Mbaye’s Rising Star: A Record-Breaking Talent at PSG and Senegal

Born in Trappes, France, Mbaye has swiftly risen through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), making a significant impact on the senior team at an impressively young age. He holds the distinction of being the youngest player to start a competitive match for the club, achieving this milestone at just 16 years and 205 days in August 2024. His journey at PSG has been marked by record-breaking feats and rapid development, as evidenced by his 24 Ligue 1 appearances, two goals, and three assists during his breakthrough season.

This season, Mbaye has enjoyed more frequent appearances with 15 league games already under his belt. While his statistics may appear modest, his contributions extend beyond mere numbers. Teammates and coaches alike have praised his exceptional pace, dribbling skills, and fearless demeanor on the field. Furthermore, he has gained valuable experience in prestigious competitions, including the UEFA Champions League and the 2025 UEFA Super Cup, which he clinched with PSG.

Mbaye’s profile skyrocketed during the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Morocco. After switching his international allegiance from France to Senegal late last year, he emerged as a breakout star for the Teranga Lions, who ultimately triumphed in the tournament. Under the guidance of coach Pape Thiaw, Mbaye primarily played as a substitute but made a notable impact in each match, altering the tempo of games with his direct approach and technical prowess. His key contributions included providing an assist for Sadio Mane against DR Congo, winning a crucial penalty against Benin, and scoring a decisive goal against Sudan in the round of 16. This goal not only made him the youngest Senegalese scorer in AFCON history but also the youngest player to score at the tournament in the 21st century. Teammates, including Krepin Diatta, have commended his immediate impact, stating, “Every time he comes on, he brings something extra.”

Despite Chelsea’s strong interest, along with monitoring from other Premier League clubs like Aston Villa, PSG currently has no plans to sell the player. Mbaye is contracted to the Parisian club until June 2028, following the activation of a one-year option in his professional deal in December 2025. While a transfer this January appears unlikely given PSG’s current stance, the interest from leading English clubs underscores that the young forward is firmly on the radar of Europe’s elite, according to a report by Florian Plettenberg. As the transfer window approaches its deadline, Mbaye’s future remains a developing story.

He is expected to feature in the upcoming fixture against Newcastle this week, with both teams currently tied at 13 points and competing for a position in the top eight, which would secure them a spot in the knockout stage and help avoid a challenging playoff match. A draw could potentially see both teams slip into the playoff spots, depending on other match outcomes. PSG will be aiming for revenge following their prior 4-1 defeat at St James’ Park and are anticipated to deliver a strong performance at home.