Weekend for Senegalese abroad: the Lions are already roaring

The Senegalese internationals have already made a strong impression across Europe and in Saudi Arabia during the first few days of the 2026-2027 season. From Pape Guèye to Mamadou Diakhon, via Sadio Mané and Abdallah Sima, several Lions distinguished themselves this weekend.

The 2026-2027 season has begun in foreign leagues. Senegalese internationals are already shining in Belgium, Spain, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

While awaiting the start of the season in France, Italy, and Germany, the Spanish La Liga has officially kicked off. On this opening day in the land of the world champions, a Senegalese player stood out. Pape Gueye proved decisive, allowing Villarreal to pull one back against Racing Santander (2-2). With a beautiful strike, the hero of the Africa Cup of Nations final revived his team, who were trailing 2-0. In addition to his goal, Pape Gueye delivered a solid performance in midfield and was particularly active in the center of the pitch.

Cheikh Tidiane Thiam (20 years old) watched the match from the bench. For Racing Santander, Maguette Guèye (23 years old) made a good appearance off the bench. In the all-Senegalese clash, Arouna Sangante's Sevilla defeated Pathé Ciss's Rayo Vallecano (2-1). Sangante's La Liga debut was a rude awakening, as he made a costly error leading to Rayo Vallecano's first goal. As for Pathé Ciss, playing in central defense, he couldn't prevent his team's defeat.

In Belgium, for the second matchday of the Jupiler League, Mamadou Diakhon shone for Club Brugge, who defeated OH Leuven 3-0. The young Senegalese striker scored a goal and provided an assist. Anderlecht, with Moussa Ndiaye coming on in the 71st minute, lost 1-0 to Beveren. It should be noted that Ilay Camara was absent for Anderlecht.

Union Saint-Gilloise, with Ousseynou Niang coming on in the 71st minute, were held to a draw by Zulte Waregem. In Turkey, Galatasaray, with Ismail Jakobs, began their season with a 2-2 draw against Çorum FK. The Senegalese left-back started the match before being substituted in the 71st minute.

In Saudi Arabia, on the opening day of the season, Sadio Mané's Al-Nassr defeated Al-Fateh 3-0. The Lions' number 10 provided the assist for the second goal, scored by João Félix. Kalidou Koulibaly, starting for Al-Hilal, beat Abdoulaye Seck's Al-Faisaly 4-2. Meanwhile, Neom, with Malang Sarr in the starting lineup, got their season off to a good start with a 2-1 victory over Al-Fayha.

Al-Diriyah, with Gana Gueye in the starting lineup, began the season with a home defeat against Al-Ahli, whose squad included an absent Édouard Mendy (0-1). Al-Ittihad, with Dion Lopy in the starting eleven, were held to a draw by Al-Kholood (1-1).

In France, Abdallah Sima won the Trophée des champions with Lens, who dethroned Paris Saint-Germain (1-0).