The 5 Greatest Senegalese Footballers
The Top5 greatest Senegalese football players of all time
Although Senegal are yet to win a trophy as a nation, they are still considered one of the elite footballing nations on the African continent.
With 16 million citizens, Senegal usually develops the most hard-working, selfless players- possibly an indication of the inherent mentality present within the nation.
With runners-up at the last AFCON- and possessing talent like Sadio Mane and Naby Keita- maybe The Lions’ time is around the corner.
In this post, we are discussing 5 of Senegal’s best-ever players.
1. Henri Camara
Position: Striker
Caps: 99
Goals: 29
Senegal’s highest goalscorer of all time, Henri Camara was part of the golden generation of the early 2000s who shocked the continent first, before surprising the world afterwards.
His senior international debut came on the 28th of February 1999 at the age of 21; Camara was only in his first season as a pro at French side Strasbourg. He impressed in training with his skill and demeanour, and Camara continued to get chances that year, earning another 10 caps that year with 2 goals scored.
In his second pro season, Camara moved to Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax, where he began banging out goals on a regular basis. As a result, the marksman was called up to Senegal’s 2000 African Cup of Nations squad.
At his first major international tournament, Camara scored twice, playing all 4 of his nation’s games as Senegal reached the QFs in a decent performance from the team. Camara’s goals included the opening goal of a 3-1-win versus Burkina Faso and another opener in the 2-2 draw versus Zambia, both in the group stages.
Camara would end up with 17 league goals in 32 games that season, earning a move to Grasshopper in Switzerland in the summer of 2000. Earning another 9 caps in 2000, Camara was now an important member of The Lions’ squad. 2001 led to 10 caps amassed, with 3 goals scored as well.
Despite not playing often for Grasshopper in 2000/01, Camara was still trusted by Senegal.
After a move to French side Sedan in 2001, the striker regained his form due to more game-time. This led to a call-up for the 2002 AFCON. At the tournament, Camara played 5 of his nation’s 6 games as Senegal earned silver for the first time ever on the continent.
Despite not scoring, Camara contributed towards the cause and was clearly a major part of Senegal’s success. After 8 goals in 25 league games for Sedan, Camara was called up for the 2002 World Cup a few months later: Senegal’s first.
At the WC, Camara played 4 of The Lions’ 5 games as Senegal reached the QFs. Camara’s 2 goals in the RO16 sealed the win versus Sweden in extra time, a historic moment for Senegal and Camara himself. Despite not being named in the WC team of the tournament, Camara’s goals made him an icon in Senegal.
The marksman returned to Sedan full of confidence, which led to him scoring 14 goals in Ligue 1 in 2002/03. 2003 also saw Camara earn 7 caps, scoring 3 goals amongst them.
Camara’s good form led to him signing for EPL side Wolverhampton Wanderers in the summer of 2003. Performing well at a below-average EPL side, the marksman was certain to be called up to the 2004 AFCON, and he was.
He played all 4 of Senegal’s games, failing to score as The Lions reached the QFs in an otherwise average performance from player and team. Camara also scored 7 goals in 30 EPL games for Wolves, a decent return. Wolves’ relegation meant the striker jumped ship on a loan to Scottish giants Celtic in 2004/05, which went well.
4 goals in 7 caps for Senegal in 2005 also illustrated a striker still in good form. The Celtic loan also led to 8 goals in 18 league appearances, which kept him in the national setup as well. Camara eventually found his way back to the EPL with a move to Wigan Athletic in the summer of 05.
The marksman started exceptionally for a bottom-half side, scoring on a regular basis. Fit and firing, Camara was called up to Senegal’s 2006 AFCON squad as a vital member of the starting eleven.
At the tournament, Camara started all 6 of his nation’s games as Senegal came 4th place, a valiant display from The Lions. The marksman was integral to his team’s progression at the tournament, scoring twice.
The goals were the opening goal in 2-0-win versus Zimbabwe in the group and the winner in the 3-2 victory versus Guinea in the QFs. Camara’s last major international tournament was the 2008 AFCON.
The striker played all 3 games as Senegal exited in the group stage, massively disappointing for a nation with such quality.
Camara’s final tournament ended well on an individual level, as his 1 goal was the equaliser versus South Africa in the final group game. He retired from international football in October 2008, aged 31.
A player with natural swagger on the pitch, Camara was quick and agile with the ability to finish with both feet. The marksman’s attacking position was sublime, and he possessed flair in abundance.
A cult hero at Wolves, Camara is also an icon in Senegal , having scored in 4 major international tournaments during his international career.
2. Sadio Mane
Position: Winger / Forward
Caps: 79
Goals: 26
Arguably the most talented Senegalese footballer of all-time, Sadio Mane is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world. His senior international debut came on 25th May 2012 at the age of 20; Mane was then only in his first season as a pro at French side FC Metz.
Mane would later go on to impress at the 2012 Olympic Games, playing all 4 of his nation’s games as Senegal exited in the QFs in a valiant effort. Mane’s Olympic performance led to further call-ups that year, earning another 5 caps and scoring 2 goals.
Mane’s first major international tournament was the 2015 African Cup of Nations. By then, the forward already had 23 caps for The Lions with 5 goals accompanying them. At the tournament, Mane played 2 of his side’s 3 games, failing to score as Senegal exited in the group stages in a dismal outing from both player and team.
Occurring Mane’s first season in the EPL at Southampton, the attacker didn’t let his AFCON display faze him, scoring 10 goals in 30 league appearances that season.
Senegal still trusted Mane, as he earned 7 more caps in 2015 with 3 goals scored, and another 7 in 2016 with 1 goal scored. By the 2017 AFCON, Mane was in his first season at Liverpool, succeeding where his Senegalese counterpart, El Hadji Diouf, had faltered.
In good form in 2016/17, Mane’s place in The Lions’ 2017 AFCON squad was certain. At the tournament, Mane performed well as Senegal reached the QF, an improvement on their last outing on the continent.
The forward played 3 of his nation’s 4 games, scoring twice but missing the decisive penalty in the shootout versus Cameroon in the QFs. Once again, Mane’s mentality was evident after this setback, finishing his 2016/17 season with 13 goals in 27 EPL games.
Another 7 caps and 2 goals followed in 2017, whilst Mane continued to go from strength to strength at Anfield. After a 20-goal season for Liverpool, Mane was called up to represent Senegal at their second-ever World Cup.
Mane, the vice-captain of the national team, wore the armband for 2 of the 3 games he played at the tournament as Senegal exited in the group stage, a stark contrast from their 2002 performance.
Mane played well though, scoring the opening goal of a 2-2 draw with Japan. His last major tournament so far was the 2019 AFCON where Senegal earned a silver medal, The Lions’ best performance since 2002.
At the tournament, the forward played 6 of his nation’s 7 games, netting 3 goals to propel The Lions so close to their first-ever trophy. His goals were a brace versus Kenya in the group stages and the winning goal versus Uganda in the QFs.
A 1x African Footballer of the Year (2019), 1x EPL Golden Boot winner (2018/19), 3x PFA Team of the Year inclusion (‘16/17, ‘18/19,’19/20) and 1x PFA Fans’ Player of the Year (2019/20), Sadio Mane should confidently be said to be a Senegalese and Premier League icon.
One of the few African players to score 100+ EPL goals, Mane was a dynamic winger who transformed into a clinical inside forward as his career progressed.
Blessed with speed, quick feet, and strength- Mane has developed his football intelligence over time, which has seen him improve his anticipation, attacking positioning, and heading ability. Mane is one of the most complete attacking players in the world.
3. Papa Bouba Diop
Position: Defensive Midfielder / Centre back
Caps: 63
Goals: 11
An underrated player during his prime, Papa Bouba Diop was the box-to-box dynamo who drove the national team forward on the biggest stages.
His senior international debut came on the 16th of June 2001 at 23 years old. Diop was then in his fifth season as a pro, and first at Swiss side Neuchatel Xamax.
The midfielder impressed immediately and earned 4 more caps that year. As a result, Diop was called up to Senegal’s 2002 African Cup of Nations squad early in the following year.
At the tournament, he played 5 of his nation’s 6 games as Senegal earned a silver medal, their first-ever at the continental tournament. The team performed well and so did Diop, who scored the opening goal in the semifinal win versus Nigeria. Despite performing so well, the midfielder was not in the team of the tournament.
Regardless, a few months later, Diop was playing for Senegal at the country’s first-ever World Cup appearance.
At the WC, Diop played all 5 of Senegal’s games as The Lions made it to the QFs in an exceptional display of cohesion from the team. Playing either as a central midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 or a right midfielder in a 4-4-2, Diop had one of the greatest-ever WC performances from an African, netting 3 goals at the tournament.
One was the winning goal versus France and the others a brace versus Uruguay, both in the group stages.
After performing well at the AFCON and WC in 02, Diop was now considered indispensable in the Senegalese team, earning another 7 caps in 2003. As he was fit and playing regularly for French side RC Lens at the time, the dynamo was called up to Senegal’s 2004 AFCON squad.
At the ‘04 AFCON, Diop played all of his nation’s games as Senegal exited in the QF stage, a mediocre effort from the team. Diop did well individually, scoring once and helping his side keep 2 clean sheets.
Between the ‘04 AFCON and the next one in 06, the midfielder earned another 14 caps. Then playing regularly in the Premier League with Fulham, Diop was certain to feature for Senegal at the 2006 AFCON. At the tournament, Diop played 5 of Senegal’s 6 games as The Lions came 4th, an improvement on their last showing on the continent.
He helped his nation keep 1 clean sheet, while also scoring Senegal’s first goal in the QFs comeback win versus Guinea.
Diop’s last major international tournament was the 2008 AFCON. He played all 3 of his nation’s games as The Lions were eliminated in the group stages, a shocking outcome on the continent. Diop retired from international football after the tournament, aged 30 years old.
Nicknamed ‘The Wardrobe’ in England due to his physical stature, Diop was similar to Michael Essien and Patrick Viera with regards to his tenacity off-the-ball and progressive carries on the ball.
Technically brilliant with a goal in him, Diop’s stamina was also immense, outrunning everyone on the pitch on a weekly basis. Diop sadly passed away in November 2020, aged 42.
4. El Hadji Diouf
Position: Winger / Forward
Caps: 70
Goals: 24
The superstar playmaker of the prodigious Lions team of the early 2000s, El-Hadji Diouf’s off-the-field antics later on in his career have put a black mark on how good he actually was as a player. Diouf’s senior international debut came on the 23rd of April 2000 at 19 years old.
The attacker was then in his second season as a pro, and first at French side Rennes. Initially a sporadic member of the national setup in his first year, Diouf began to gain more recognition as he hit good form for Rennes in the 2000/01 Ligue 1 season.
After earning only 3 caps in 2000, Diouf earned 10 caps in 2001, illustrating the rise in the attacker’s status in the Lions squad. He also scored 9 goals in 32 appearances for Rennes in 2000/01, his best pro season yet.
The playmaker then started the 01/02 season in good form as well, which prompted a call-up to the 2002 African Cup of Nations in January 2002.
At the tournament, Diouf served as the creative spark of team, playing in all 6 of his nation’s games and netting once as Senegal earned their first-ever silver medal at an AFCON.
Diouf’s mesmerising displays earned him a place in the team of the tournament. Afterwards, he continued to have a great season at club level, scoring 10 goals in only 27 games for Rennes in 2001/02. The attacker’s club form and 02 AFCON performance guaranteed his place in The Lions’ World Cup squad.
At the WC (Senegal’s first-ever), Diouf played all 5 for his nation’s games as Senegal shocked the world, reaching the QFs. Although the forward failed to score, his man-of-the-match performance in the win versus France lives long in the memory of Senegalese fans.
Diouf was rewarded for his efforts with a place in the WC team of the tournament.
Diouf’s performances for club and country earned him a move to English giants Liverpool in the summer of 2002. While the playmaker was never in great form at the Merseyside club, he continued to be picked for his country, earning 7 caps in 2003.
Despite not playing well at Liverpool, Diouf was still getting decent game-time (46 games in his first season), which meant he could be called up for the 2004 AFCON.
At the 04 AFCON, Diouf played all 4 of his side’s games as The Lions only managed to reach the QFs, a decent effort but nothing in comparison to their silver medal in 02. After a move to Bolton in the summer of 2004, the playmaker regained his form and confidence under then-manager, Sam Allardyce.
Diouf would go on to score 9 goals in 27 EPL games in 2004/05. He also earned 6 caps for Senegal in 2005. He continued to be in good form for Bolton in 05/06, leading to a call-up to represent his country at the 2006 AFCON.
Diouf played 4 of his side’s 6 games at the tournament as Senegal finished 4th, a drastic improvement on their last continental performance. The attacker’s last major international tournament was the 2008 African Cup of Nations.
He played 2 of his side’s 3 games as Senegal crashed out in the group stages, an embarrassing exit for a nation of that stature. Diouf’s last international game came in October 2008, aged only 27-years old.
In the top 10 for both caps and goals for his country, El Hadji Diouf’s brief yet productive international career illustrates he could’ve been the greatest Senegalese footballer of all-time- but he lacked the necessary discipline.
An elegant yet efficient dribbler, Diouf could pick a pass with either foot, which made him dangerous at all times. His crossing was pinpoint, and his attacking positioning improved as he got older, meaning he could score long-range shots but also tap home a rebound if necessary.
His heading ability is also underrated, as it improved during his time at Bolon and Blackburn. A 2x African Footballer of the Year (2001,2002), Diouf never became one of the World’s best, but is still deserving of a place on this list.
5. Aliou Cisse
Position: Midfielder / Defender
Caps: 35
The leader of the national team during his playing days and current manager of the Senegalese national team, Aliou Cisse’s mentality has served him well throughout his career. His senior international debut came in 1999 during Cisse’s fifth season as a pro and first at French giants Paris Saint-Germain; he was 22-years old at the time.
Despite impressing in his debut, Cisse was initially a sporadic member of the squad, missing out on Senegal’s 2000 African Cup of Nations squad as a result.
It was at the 2002 AFCON where Cisse proved his credentials on a big stage, his first major international tournament. He was surprisingly made captain prior to the tournament, but went on to prove the doubters wrong with a resolute display as The Lions earned a silver medal at the continental showcase.
Playing in a back 4, Cisse ensured Senegal kept 5 clean sheets from 6 games while only conceding 1 goal all tournament- a record-breaking defensive performance from The Lions.
Cisse becoming captain of his national side was a rapid ascent for a player not even in his country’s tournament squad 2 years ago. However, he almost led them to continental glory in 02, illustrating that it was definitely the right decision.
At Senegal’s first-ever WC appearance a few months later, Cisse played 4 of his side’s 5 games as Senegal shocked the world, reaching the QFs through grit, cohesion and quality.
Playing as the defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1, Cisse helped his side keep 1 clean sheet, versus then-defending World champions France in the group stages.
The captain’s impressive displays for Senegal were not unnoticed, and English side Birmingham City picked Cisse up after his WC performances.
Playing regularly in the EPL meant Cisse was a certain pick for the national team, and indeed he was picked for Senegal’s 2004 AFCON squad a few years later. Cisse played all 4 of his nation’s games, keeping 2 clean sheets as Senegal reached the QFs, a valiant display from an underdog side.
This would end up being Cisse’s final major international tournament.
He retired from international football in 2005, aged 29. Physically gifted while also technically astute, Aliou Cisse was a good player and a born leader. Often seen directing his teammates out of possession, Cisse’s defensive positioning was elite, meaning he was hardly out of position himself.
A brief, yet iconic career!
Honourable Mentions
Mamadou Niang, Khalilou Fadiga Lamine Diatta, Moussa Sow, Souleyman Sane, Mamadou Diallo, Salif Diao, Chiekhou Kouyate, Jules Bocande, Moussa Konate, Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Faye, Adolphe Mendy, Papiss Cisse, Tony Sylva, Roger Mendy, Mame Biram Diouf, Dame N’Doye, Souleymane Camara, Habib Beye, Diomansy Kamara
