Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced he will "take a break" from playing for his country while the current management remains in charge – a decision that follows a dramatic World Cup exit at the hands of Belgium and deepens the turmoil surrounding a side still reeling from being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title.
The 27-year-old Villarreal player, who has 45 caps and scored twice for Senegal, made the announcement on social media after Senegal let a 2-0 lead slip against Belgium in their World Cup last-32 tie. Habib Diarra and Ismaila Sarr had deservedly put Senegal ahead before late goals from Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans forced extra time. Belgium were then awarded a controversial penalty in the 125th minute, which Tielemans converted to knock Senegal out. Gueye started the match but was replaced by Lamine Camara after 66 minutes.
“Senegal's Pape Gueye quits national team until coaching staff replaced after World Cup loss and Afcon walk-off controversy.”
"I will come back to say a few words about the elimination... but I am announcing today that as long as this coaching staff is in place, I will be taking a break from the national team," Gueye wrote.
The coaching staff is led by Pape Thiaw, who has been in charge since December 2024. Thiaw was at the heart of the controversy that resulted in Senegal being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title. In the Afcon final against Morocco in January, Thiaw ushered his team off the field after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty. The players eventually returned after a delay of about 17 minutes, and Gueye scored an extra-time winner. However, in March, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final because of Senegal's walk-off, declaring Morocco the winners. Senegal have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, hoping to regain the title.
Gueye, who played for Senegal at both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups, did not specify how long his break would last. His absence leaves Senegal without a key midfielder as Thiaw's position becomes increasingly uncertain.