Ibrahim Mbaye says a conversation with fellow Senegal international Moussa Niakhate helped persuade him to represent Senegal rather than France.
The 18-year-old winger discussed the decision during an interview with Cheikh Footstyle, explaining how Niakhate’s words reinforced his attraction to the Senegalese national-team project.
“Il m’a parle du Senegal et j’ai kiffe,” Mbaye said.
Niakhate’s intervention ultimately helped Mbaye turn away from France, despite the country having previously been part of his international pathway. Mbaye said Senegal’s plans offered him the opportunity to join the senior team, while France wanted him to continue developing with the Bleuets.
Mbaye made his debut for the Lions of Teranga in November 2025, coming on for the final 15 minutes of a 2-0 defeat by Brazil. He was handed his first start against Kenya and marked the occasion with a goal and two assists as Senegal secured an emphatic 8-0 victory.
Since then, Mbaye has won 15 caps and scored four goals for Senegal.
His decision came as the young forward continued his development at club level. Mbaye joined Aston Villa from Paris Saint-Germain, the club where he was developed, in the final stages of the summer transfer window.
However, he has yet to make his first appearance for Aston Villa. Mbaye was an unused substitute during last weekend’s league match away to Hull City and remained on the bench for Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Club Bruges.
He could make his Aston Villa debut on Saturday, when the club face Nottingham Forest on matchday four of the Premier League.
For now, Mbaye’s international career has progressed considerably faster than his start at club level. His decision to commit to Senegal has already delivered regular senior football, while his move to Aston Villa has left him waiting for his first competitive minutes in the club’s Bordeaux and sky-blue colours.
The contrast reflects the importance of the choice he made. France offered Mbaye a continued route through its youth teams, but Senegal presented a direct place within its senior set-up. Niakhate’s message about the national-team project helped turn that possibility into a decision.
Mbaye’s early record with Senegal has since underlined the faith placed in him. His involvement against Brazil was followed by a decisive performance against Kenya, and he has now established himself as a regular member of the squad at the age of 18.
His next opportunity will come at Aston Villa, where he is waiting to begin his career with the club after leaving Paris Saint-Germain. A first appearance against Nottingham Forest would provide the latest step in a year in which Mbaye has already made his senior international debut, scored for Senegal and confirmed his long-term allegiance to the country.