Senegal captain Koulibaly Koulibaly eyes Dakar 2026 as platform for young athletes

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has described the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games as a major opportunity to showcase the potential of young athletes across Africa ahead of the continent’s first hosting of the event.

Speaking in an interview with the International Olympic Committee, the Senegal national football team defender highlighted the wider significance of the competition, insisting it represents more than just a sporting occasion for the region.

According to Koulibaly, the Games offer a unique platform for young Africans to express themselves and gain inspiration, with the potential to shape a new generation capable of competing at the highest level.

The tournament is scheduled to take place from 31 October to 13 November 2026 across Dakar, Saly and Diamniadio.

The event is expected to bring together nearly 2,700 athletes from a wide range of countries, reflecting the global scale of the Youth Olympic Games.

Organisers have also included newer disciplines such as breaking and baseball5, broadening the scope of the programme and offering additional visibility to emerging sports.

Koulibaly, who plays his club football for Al-Hilal, has been serving as an ambassador for the Games since December.

In that role, he has been actively involved in promoting the event and encouraging greater participation in grassroots sport across the continent.

Through initiatives such as his Mbarodi FC academy, the two-time African champion has also continued his efforts to support youth development.

He believes the Dakar Games could act as a turning point by helping to nurture young talent and reinforcing Africa’s presence on the global sporting stage.

Beyond the competition itself, Koulibaly has called for collective commitment to ensure the success of the event.

He sees Dakar 2026 as an opportunity not only to highlight African talent but also to demonstrate the continent’s capacity to host major international competitions.

With preparations ongoing, the Youth Olympic Games are being viewed as a landmark moment for African sport, with expectations that their impact will extend well beyond the closing ceremony.