Former French international Bafétimbi Gomis has expressed regret over his decision to turn down the chance to represent the Senegalese national team during his career.
The French-born striker, who retired in 2024 following a stint in Japan with Kawasaki Frontale, acknowledged that the decision might have been different had he been presented with Senegal’s current footballing landscape.
“I made my choice. It was my story, my path with the Blues,” Gomis told French newspaper L’Équipe. “But I always had this Senegalese side in me.
At home, we spoke ‘Senegalese.’ I am proud to be Franco-Senegalese. But at the time, if it had been the Senegal of today, my decision could have been different.”
Gomis, who was born in Senegal before moving to France, represented the French national team in 12 matches, scoring three goals.
His most notable moment came during a friendly against Ecuador, where he netted a brace.
Despite these achievements, his international career with France failed to live up to the promise many expected from a player of his talent.
Throughout his career, Gomis showcased his skills in various top leagues, playing for clubs such as Olympique de Marseille, Lyon, and Swansea City.
His professional journey spanned 783 matches, during which he scored an impressive 347 goals and provided 75 assists.
However, his international career remained underwhelming compared to his club-level success.
Reflecting on Senegal’s rise in recent years, Gomis acknowledged that the country’s current footballing stature—highlighted by its 2022 Africa Cup of Nations victory and strong performances in international tournaments—might have influenced him to make a different choice.
Senegal’s success has been driven by a golden generation of players, including Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Edouard Mendy, who have established the nation as a force on the global stage.
This transformation has garnered admiration and respect from players and football enthusiasts worldwide, including Gomis.
As he looks back on his career, Gomis’s comments underscore the emotional complexity of choosing between national allegiances.
His reflection also highlights the evolving prestige of African football, with countries like Senegal now offering players opportunities on par with some of the sport’s traditional powerhouses.
Gomis’s journey serves as a reminder of the weight such decisions carry, especially for players with dual nationalities.
While he takes pride in his achievements with France, his words suggest a lingering “what if?” regarding the path not taken with Senegal.
🚨 Bafétimbi Gomis sur sur choix et ses débuts en équipe de France : « Si ça avait été le Sénégal d’aujourd’hui, ma décision aurait peut-être été différente »
Demba Ba🇸🇳 lui répond sèchement : « Heureusement que certain on fait le choix de faire grandir le football sénégalais…… pic.twitter.com/w5WLL22Yen— Street Foot (@StreetFo0t) December 24, 2024
