Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly set to mark last World Cup appearance

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has opened up about his international future, revealing that the upcoming FIFA World Cup could mark his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.

The experienced centre-back, who has earned over a century of caps for the Lions of Teranga, admitted he is mindful of making way for the next generation of Senegalese talent. With the tournament set to take place across United States, Canada, and Mexico, Koulibaly is approaching the competition with both ambition and reflection.

“I think this is my last World Cup,” Koulibaly said. “I’m not going to play in a World Cup at 39. There are young players knocking on the door; they deserve to be part of this national team.”

At 34, the commanding defender remains a key figure for Senegal, bringing leadership, experience, and composure to a squad that continues to evolve. However, his comments underline a growing awareness of the transition phase within the national team setup.

“We’ll see what happens after the World Cup,” he continued. “For now, we’re going to take this tournament in our stride, support the younger players, and be there for them for as long as possible. When the time is right, we’ll pass the torch.”

Despite hinting at an exit, Koulibaly stopped short of making a definitive announcement, emphasizing that his focus remains firmly on the task ahead.

“I haven’t decided yet. I’ve got a bit of an idea in mind, but we’ll see. I don’t like talking about the future, but we know we’re nearing the end.”

Koulibaly’s potential departure would mark the end of an era for Senegal, with the defender having been a cornerstone of the national team for over a decade. As the Lions of Teranga prepare for the World Cup, all eyes will be on their captain—both for his performances on the pitch and what could be his final chapter in international football.