By Dakar, Senegal – March 13, 2025 – Senegal’s national football team has officially called up 19-year-old winger Assane Diao, putting pressure on the talented player to decide between representing his birth country or Spain, where he was raised. Pape Thiaw, the Senegalese national team coach, announced the invitation after meeting Diao in Spain, signaling a strong push to bring the young star into the fold for upcoming international matches.
🇸🇳 Senegal convoca oficialmente a Assane Diao y le mete presión para que decida: “Estuve con él en España”.
Pape Thiaw, seleccionador senegalés, anuncia la citación del exbético, que también está en la prelista de la Sub-21.
✍️ @samuelsonsilva https://t.co/zZd6hWDTZq
— Relevo (@relevo) March 13, 2025
Diao, currently playing for Serie A club Como, was born in Senegal but moved to Spain at the age of three, earning dual citizenship. His football journey began in Spain, where he developed through the youth academies of Badajoz, Flecha Negra, and Balón de Cádiz before joining Real Betis. Diao made a name for himself as a powerful winger, known for his crossing ability and strong technique, and represented Spain’s under-19 team at the 2023 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. However, his Senegalese roots have now drawn the attention of the Lions of Teranga, Senegal’s national team, which boasts a proud footballing history, including a quarter-final appearance at the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Thiaw, appointed as Senegal’s coach in December 2024, is eager to integrate Diao into the squad, especially as the team builds toward future competitions. “I met with Assane in Spain, and we discussed his potential to represent Senegal,” Thiaw said in a statement. “He’s a special talent, and we want him to join our journey.” The call-up comes as Diao is also on Spain’s under-21 preliminary list, creating a dilemma for the young player, who must now choose between his adopted homeland and his country of birth.
Football fans and analysts are watching closely, as Diao’s decision could shape his career trajectory. Senegal’s rich football heritage and Diao’s Senegalese roots might pull him toward the Lions, while his formative years and success in Spain could keep him with La Rojita, Spain’s under-21 team. For now, Diao faces a significant crossroads in his promising career.
