Senegalese Ligue 1: Stronger than Courtois and Co., "the new Pogba", "the Messi of USO"..., the 10 rising stars to watch this season

Record has selected a few players to watch during the 2026-2027 Senegalese Ligue 1 season, which kicks off on October 17. From young talents looking to prove themselves to experienced players expected to deliver, these profiles could make their mark on the upcoming season.

Pape Abdoulaye Dieng (Teungueth FC) : Described as a "true leader" by his coach Malick Daf, the goalkeeper distinguished himself last season by conceding only five goals in 29 matches. This performance, according to Transfermarkt statistics, is the best in the world.

Moustapha Gueye (Teungueth FC) : Champion with Jaraaf in 2025 and then with Teungueth FC, the central defender was also voted best player of the last Ligue 1 season. Partnered with Alassane Ly in the centre, he will be one of the main defensive assets of the Rufisque club.

Stanislas André Sarr (AJEL de Rufisque) : After two impressive seasons with US Gorée, the left-back joins AJEL de Rufisque. Nicknamed "Stan" by his friends and family, he will have to impress new coach Jacobs Ba and earn his place against Souleymane Cissé.

Étienne Mendy (Stade de Mbour) : Voted best player in Ligue 2 in 2024-2025 with AS Bambey, the U17 international scored eight goals during that breakout season. Now at Stade de Mbour after two seasons at Bambey, he will be highly anticipated on the Petite Côte.

El Hadji Mbaye Fall (Jaraaf) : Recruited from ASC HLM, where he scored six goals last season, the striker shares the same name as a former Jaraaf legend who played there in the 1970s and 1980s. He will have to prove his worth at the Medina club, where the competition for attacking positions is expected to be fierce.

Ibrahima Dione (ASC HLM) : Winner of the U17 Africa Cup of Nations with the Young Lions, the striker nicknamed "Vampire" begins his third season with ASC HLM. Having scored three goals last season, he will try to take his game to the next level and contribute to his team's ambitions.

Pape Seydou Ndione (Teungueth FC) : At 17, the midfielder joins Teungueth FC after a successful season with Sonacos, where he scored six goals and provided seven assists. He also finished as top scorer in the League Cup, which was won by the Baol Oilmen.

Vieux Cissé (US Gorée) : Having scored seven goals last season, the winger is described by the sports daily as the "technical leader" of the team coached by Aly Male. He will need to maintain his form and help the Islanders aim for the title, after two seasons in which they came close but ultimately fell short.

Alassane Gueye (Teungueth FC) : After a convincing season with US Ouakam, highlighted by seven goals, the former "Messi of USO" joins Teungueth FC. Known for his dribbling skills and clinical finishing, he will be one of the attacking assets that Malick Daf can rely on.