Gueye Resigns from Senegal Until Coaching Staff is Changed

Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced that he will be “taking a break” from representing his country while the current management remains in place.

The 27-year-old’s choice comes after Senegal, under the management of Pape Thiaw, allowed a 2-0 advantage to slip away, resulting in a dramatic defeat to Belgium in their last-32 match at the World Cup.

Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had rightfully given Senegal the lead, but late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans leveled the match, pushing it into extra time.

Belgium received a contentious penalty in the 125th minute, and Tielemans converted it, eliminating Senegal from the competition.

Gueye, representing Villarreal in La Liga, began the match but was substituted by Lamine Camara after 66 minutes.

“I will return to discuss the elimination… but I am announcing today that as long as this coaching staff remains, I will be stepping away from the national team,” Gueye, who has earned 45 caps for Senegal and scored twice in their group-stage victory over Iraq, shared on social media.

Thiaw has been leading Senegal since December 2024 and was central to the controversy that led to his team losing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

Thiaw directed his team off the field when Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty in the Afcon final in January.

The players ultimately made their way back after a delay of approximately 17 minutes, following which Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Gueye netted the decisive goal in extra time.

In March, Morocco was declared the winner of the tournament after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) reversed the final result due to Senegal’s walk-off.

Senegal has submitted an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is optimistic about reclaiming the title.