Ibrahim Mbaye just did something no African footballer his age has ever done. The 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain winger scored for Senegal against France on June 16, 2026, becoming the youngest African player to find the net in a FIFA World Cup match.
At 18 years and 142 days old, Mbaye also claimed the record as the youngest Senegalese goalscorer in World Cup history. The goal came during stoppage time in Senegal’s 1-3 defeat to France at MetLife Stadium.
A World Cup debut to remember
Mbaye’s appearance at the 2026 World Cup was his first. He was selected for Senegal’s squad on May 21, 2026.
Born on January 24, 2008, in Trappes, France, to Senegalese parents, Mbaye represents a growing trend in international football of players raised in European academies choosing to represent their parents’ nations of origin.
