Kalidou Koulibaly, the esteemed captain of Senegal’s national football team, has solidified his position as the sixth most capped player in the history of Senegalese football. With an impressive 74 selections over the course of 8 years and 4 months, Koulibaly’s enduring commitment to the Lions has etched his name in the annals of the sport.
Marking his eighth anniversary in the Lions’ Den last September during Senegal’s friendly against Algeria, where he secured his 73rd cap, Koulibaly continued to add to his tally during the match against Kégué (Togo) on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
The captain’s 74 appearances in a span of 102 months set a new record, surpassing the achievements of his predecessors from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
Notably, Gana Guèye and Sadio Mané, the two recent centenarians of the Lions, had played 73 and 69 matches, respectively, in their 8 years and 4 months with the National Team.
In the all-time ranking, Koulibaly finds himself five games behind former Senegal goalkeeper Tony Silva, who amassed 79 caps during his tenure from 1999 to 2008.
The illustrious names that precede him include Gana Guèye (106 caps since 2011), Sadio Mané (101 caps since 2012), Henri Camara (98 caps from 1999 to 2008), and Cheikhou Kouyaté (90 caps since 2012).
Hailing from Saint-Dié-des-Vosges in France, Koulibaly’s achievement places him ahead of revered football legends like Lamine Diatta, El Hadji Diouf, Papa Bouba Diop, and Roger Mendy, underscoring his enduring impact on Senegalese football.
As the Lions’ captain continues to lead with distinction, his legacy as a symbol of dedication and skill in Senegalese football is firmly established.
