AFCON

Cesc Fabregas hits out after Assane Diao injury as AFCON call-up row erupts

Cesc Fabregas has openly criticised Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw after Assane Diao suffered an injury on the eve of...

Issa Said December 16, 2025

AFCON

Senegal: Assane Diao exits early against Roma, raising concerns ahead of AFCON

Assane Diao was forced off the field during Como’s Serie A clash with AS Roma on Monday night, fueling fresh...

Elikplim Bokor December 15, 2025

AFCON

Senega: Pape Thiaw stands firm over Assane Diao’s AFCON inclusion despite Cesc Fabregas’ objections

Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has issued a firm response to Cesc Fabregas following the Como manager’s public opposition to...

Elikplim Bokor December 14, 2025

AFCON

Cesc Fàbregas voices frustration over Assane Diao’s AFCON selection

Cesc Fàbregas has openly acknowledged his frustration following Assane Diao’s call-up to Senegal’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of...

Elikplim Bokor December 14, 2025

AFCON

Cesc Fàbregas expresses frustration over Assane Diao’s AFCON call-up

Cesc Fàbregas has admitted his frustration after Assane Diao received an official call-up to Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations squad,...

Issa Said December 13, 2025

AFCON

Assane Diao shouldn’t go to AFCON with Senegal, it’s illogical – Cesc Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas has insisted it would be illogical for Assane Diao to travel to the Africa Cup of Nations while...

Abdul Karim November 24, 2025

Africans Abroad

Fàbregas condemns Senegal’s handling of Assane Diao after striker returns injured

Cesc Fàbregas condemns Senegal and head coach Pape Thiaw for calling up Assane Diao during the most recent international window,...

Issa Said November 22, 2025

Africans Abroad

Cesc Fàbregas voices frustration over Assane Diao’s Senegal call-up

Cesc Fàbregas has expressed clear dissatisfaction with Senegal’s decision to recall Assane Diao for international duty, only weeks after the...

Elikplim Bokor November 7, 2025

Africans Abroad

Senegalese international Assane Diao targets strong comeback after injury setback

Assane Diao has returned to action for Como 1907, marking an important milestone in his recovery after a spell on...

Elikplim Bokor October 28, 2025

Africans Abroad

Cesc Fàbregas confirms Senegalese forward Assane Diao nearing return after six-month absence

Como 1907 coach Cesc Fàbregas has offered positive news about Senegalese forward Assane Diao, who has spent over six months...

Issa Said October 20, 2025

Africans Abroad

Senegalese forward Assane Diao returns as Como stun Juventus in Serie A upset

Como secured a stunning 2-0 victory over Juventus on Sunday, handing the Turin giants their first defeat of the Serie...

Elikplim Bokor October 19, 2025

AFCON

FIFA plans squad expansion for 2026 World Cup, offering major boost to African Nations

FIFA plans to expand World Cup squads from 26 to 30 players for the 2026 tournament, a move that could...

Issa Said October 18, 2025

Africans Abroad

Senegalese striker Assane Diao faces extended absence as Como coach Cesc Fàbregas urges patience

Como will have to wait longer before seeing young Senegalese forward Assane Diao return to action following a relapse in...

Issa Said September 20, 2025

Africans Abroad

Senegalese forward Assane Diao resumes training

Assane Diao has returned to training with Como after a month on the sidelines, though head coach Cesc Fàbregas has...

Elikplim Bokor September 19, 2025

Africans Abroad

FIFA clears Assane Diao to represent Senegal in World Cup qualifiers

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has confirmed that FIFA officially approved Assane Diao’s change of sporting nationality ahead of the...

Issa Said September 13, 2025

Africans Abroad

Como and Senegal midfielder Assane Diao ruled for FIVE weeks with knee injury

Senegalese midfielder Assane Diao will be out of action for at least five weeks after sustaining a foot injury, his...

Samuel Ekow Amoasi Appiah August 29, 2025

Features & Interviews

Senegal’s Assane Diao faces fresh injury setback ahead of World Cup qualifiers

Senegal striker Assane Diao is a major doubt for the national team’s upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Sudan and...

Issa Said August 25, 2025

Africans Abroad

Everton target Senegalese starlet Assane Diao as Toffees eye dynamic partnership with Iliman Ndiaye

Everton have set their sights on rising Senegalese talent Assane Diao as they explore the prospect of building a potent...

Issa Said July 31, 2025

**Assane Diao Opens Up on Emotional Choice Between Representing Senegal or Spain** Como forward Assane Diao has shed light on the emotional struggle behind his decision to represent Senegal at the international level, despite his extensive involvement with Spain’s youth squads. The 19-year-old, who received his first senior call-up from Senegal in March, has been at the heart of a national allegiance debate due to his dual connections to both countries. Born in Sédhiou, Senegal, Diao moved to Spain at the age of six, growing up within the Spanish football system and representing Spain at youth levels, where he earned 17 caps. In a candid interview with PostUnited, Diao described the decision as one of the most complex he has faced in his young career. “It was a good and important decision, but very complicated to make because I owe a lot to both countries,” he said. “Senegal is my home country, where I have my family, while Spain gave me the opportunity to grow in football and as a person.” Diao, who developed through the youth academies in Spain and recently joined Como in Italy’s Serie A, revealed that the decision came after a long period of reflection and family discussions. While the prospect of playing for Spain had crossed his mind, he ultimately felt a stronger pull toward his roots in Senegal. “After thinking deeply and talking to my family, I realised that Senegal was where my heart was,” he said. “Choosing to play for Senegal felt like the most genuine decision I could make. It’s not just about football—it’s about identity and belonging.” Despite his commitment to Senegal, Diao will be absent from the national team’s upcoming international fixtures due to injury. He will miss the friendly matches scheduled against Ireland and England in the next international break. His absence will be a blow to Senegal, who were eager to integrate the dynamic young attacker into their senior setup following his impressive rise through the ranks in European football. Known for his speed, versatility, and creativity in attack, Diao has quickly become a promising talent in Serie A since his move to Como. While he awaits his debut in competitive fixtures for Senegal, Diao’s declaration of allegiance marks a pivotal point in his career, symbolising both a personal and professional milestone. The decision reflects not only a commitment to his heritage but also a respect for the nation that shaped his formative years. Diao's story highlights the increasingly common dilemma faced by dual-nationality players, particularly those who grow up away from their country of birth. It underlines the emotional weight such choices carry, especially when both nations have played significant roles in a player's life and career. For now, Diao will focus on recovery and his responsibilities with Como, as fans in Senegal await his return to fitness and eventual contribution on the international stage.

Africans Abroad

Senegalese forward Assane Diao opens up on emotional choice between representing Senegal or Spain

Como forward Assane Diao has shed light on the emotional struggle behind his decision to represent Senegal at the international...

Issa Said June 3, 2025

Africans Abroad

Senegalese forward Assane Diao among nominees for 2025 Golden Boy Award

Senegalese international Assane Diao has earned a place among the 100 nominees for the 2025 Golden Boy award, following a...

Issa Said May 29, 2025