Back from a historic triumph with Senegal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Yehvann Diouf finds himself in a very different situation on the Côte d’Azur. After establishing himself as a regular starter at OGC Nice, the Senegalese goalkeeper now sees his status weakened since the arrival of Claude Puel and the rise of Maxime Dupé.
A Redefined Hierarchy
At the end of 2025, everything seemed to be going well for Diouf. With 16 starts in Ligue 1, 6 in the Europa League, and one in the Coupe de France, he had established himself as the undisputed number one for the Gym. His performance at the AFCON had boosted his reputation, especially during the final against Morocco on January 18, highlighted by the now-famous towel incident involving Édouard Mendy.
But the tide turned with the departure of Franck Haise, who had full confidence in him, and the arrival of Claude Puel as Nice’s head coach at the end of December. Taking advantage of Diouf’s absence while he was at the AFCON, Maxime Dupé, 32, seized his chance. After five convincing matches, he earned the trust of the new staff. Upon his return, Diouf was only named starter once, in the Europa League against Ludogorets on January 29 (a 1-0 loss), before finding himself back on the bench against Brest, Montpellier, and Monaco.
Claude Puel made it clear in a press conference: “The goalkeeper is a part of the eleven.” A clear message: no position is guaranteed. The competition is now fierce.
A Turning Point for His Progression
At 26, Yehvann Diouf is at a crucial moment in his career. For Pierre Ibrahima Faye, goalkeeper coach at US Gorée, this sidelining could have consequences: “The lack of playing time can slow his progression, especially in reading trajectories and managing aerial challenges. It could also impact his standing with the Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.”
According to him, Claude Puel is currently prioritizing stability and immediate guarantees to solidify a defense in reconstruction. By leaving Nice for the AFCON, Diouf left an opportunity that Dupé was quick to exploit. His positive run created a favorable dynamic, boosting the staff’s confidence in him.
The contrast is striking: just weeks ago, he was an African champion, and now Diouf struggles for continuity at club level. To maintain his international ambitions, he must reclaim his starting spot. In a position where consistency is key, the challenge will be as much mental as it is physical.
Between Dupé’s reassuring experience and Diouf’s ambitious youth, the battle unfolds quietly. For the Senegalese, the stakes go beyond Nice: it’s about solidifying his place with the Lions and turning his continental triumph into a real springboard for the 2026 World Cup.
