Ibrahim Mbaye has written his name into African football history. At just 17 years old, the Senegal forward became one of the youngest players ever to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy after his team’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Morocco in early 2026.
The Paris Saint-Germain academy product switched his international allegiance from France to Senegal in late 2025, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Mbaye made his tournament debut in Senegal’s opening group match against Botswana, instantly becoming the youngest Senegalese player to appear at AFCON.
Though primarily used as a substitute throughout the competition, Mbaye made his moments count. His biggest came in the round of 16 against Sudan, where he found the net.
The goal made him the youngest AFCON scorer of the 21st century and Senegal’s youngest-ever goal scorer at the tournament.
The victory marks an extraordinary start for Mbaye’s international career. Winning a continental championship as a teenager places him among Africa’s most exciting prospects in football and suggests a bright future ahead for both the player and the nation.
