Ibrahim Mbaye fighting for PSG minutes after AFCON dip

Ibrahim Mbaye’s reduced involvement at Paris Saint-Germain since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations has sparked debate over what has changed for the highly rated teenager.

The 18-year-old academy graduate had been a regular part of the rotation earlier in the campaign, building on a promising breakthrough season in 2024/25, but his minutes have tailed off sharply in Ligue 1 and the Champions League since February.

According to L’Equipe, people inside the club felt Mbaye had not quite rediscovered his best level after AFCON, particularly in terms of intensity and overall impact during training sessions. That impression, combined with fierce competition for attacking places and restrictions on the size of matchday squads, helps explain why he was left out entirely for the recent game against Lyon.

Crucially, there are no signs of disciplinary problems. Mbaye is not viewed as a troublemaker and is convinced he has maintained the same commitment on the training pitch. PSG, for their part, are still closely tracking his progress and development, hoping he can react positively, raise his levels again and force his way back into Luis Enrique’s plans over the coming weeks and months.