Ibrahim Mbaye: Senegal starlet set for increased role?

Senegal will clash with Benin on Tuesday for Group D supremacy at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and Paris Saint-Germain’s teenage forward Ibrahim Mbaye could get his opportunity in the eleven of Senegal coach Pape Thiaw.

Ibrahim Mbaye did everything to make sure this ball ends in the net. Your Energy of the day. 🇸🇳#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @Football2Gether pic.twitter.com/Uq6lIaGbNm

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 28, 2025

The 17-year-old’s legion of supporters is growing with each day after promising substitute appearances for the Lions of Teranga against DR Congo and Botswana. Soon after coming on against the DRC, Mbaye’s ambitious dribble run led to the equalizing goal from Sadio Mané in a 1-1 draw.

Born in France, Mbaye’s rise to fame in the West African nation is the fact that after playing for French youth national teams, he spurned his country of birth to play for the country of his father. After electing to represent the Lions, Mbaye made his debut as a substitute against Brazil in a friendly. Three days later he made his first start in a 8-0 drubbing of Kenya, scoring his first goal and also providing an assist.

Coach Thiaw has big plans for the talented young forward but publicly stated his intentions to not rush Mbaye into a bigger role than he is ready for. “It’s a privilege to have a young player like Ibrahima, who is already showing great promise and winning titles at just 17,” the former national team forward stated in comments quoted by Seneweb. 

Playing as a wide forward with PSG, Mbaye already has over thirty appearances for the French giants and his role continues to grow. Able to play on either flank, he prefers his right foot and is proving to be a versatile attacking option for club and country. The major area for Mbaye to improve is with his final product and finishing but top level pace allows him to cause chaos in the opposition defense.

A match against Benin could be the perfect opportunity for Thiaw to see how Mbaye does from the beginning. Following an uninspired performance from Ismaïla Sarr against the DRC, the Crystal Palace winger is the most likely player to make way but past success will likely keep Sarr in the picture for the knockout stages.

But regardless of how Thiaw elects to use him, Ibrahim Mbaye is emerging as a weapon who could serve the Lions of Teranga well on Tuesday as well as in crucial elimination matches moving forward if Senegal advance to the knockout stages as expected.