El Hadji Diouf spoke up after coaches named the team for upcoming World Cup games. True to his straight-talking style, he set things right when players complained about not cutting. The Senegalese football star made it clear - you earn your spot through hard work and great playing, not by asking for it.
Several players left off the roster for games against Sudan, and Togo went public with their anger. Many hit social media saying they should have been picked for the Lions of Teranga. This behavior really bothered Diouf, who decided to address it directly with the younger athletes.
During his visit to watch practice, the two-time African Ballon d'Or winner shared some basic truths with the team. Pape Thiaw and his staff make the choices, period. Players must show their skills at their clubs first. Diouf pointed out he never requested to join the national squad—his play earned him the spot. He mentioned stars like Sadio and Gana never complained either.
Diouf pushed the message that only top performers represent Senegal. He stressed that coach Thiaw picks the best players who can help win games, not random favorites. His comments aimed to teach rising stars what matters most—stay humble, keep working, and respect what coaches decide. Senegalese football continues to improve, but it needs players who fight to prove themselves on the field instead of crying about being left out.
Several players left off the roster for games against Sudan, and Togo went public with their anger. Many hit social media saying they should have been picked for the Lions of Teranga. This behavior really bothered Diouf, who decided to address it directly with the younger athletes.
During his visit to watch practice, the two-time African Ballon d'Or winner shared some basic truths with the team. Pape Thiaw and his staff make the choices, period. Players must show their skills at their clubs first. Diouf pointed out he never requested to join the national squad—his play earned him the spot. He mentioned stars like Sadio and Gana never complained either.
Diouf pushed the message that only top performers represent Senegal. He stressed that coach Thiaw picks the best players who can help win games, not random favorites. His comments aimed to teach rising stars what matters most—stay humble, keep working, and respect what coaches decide. Senegalese football continues to improve, but it needs players who fight to prove themselves on the field instead of crying about being left out.
