?

With ASC HLM, my goal is to have a great season in the Senegalese Ligue 1, to help my club achieve its ambitions, and to continue to be a decisive player on the pitch. I want to improve every day to become a more complete player.

With the national team, my biggest dream is to be part of this U17 generation that will make history by becoming the first to win the World Cup for Senegal in December. We know it will be a difficult challenge, but we have faith in our team and we will give everything to represent our country with pride. We want to go all the way in this adventure and bring this pride to all the people of Senegal.

Finally, I want to continue to make my neighborhood, the HLM, and my formative club, ASC HLM, proud. I am a child of the neighborhood, a son of the club, and I would like to show young people that, no matter where you come from, you can dream big and represent your country at the highest level thanks to hard work, discipline and determination.