Senegal’s historic AFCON 2025 triumph produced another remarkable milestone, as Ibrahim Mbaye became the youngest player to win an Africa Cup of Nations final since Ghana legend Abedi Pelé achieved the feat in 1982.
Softfotbball gathered, at just 17 years and 11 months, Mbaye lifted the AFCON trophy with Senegal following their dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the final played on Sunday, 18 January 2026 in Rabat. His achievement surpasses generations of African talents, placing him in an elite historical bracket.
The last time a player so young won an AFCON final was on 19 March 1982, when Abedi Pelé, aged 17 years and 4 months, helped Ghana defeat Libya to claim continental glory. More than four decades later, Mbaye now stands alongside that iconic moment.
Born on 24 January 2008 in Trappes, France, Ibrahim Mbaye holds dual nationality (French and Senegalese) but has already committed his international future to Senegal. His rapid rise reflects the depth of talent within the current Senegalese generation.
Beyond AFCON success, Mbaye’s trophy cabinet at such a young age is already extraordinary. He is now a winner of:
- 🏆 Africa Cup of Nations
- 🏆 UEFA Champions League
- 🏆 UEFA Super Cup
- 🏆 FIFA Intercontinental Cup
- 🏆 Ligue 1
- 🏆 Coupe de France
His inclusion in Senegal’s AFCON-winning squad highlights the bold trust placed in youth by the technical crew, as well as the player’s maturity on the biggest stages of world football.
With history already written at 17, Ibrahim Mbaye’s AFCON success is widely seen as only the beginning of what could become one of African football’s most glittering careers.
