Mamadou Sarr celebrates first Senegal national team call-up

Mamadou Sarr expressed his delight after receiving his first call-up to Senegal’s senior national team ahead of upcoming friendlies against Brazil and Kenya.

The 20-year-old RC Strasbourg defender joins the squad as part of Pape Thiaw’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Sarr impressed during the early stages of Ligue 1, earning recognition from the national team staff. “I’m very happy, honored, and proud to join my teammates and represent my country.

Today, I trained with the group, which was fantastic. Honestly, I’m thrilled,” Sarr said after his first session with the Lions.

The defender recalled learning of his selection. “I spoke with the coach and told him I wanted to join the national team.

The list was announced on Thursday around 11am or 1pm. A friend watched it live and sent me the message.

That’s when I found out. I was very happy, and so was my whole family,” he added.

Despite his excitement, Sarr approached the experience with humility. “I don’t think about competition.

It’s the coach who decides. I bring what little I have to give. There’s competition everywhere, but I’m just very happy to be here. Since I was little, I knew I would join Senegal one day.

I bring my personality—calm, serene, smiling, and with a good sense of humor,” he explained.

Sarr also shared his ambitions with the national team. “First, I want to gain experience and help win the Africa Cup of Nations.

I’m lucky to be with teammates who have already achieved this. My long-term goal is to become one of the greatest central defenders in the world,” he said.

The defender’s arrival adds fresh options to Senegal’s backline as Thiaw evaluates talent ahead of major international fixtures.