Souleymane Faye targets Senegal call-up

Senegal’s U20 national team in 2023 Souleymane Faye has revealed his desire to play for the senior team in the future.

The 23-year-old is already shining in Europe with Portuguese outfit Sporting CP, and was part of the squad that faced Arsenal in the Champions League last Tuesday.

Though Faye was named in the squad, he was unused substitute as Sporting went on to lose 1-0. Faye has now vowed to continue working hard so as to claim a role in the Lions of Teranga squad.

‘I am working hard to join Senegal’

“I’ve already been through all the selections. The next step is the senior Senegal team, which many great players want to join. So, I have to prove myself. In fact, that remains one of my goals,” said Faye as quoted by Wiw Sport.

“I’m working hard to join the senior Senegal national team. You have to perform; prove why you deserve to be there. Then, if they call you up, it’s up to you to sell yourself.”

On his career in Portugal after he joined Sporting from Granada, he said: “The start was a bit difficult because I found the team already established.

“So, it was a bit complicated to get a place in the squad. But now, I’m gradually getting more playing time.”

Faye added: “I can’t say I’m satisfied, as long as I’m not playing much. I know I can do better if I get more minutes.”

On his Champions League debut, he said: “It was a dream. I was lucky enough to join a club that plays in the Champions League. I’ve already played two matches. It’s a source of pride.”

Faye moved from Granada

Having arrived in January from Granada CF, Faye, who came through the Galaxy Foot academy, continues his rise.

His journey has been marked by several stints in Spain, notably with Granada’s reserve team, then at Talavera in 2022, before joining Real Betis’ reserve team.

His performances there then earned him a return to Granada, where he made a name for himself thanks to his dribbling skills and speed on the right wing.

African U20 champion in 2023 and participant in the U20 World Cup with the Senegal U20 team, Souleymane Faye is gradually confirming his potential on the European stage.

With Sporting, he contributed to the club’s qualification for the quarterfinals after a spectacular comeback against Bodø/Glimt. Having lost 3-0 in the first leg, the Lisbon side won 5-0 in the return leg.

In both matches, the Senegalese player came on as a substitute, contributing to this collective achievement.