Senegal national team: who is Ismaïl Ka, the young AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper who dreams of playing for the Lions?

At just 20 years old, Ismaïl Ka has a clear ambition: to one day wear the jersey of the Senegalese national team. Born to a Senegalese father and a Dutch mother, the young goalkeeper possesses a dual cultural heritage and has already represented the Netherlands at youth level. Despite this international experience, his focus at the senior level is now firmly on the Lions of Teranga.

Currently playing for AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch first division, Ismaïl Ka is still waiting for a first sign from the Senegalese Football Federation. The goalkeeper says he has not yet received any official contact from the governing body of Senegalese football.

“I played for the Netherlands youth national teams and I was never selected by Senegal. Yet, it is obvious that I love this country very much. I cannot say yes until the Federation calls me, because I have never heard of any interest from them,” he explained in an interview with 13Football.

A young goalkeeper who admires Édouard Mendy

Standing at 1.90m tall, Ismaïl Ka presents a particularly interesting profile for the goalkeeper position. Trained in the Netherlands and currently playing for AZ Alkmaar, he continues his development with the ambition of establishing himself at the highest level.

To achieve his goals, the young goalkeeper can draw inspiration from Édouard Mendy, whom he considers a true role model. The Senegalese goalkeeper is among the young Senegalese-Dutch player's idols.

“I still think that Édouard Mendy is among the world’s elite. He demonstrates it in every match and proves that he has not yet reached his limits,” said Ismaïl Ka.

An additional lead for the Lions

Senegal already boasts several promising young goalkeepers, but the emergence of a new profile like Ismaïl Ka could offer an additional option to the national team's management. His time in the Netherlands, his physique, and his experience with Dutch youth teams are all attractive assets.

For now, the AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper still has several steps to take before he can be considered for a call-up to the Lions. But his interest in playing for Senegal is clearly stated. It remains to be seen whether the Senegalese Football Federation will decide to approach him and offer him the opportunity to continue his international career representing Senegal.

In the long term, Ismaïl Ka could thus become one of the young goalkeepers to watch as part of the renewal of the Lions' Den.