Habib Diarra has hailed Strasbourg’s qualification for the Europa Conference League as a career highlight and outlined his ambition to make a move to Italy’s Serie A.
The Senegalese midfielder, now a central figure in the Ligue 1 side, said the 2024–2025 season had helped him mature as both a player and a leader.
At just 21, Diarra played a crucial role in Strasbourg’s midfield, forming a commanding partnership with Brazilian teammate Andrey Santos. The duo’s influence was evident throughout the campaign, steering the club to a coveted European berth.
In an in-depth reflection on the season, Diarra reaffirmed his loyalty to the club where his football journey began. “Strasbourg is my home,” he said. “I captained every youth team here.
It was a natural progression to wear the armband for the senior side. My age has never been a burden—if anything, it’s been a strength. We have a young group, and taking on this responsibility has helped me grow.”
Diarra’s numbers this season back up his leadership. The Senegal international featured in 30 Ligue 1 fixtures, contributing four goals and five assists.
But it is his versatility and relentless energy across the midfield that have drawn the most praise. “I play everywhere in midfield,” he said. “I’m a box-to-box player. I recover balls, I initiate counters, and sometimes I’m the one finishing them.”
The 21-year-old is not shy about his ambitions. While proud of his accomplishments in France, Diarra has his eyes set on a new challenge—Italy’s Serie A. “I would love to play in Serie A,” he admitted. “It’s a league I’ve followed closely.
I study players like Tijjani Reijnders and Scott McTominay. They’re different types of midfielders, but I recognise myself in how they attack the space and drive forward. That’s a part of my game I want to refine.”
He also drew attention to his longstanding relationship with French midfielder Youssouf Fofana. “We met here in Strasbourg, before he moved to Monaco. I was still in the youth setup then. When he left, I took over his number 19 shirt. He’s been a great influence.”
But Diarra’s greatest inspiration has always been Paul Pogba. His admiration for the former Juventus and France star goes back to childhood. “When Pogba was at Juve, he was unstoppable.
I remember watching him when I was about ten. His technique, power, shooting ability—he had everything. He was the complete midfielder.”
Now Diarra is carving out his own path, with an impressive season behind him and the promise of European football ahead. Strasbourg’s rise has been fuelled by youthful talent, but none more influential than their homegrown leader in midfield.
As he looks toward a potential future in Italy, Diarra remains grounded in his roots—but his ambition, much like his game, shows no signs of slowing.
