Senegalese defender Aboubacar Lo explains decision to join Amiens SC

Aboubacar Lo has opened up about his decision to sign for Amiens SC, describing the move as a personal choice driven by ambition rather than financial considerations.

The Senegalese defender, who joined the Ligue 2 side in August, has already featured regularly this season and is determined to establish himself as a key figure in the team’s backline.

Lo, a product of Dakar’s renowned Génération Foot academy, reflected on his early football journey while preparing for Amiens’ sixth league outing of the campaign against Laval.

“I started in Senegal at a football school in my neighborhood before joining a training centre and later Génération Foot. I must have been 13 or 14 years old,” he recalled. “My parents always supported me, but they also made sure I continued my studies. They were always by my side.”

In 2019, Lo made the leap to European football when he signed for FC Metz, the French club closely linked with Génération Foot. He admits that the transition was not easy.

“When I arrived in France, it was difficult because I was discovering the cold,” he explained. “I started in the reserve team in National 3. At Metz, I was part of the same generation as Habib Diallo, Ibrahima Niane and Cheikh Sabaly. It was a learning experience that shaped me.”

While naturally a central defender, the 23-year-old has also demonstrated his versatility by filling in at right-back and in midfield when required. “I like to help out wherever the team needs me,” he said. “For me, a defender must truly enjoy defending, otherwise it cannot work. I take pride in supporting my teammates and giving everything for the team.”

After reaching the end of his contract with Metz earlier this year, Lo had several options on the table. Yet it was Amiens’ project that appealed to him most. “My agent told me Amiens were interested.

I had other offers, and Metz even offered me an extension, but I wanted something different,” he explained. “The coach is a legend in Senegal, but it was a personal decision. I felt Amiens was the right place to challenge myself and grow further. It was not about money — I genuinely believe we can achieve great things here.”

Since his arrival, Lo has quickly integrated into the squad, already earning two starts and making appearances in every game of the season so far. His strong mindset and commitment to the club’s vision have impressed both teammates and supporters.

As Amiens continue their quest for consistency in Ligue 2, Lo is focused on becoming an integral part of the team’s defensive stability. His journey from Dakar to France is already a testament to resilience and determination, and he is eager to write the next chapter of his career in Picardy.

For Lo, the choice to join Amiens was never about taking the easy path, but about embracing a new challenge — one that he hopes will define his growth as both a player and a leader.