Ibrahim Mbaye has rejoined Paris Saint-Germain training just days after playing his part in Senegal’s triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, marking a swift return to club duty following an intense and emotional international campaign.
The young midfielder arrived back in Paris on 21 January 2026, bringing to a close a memorable spell with the Lions of Teranga that ended with continental glory.
Senegal’s success at the AFCON, sealed by victory over Morocco in the final, crowned weeks of high-level competition and confirmed the team’s status at the summit of African football.
Like his international team-mates, Mbaye first travelled to Dakar to celebrate the title with supporters.
Thousands lined the streets of the Senegalese capital to welcome the champions home, turning the reception into a national celebration.
For Mbaye, the scenes offered a powerful reminder of what the tournament meant, not only to the players but to the country as a whole.
However, the celebrations were short-lived. With domestic football resuming across Europe, attention quickly shifted back to club commitments.
Mbaye returned to the French capital and reported immediately for training at PSG’s Camp des Loges, rejoining a squad fully focused on the second half of the Ligue 1 season.
Paris Saint-Germain are preparing for their Matchday 19 fixture against AJ Auxerre, a game that carries added importance in the title race.
Luis Enrique’s side currently sit second in the table on 42 points and are determined to reclaim top spot as the campaign enters a decisive phase.
The return of Mbaye provides a timely boost, adding both depth and confidence to a squad already rich in attacking and midfield options.
For the Senegal international, the transition from international success to club responsibility is a familiar challenge, but one he appears ready to embrace.
His AFCON performances have enhanced his reputation and underlined his growing maturity, qualities PSG will be keen to harness as the season progresses.
Mbaye’s reintegration into the Paris squad reflects a broader reality faced by modern footballers: balancing the demands of international achievement with the relentless pace of domestic competition.
Having conquered Africa with Senegal, he now turns his attention to club ambitions, aiming to build on his momentum and contribute to PSG’s push for silverware.
As PSG resume their league campaign, Mbaye’s return symbolises the end of celebration and the start of a new chapter, with both player and club focused firmly on the challenges ahead.
