Gabonese striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has never hidden his admiration for Senegalese football. After a match against Gambia, the former captain of the Panthers reflected on his special bond with the Lions of Teranga, a passion that dates back to his childhood.
Aubameyang explained that his love for the Senegal national team began in the early 2000s when El Hadji Diouf was shining at the French club RC Lens. The Gabonese has a vivid memory of that Senegalese generation that impressed the world during the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
According to him, El Hadji Diouf’s performances inspired many young Africans of his age. The striker even shared that he used to imitate his idol’s style with his friends, especially by copying his unique hairstyles. The Senegal team’s exploits during the 2002 World Cup were celebrated enthusiastically among his circle, especially since several players from that squad played in the French league.
Even today, Aubameyang closely follows Senegal’s performances and admires the work done by this generation led by players like Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye, and Cheikhou Kouyaté. He believes that the progress of Senegalese football is not by chance and highlights the quality of the work done by the country’s leaders.
“They are beasts like us, which is why I love the Lions of Senegal. They are a great team, and it’s no coincidence that Senegal has been ranked first in Africa in the FIFA rankings for several months. I got to know the Senegal national team thanks to El Hadj Diouf, who was playing at Lens back then and made us dream. I loved El Hadj Diouf so much that in 2002, I dyed my hair with white powder, and my friends did the same. After every Lions match in the 2002 World Cup, my friends and I danced and sang because there were many players from that Senegalese team playing in the French league.
But now, with Sadio, Kalidou, Gana, Kouyaté… the Senegal team is simply magnificent, and I think their leaders are doing a great job. Sadio is the player for Africans. He’s the kind of player every coach would want on their team. Like all African players in the Premier League, we joke around, tease each other, and chat before and after a match, during introductions and at the entrance to the locker rooms. But once the whistle blows, Sadio is a beast. I have a lot of respect for him because from what I see on social media and in the news, he does a lot for his hometown.”
Through this statement, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang highlights the influence El Hadji Diouf had on an entire generation of young African footballers while praising the remarkable rise of Senegalese football and the impact of key figures like Sadio Mané on the continent.
