Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra has defended his decision to switch allegiance from France to Senegal, stressing he has no regrets.
Despite being eligible to represent France, the country where he developed much of his footballing education, the 22-year-old midfielder made a bold decision to commit his international future to Senegal.
In 2024, Diarra turned down an invitation to join France’s youth setup, opting instead to honour Senegal call up.
Just two years later, the Sunderland midfielder stood atop African football, celebrating Senegal’s triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The title, secured in Morocco, marked a major milestone in Diarra’s young career and served as validation of the path he chose, both personally and professionally.
Reflecting on that decision in the aftermath of the AFCON victory, Diarra spoke openly about the emotions that guided him. Although representing France had been a childhood ambition, he explained that his heart ultimately led him elsewhere.
‘I loved playing for France (as a youngster) but my heart spoke for itself. I have no regrets. I was born in Senegal; it fills me with pride to play for them,’ Diarra said.
For Diarra, wearing Senegal’s colours is more than just an international career choice — it is an expression of identity and belonging. And with an AFCON winner’s medal already around his neck at just 22, his decision to stand with the Lions of Teranga has already become one of the defining moments of his career.
