Moustapha Mbow, the 26-year-old central defender for Paris FC, has enjoyed a standout first full season in Ligue 1. Despite an early struggle for wins, Mbow established himself as a cornerstone of the defense under both Stéphane Gilli and Antoine Kombouaré. His consistent performances have caught the attention of Senegal national team coach Pape Thiaw, who recently visited the club’s training ground to meet with the player and the Paris FC staff.
Adapting to various defensive roles was a challenge Mbow embraced. He played on the left before shifting to the right alongside left-footed Timothée Kolodziejczak, then with Otavio, and later moved back to the left with Diego Coppola. Mbow credited Kolodziejczak for helping him improve his positioning and mental approach, saying, “He has played at the highest level. He guides us and sees things we can’t.”
Concentration remains an area for growth. Mbow acknowledged that he sometimes loses focus, a point Kombouaré emphasized upon arrival. “I think I have improved a bit in the second half of the season,” Mbow said. He regularly seeks advice from experienced teammates like Kevin Trapp and Pierre Lees-Melou about playing in top European leagues.
The World Cup with Senegal is a major goal. “Everyone wants to go to the national team, especially in a World Cup year,” Mbow declared. “It’s a dream to go there, for me and my family. I hope that at the end of the season I’ll be on the list.” His potential selection could hinge on strong performances for Paris FC in the final stretch.
Mbow also reflected on missing the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). Despite the disappointment, he used it as motivation. “I took it positively, even if it was a bit hard,” he said. Regarding the controversial CAN final, where Senegal initially won before the result was overturned on appeal, Mbow insisted, “Senegal won. Matches aren’t won two months later. On the pitch, everyone saw we won.”
Looking ahead, Mbow is committed to Paris FC until 2028 but dreams of playing abroad. “Everyone dreams of playing in the Premier League or Bundesliga,” he admitted. For now, he remains focused on finishing the season strongly and securing a World Cup berth.
Based on reporting from Foot - actualités, mercato, info & vidéo en continu.
