In an interview with Footmercato, Senegalese international Idrissa Gueye, who joined Udinese last summer from FC Metz, reflected on Senegal’s triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, won after a memorable final against Morocco.
Idrissa Gueye didn’t hide the emotional intensity he felt throughout the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Deeply attached to the national team, he shared that every crucial moment of the tournament left a lasting impression on him, creating memories etched in his mind. The Senegalese international explained that he was overwhelmed with emotion several times, especially during the penalty converted by Brahim Díaz and at the final whistle, moments that reminded him of the tears shed during Senegal’s victory in 2021. According to him, this win brought a joy that was hard to put into words, as the intensity of the feeling was strong and unique.
When asked about the tense moment in the final, when coach Pape Thiaw asked the players to temporarily leave the field, Gueye was understanding and thoughtful. He explained that he fully supported this decision, viewing it as an act of solidarity towards the entire group. In his view, in a context of extreme pressure, nervousness, and referee disputes, the players’ reactions were completely human and understandable. However, he emphasized that returning to the field and the final outcome of the match confirmed that, despite the tensions, justice and sporting merit ultimately triumphed, granting Senegal a fully legitimate title celebrated by the whole country.
