Cheikh Tidiane Sabaly has officially left FC Metz to join the Vancouver Whitecaps in Major League Soccer. The Canadian club announced the signing of the Senegalese international until 2029, with an option for an additional season. This is a bold career choice, just months away from the 2026 World Cup.
At 26, the forward trained at Génération Foot is closing the chapter on an eight-season adventure with FC Metz. During this time, he played 122 matches across all competitions — Ligue 1, Ligue 2, and the Coupe de France — with 91 as a starter, scoring 21 goals and providing 11 assists. His most successful season was 2024-2025 in Ligue 2, where he finished as Metz’s top scorer with 15 goals and four assists.
A Frustrating AFCON 2025
Vancouver is thrilled about this signing. Sporting director Axel Schuster praised him as “an athletic and dynamic forward,” capable of playing centrally or on the wings, highlighting his 19 decisive actions during the promotion season to Ligue 1. Sabaly expressed his excitement about discovering North America and his determination to contribute to the club’s ambitions.
However, on the international stage, the timing raises questions. During the AFCON 2025, which Senegal won, Sabaly had a very limited role, coming on for just a few minutes without making a real impact in the attacking rotation. This lack of playing time already reflected the fierce competition for his position.
Before the AFCON, the forward seemed to be gradually earning his place in Pape Thiaw’s squad. In 12 appearances, he scored a memorable goal against England at Wembley (1-3) and provided four assists in just 241 minutes. Promising numbers, but not enough to secure a permanent spot in the starting eleven.
High-Level Competition
His move to MLS could now weigh heavily in the balance. In his position, competition is fierce in major leagues: Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace), Iliman Ndiaye (Everton), Assane Diao (Como), Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG). These players are exposed to the highest level of European football every week.
In this context, Sabaly’s choice to join a league perceived as less competitive could reduce his visibility and weaken his position in the offensive hierarchy of the Lions. With just months to go before the World Cup 2026 squad is announced, this departure feels like a risky gamble.
Already underused during the AFCON 2025, Sabaly will now have to prove himself from a distance, in a new environment, as competition for attacking positions looks fierce. For him, the prospect of the 2026 World Cup seems to be slipping away.
