Senegal forward Cherif Ndiaye retires from international football

Senegal international Cherif Ndiaye has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his time with the Teranga Lions at the age of 30.

The centre-forward, who earned his first call-up to the Senegal national team in 2024, has decided to step away from international duty despite still being relatively young and having represented his country at major tournaments.

Ndiaye’s international career, although relatively short, included some of the biggest stages in world football. He was part of Senegal’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and also represented the Lions of Teranga at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In total, the striker made 19 appearances for Senegal, scoring four goals during his time with the national team.

Ndiaye confirmed his decision through an emotional message, reflecting on the pride he felt wearing the Senegal shirt and representing his country.

“Today, an important chapter in my life is coming to a close.

“Wearing this shirt, defending these colours and representing Senegal will forever remain one of the greatest honours of my career.

“Joys, trials, emotions, memories…I take it all with me, but above all, immense pride and deep gratitude. Today, my journey with the Lions ends here. I am hanging up the shirt, but never my country.”

The striker’s decision brings an unexpected end to his international journey after just two years with the Senegal senior team.

Despite not enjoying a particularly long career at international level, Ndiaye leaves with the distinction of having represented Senegal at both the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.

His retirement means Senegal will now have to look elsewhere for attacking options as the national team prepares for the next stage of its competitive campaign.

For Ndiaye, however, the decision marks the closing of an important chapter rather than a departure from his country. His final words made it clear that while he will no longer wear the national team shirt, his connection to Senegal will remain.

At 30, the forward now turns his full attention back to his club career, carrying with him the memories of representing the Lions of Teranga on two of football’s biggest international stages.