Ibrahim Mbaye, a professional right winger, is no stranger to the heights of success. In fact, despite being born in 2008, he's already won everything: his signature is even on the PSG treble-winning novel, albeit on the last lines and in almost illegible ink. In August 2024, Luis Enrique made him, at 16 years, 6 months, and 23 days, the youngest debutant in the Parisian club's history in the league. He smells like a predestined signing, people whispered under the Eiffel Tower. It's all true: the boy has repaid the faith with a goal and an assist in over 10 appearances overall. He also got a high five from Luis Enrique: "I love it when he trains with us: he plays with pace whether he has the ball or not. You can see he's very intelligent." The coach gave him Ligue 1 and a European showcase (as well as a World Cup: two appearances last June in America), confirming the faith PSG had always had in the Senegalese player in 2008: the club signed him for the first time at the age of ten. Before that, he dabbled in boxing, for a family reason.

Gloves and boots 

Yes, Mbaye Sr. was a master of boxing gloves. He realized this from a very young age, born in 2008 in Trappes, a suburb of the capital (like Anelka), and raised in the gym of his father, Souleymane, a three-time French boxing champion. Ibrahim changed accessories in an instant: off with the gloves, in with the boots. Although he learned more than one principle in the gym: respect, discipline, and waiting for the right moment. His came last February, when he signed his first professional contract with PSG: "A very important step for me. I'd like to thank everyone, from the president to my family to the team, because they've always supported me. But this is just the beginning," he told the club's microphones. It was a remarkable first six-month step: not only titles with the first team, but also a first taste of make-or-break competition in the youth academy. He joined the Under-19 team at 16, but he wasn't shy about it. Quite the opposite: a goal in the playoff semifinal against Marseille, an assist in the final against Auxerre. He won the title there too.

High Gears

From setting early records with PSG to being called up to the national team, it was a short step. Mbaye gifted himself a goal and an assist in the friendly match his Senegal side dominated against Kenya: a resounding 8-0 victory a month ago, a comfortable run-in for the Africa Cup of Nations. He's a key figure today: two appearances off the bench so far, one positive against Botswana and one sensational against Congo. Manè's equaliser came from a brilliant run from Mbaye down the right, a sprint between two men. And to think, the youngster says he prefers the left flank, because he doesn't mind coming back onto the right. For now, Senegal is fine with that, indeed: "His approach is exactly what we want from any of our 28 players," Koulibaly puffed out at the press conference. Niakhate echoed his sentiments: "We're here to protect someone like Ibrahim. His arrival brought fresh energy to the entire team: I'm proud of him." Understandable: the youngster is driving at full speed despite not having a driving license.