This Friday, the 2025-2026 season officially begins. With the African Cup of Nations, and perhaps the World Cup, Senegalese footballers will be closely watched... and eagerly awaited. Here are the top 10 players in the national team to watch.

1. El Hadji Malick Diouf (West Ham)

If there's one Senegalese player who's stood out this preseason, it's him. Already one of Europe's biggest prospects, the 20-year-old left-back confirmed the high expectations he had in his first few minutes with the Hammers. With plenty of room for improvement, Malick Diouf will likely be the most anticipated Senegalese player of the season, in the top league.

2. Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace)

It's often said that the year of confirmation is the hardest. Reinvigorated last season with Palace by being decisive in big matches, Ismaila Sarr will have to repeat his performance this season, particularly with a European competition to play. He started this new campaign well, winning the Community Shield for his club. Against Liverpool in the first official match of the season in England, the winger won a penalty, scored in the match and the penalty shootout, and then won the Man of the Match award.

3. Habib Diarra (Sunderland)

The Senegalese midfielder could have joined a more exclusive club, but chose the challenge offered by Sunderland. In a tough league where promoted teams are often automatically relegated, Sunderland has made Diarra their figurehead to establish themselves in the Premier League. Recruited for €30 million, the Senegalese will be keen to live up to the expectations placed on him. And why not convince the big boys of the English league, who spare no expense during the transfer window?

4. Ousmane Diao (Midtjylland)

Franco-Algerian journalist Nabil Djellit has identified him as the future star of the Senegalese national team. Already courted by several major clubs after his successful 2024-2025 season, the 21-year-old central defender was stopped in his tracks by an injury while on vacation in Senegal. A move to a more prestigious club was not possible, but it will only be postponed. His return to competition in a few weeks will be highly scrutinized, and if he manages to raise his game after his first major injury, the doors to major leagues could open to him as early as the winter transfer window in early 2026.

5. Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea)

No matter where he plays, the 2025-2026 season will be pivotal for Nicolas Jackson's career. Criticized and pushed towards the exit at Chelsea, the Senegalese striker has no choice but to get back on track. With the African Cup of Nations just a few months away, regaining playing time should be his priority, followed by getting back to performing in front of goal. This is the only way for him to show he can be the regular goal scorer for a major club.

6. Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)

Like Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye must continue his excellent 2024-2025 season. But beware, if Sarr takes more and more power at Palace with the possible departure of Eze, Iliman Ndiaye, for his part, sees competition coming. Indeed, Jack Grealish has signed with the Toffees and could challenge the Senegalese whirlwind. The two can still share the pitch since they are capable of playing on the left flank or as playmakers. But their management and use by David Moyes will be interesting to follow.

7. Pape Demba Diop (Strasbourg)

Having excelled with Zulte Waregem in the Belgian second division, the Senegalese midfielder caught the eye of several clubs. Ultimately, it was the Blue & Co project that won him over, allowing him to sign for Strasbourg, with the possibility of joining Chelsea. Now, the challenge for Diop is to repeat his performances in the elite of French football. At almost 22 years old and in one of the biggest leagues, it's the perfect time for him to give his career a new lease of life.

8. Lamine Camara (AS Monaco)

After a good season with AS Monaco last season, Lamine Camara still leaves the impression that he can do much better. For his second season on the Rock, the Senegalese midfielder must move into a new dimension. Become more impactful, have more influence on the team, leave his mark on matches... in short, Camara must become indispensable to ASM and establish himself as one of the very best midfielders in Europe.

9. Idrissa Guéye (Metz)

After just six months at Metz, the 18-year-old Senegalese striker has landed a following at several top European clubs. Manchester United, Dortmund, West Ham, and Brentford have reportedly expressed interest in a move for the former Génération Foot player. He's expected to make his decision in a few days, or even weeks, but his season will be closely watched by the Senegalese, who are eyeing him as the Lions' next great striker.

10. Sadio Mané (Al-Nassr)

Regardless of his current level, Sadio Mané is the center of attention in Senegal. A key player on the national team, he has been heavily criticized after his poor recent outings in the Senegalese jersey. To make matters worse, without him, the Lions impressed and won a friendly against England (3-1). As the new season dawns, which will see the Senegalese number 10 turn 34, it will be very interesting to follow his fitness and performances with Al-Nassr. But above all, how he will be managed by Pape Thiaw.