PSG to keep Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye until December 17 before release for AFCON 2025

Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has indicated that the club will keep Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye until December 17 before releasing him for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Speaking after PSG’s narrow 3-2 win over Metz on Saturday night, Luis Enrique revealed that Mbaye will be included in the squad for Wednesday’s Intercontinental Cup final against Flamengo, which will be played in Doha, Qatar.

Although FIFA regulations permit clubs to hold on to players only until December 15 ahead of international tournaments, PSG have opted to retain Mbaye for an additional two days before releasing him to join Senegal’s AFCON preparations.

“He has one more game before he leaves for AFCON,” Luis Enrique said during his post-match media engagement.

He added, “And when he comes back, we are ready to give him continuity in the game.”

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to commence in Morocco on December 21, with the final set for January 18, 2026.