Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly rejects claims of influencing national team selections

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has firmly denied suggestions that he influenced head coach Pape Thiaw’s squad selections during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting he has never played any role in deciding which players represent the national team.

The experienced defender addressed the speculation in a statement published on his official X account more than a week after Senegal’s 3-2 defeat to Belgium in Seattle, a result that ended the Lions’ World Cup campaign in the Round of 16.

Koulibaly began by accepting responsibility for the team’s elimination and apologising to Senegal’s supporters while defending the commitment shown by the squad throughout the tournament.

“As captain, I take full responsibility for this elimination. We share the blame. We simply weren’t good enough to continue this journey, and that’s a reality we must accept with humility.

Despite our sporting errors, I can attest to one thing: our commitment, our unity, and our love for this jersey never wavered. Our group remained united, supportive, and deeply professional from the first day to the last.”

The 35-year-old centre-back also used his statement to dismiss persistent reports claiming he had opposed the inclusion of Malang Sarr in the national team and had interfered in decisions made by coach Pape Thiaw.

Koulibaly made it clear that responsibility for player selections has always rested solely with the head coach.

“I also want to be very clear on a point that fuels a lot of debate: I have never chosen a single player for a national team selection. I have never prevented a single player from joining the squad, nor have I asked for anyone to be excluded.

The national team coach has always been the sole master of his sporting decisions. The call-ups, the team compositions, and the tactical choices are entirely his to make. We have always respected them.”

The Al Hilal defender also addressed speculation surrounding the coaching staff and the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), declining to comment on either following the World Cup campaign.

“Regarding the staff and the federation, it is not for me to comment. Each will take responsibility and communicate on their own behalf.”

Koulibaly endured a difficult tournament, particularly during Senegal’s group-stage defeat to Norway, where he was directly involved in all three goals conceded. He was subsequently left on the bench for the remainder of the competition.

Despite the criticism surrounding his performances and the team’s early exit, the Senegal captain has now sought to draw a clear line under speculation by rejecting claims that he influenced selection decisions, while reaffirming the unity and professionalism of the squad throughout the World Cup.