As the match between Senegal and France approaches, El Hadj Diouf reflected on the historic victory of the Lions of Teranga during the 2002 World Cup and shared an anecdote related to the event.
More than twenty years after that achievement, the former Senegal international still proudly recalls that inaugural success against France (1-0) in the opening match of the Asian World Cup. Invited by L’Équipe, he also remembered a moment concerning Zinédine Zidane, who was absent from that match due to an injury sustained during preparation.
El Hadj Diouf recounted a conversation that took place after the World Cup draw. According to him, Wilfried Mbappé, Kylian Mbappé’s father, reached out to discuss his son’s participation in the tournament.
“After the draw, the first person to call me was Wilfried Mbappé. He said, ‘You need to be careful with my son, don’t do what you did with Zidane,’” explained the former Senegal striker.
In a tone he describes as light and humorous, Diouf claims he responded, “We’ll do it like Zidane, your son won’t play.”
However, he clarified that this exchange was meant to be relaxed and respectful towards the great figures of world football. He also emphasized his desire to see the best teams compete with their star players in major tournaments.
🚨 EL-HADJI DIOUF 🇸🇳 ON MARABOUTING KYLIAN MBAPPÉ 🇫🇷.👇
“After the draw, the first to call me was my brother Wilfrid (Mbappé). 📞
He said, ‘YOU NEED TO BE CAREFUL WITH MY SON, DON’T DO LIKE WITH ZIDANE 🇫🇷’ (implying marabouting).
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) June 14, 2026
“Football is primarily a spectacle. A match without Mbappé? No way. I was happy to beat France without Zidane, but with him, the matchup would have been even more beautiful,” he added.
For the record, in 2002, Zinédine Zidane was initially announced as uncertain and ultimately ruled out for the match against Senegal after sustaining an injury during preparation. He would only participate partially in the tournament, failing to qualify France for the final stage.
