Senegalese football is in mourning following the passing of Boubacar Diallo, fondly known as “Poulo,” the father of former national team icon El-Hadji Diouf.
Diallo, a former ASAC Ndiambour player, died in Dakar on Sunday, February 23, 2025.
The news was confirmed by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), which issued an official statement expressing condolences to the family.
FSF pays tribute to Diallo
In its statement, the federation acknowledged Diallo’s contributions to Senegalese football, both as a player and as an inspiration to his son, who went on to become one of the nation’s greatest footballing figures.
The President of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), Me Augustin Senghor, the members of the Executive Committee, and the federal administration regretfully and with deep sadness inform you of the passing of Mr. Boubacar Diallo, known as Poulo, former player of ASAC Ndiambour of Louga and father of former Senegalese international El-Hadji Ousseynou Diouf.
He passed away this Sunday, February 23, 2025, in Dakar.
A legacy in Senegalese football
Although Diallo’s international career was brief—earning just one cap in a match against Morocco in 1972—his influence on Senegalese football extended beyond the pitch.
His journey as a footballer laid the foundation for his son, El-Hadji Diouf, who later became one of Africa’s most celebrated players.
Diouf, a two-time African Footballer of the Year, was a key figure in Senegal’s historic 2002 World Cup campaign and remains one of the country’s most recognizable footballing personalities.
In a past interview, Diallo reflected on his son’s achievements, drawing a comparison between their styles of play.
El-Hadji is more of a creator, a passer. I was obsessed with scoring goals,” he once said, highlighting the evolution of football across generations.
National grief and support
Diallo’s passing has been met with an outpouring of support from the Senegalese football community, with tributes pouring in from former players, clubs, and fans.
As the country remembers his legacy, thoughts remain with El-Hadji Diouf and his family during this difficult time.
