Senegal’s celebrated beach soccer star, Ninou Diatta, has his sights firmly set on the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup Seychelles 2025™, aiming to turn heartbreak into triumph after his team’s group stage elimination in the 2024 edition.
Diatta, who recently led Senegal to their fifth consecutive Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations title, believes hard work and meticulous preparation are the keys to their World Cup ambitions.
Diatta’s leadership was pivotal in Senegal’s victorious campaign at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, the journey was not without its challenges.
The Teranga Sand Lions stumbled in their opening match, suffering a 5-2 loss to Mauritania. For Diatta, the defeat was a personal low point. “It was a collective disaster,” he told FIFA.
“I spent the night crying; I couldn’t eat or sleep.”
Encouraged by his teammate Amar Samb, Diatta quickly regrouped. “Amar reminded me that my attitude impacts the younger players,” said Diatta.
“I had to pull myself together for the team.” His resilience paid off as Senegal crushed Malawi 6-1 and edged out hosts Egypt 2-1 in the semi-finals to secure their spot in the World Cup.
In the final, Senegal faced Mauritania again, but this time, it was a different story. The Teranga Sand Lions dominated their opponents with a resounding 6-1 victory, claiming yet another continental title.
Diatta’s standout performances throughout the tournament earned him the prestigious Player of the Tournament award.
“It’s my first major individual accolade,” said the 37-year-old defender. “I thought of my parents, especially my dad, who passed away five years ago. This award is for them.”
With the title of Africa’s best player under his belt, Diatta is now focused on leading Senegal to global success. “We aren’t going just to participate; we want to win the World Cup,” he declared.
Senegal’s coaching staff has already begun rigorous preparations, determined to avoid a repeat of their group stage exit in Dubai earlier this year.
Reflecting on that disappointment, Diatta admitted, “The 2024 World Cup was a huge letdown for us. We had high hopes but fell short. This time, we’re determined to go all the way.”
Diatta’s personal commitment to the team’s success is evident. Even during his holiday in Senegal, he has hardly taken a break.
“Since returning from the Cup of Nations, I’ve only had two days off,” he revealed. “I need to be at the top of my game. Resting won’t help me achieve my goals.”
Diatta holds a special connection to the Seychelles, the host nation for next year’s World Cup. During the 2024 tournament, a player from the Seychelles gifted him a jersey.
“I kept that shirt in my bag during the semi-final against Egypt,” he said. “It brought us good luck. Now, I can’t wait to step onto Seychellois soil.”
Despite his age, Diatta remains a vital figure for Senegal and an inspirational leader. As he looks ahead to Seychelles 2025, his message is clear: “Winning the World Cup takes hard work. That’s what we’re ready to do.”
