Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced that he is stepping away from the Senegal national team indefinitely, insisting he will not return while the current coaching staff remains in charge following the Lions’ dramatic extra-time exit from the World Cup.
The 27-year-old, who has won 45 caps for Senegal and scored twice during the tournament’s group stage, made the announcement in a post on social media on Tuesday, placing the blame for the team’s elimination on head coach Pape Thiaw.
“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.
Senegal crashed out in the Round of 32 after surrendering a two-goal advantage in a dramatic 3-2 extra-time defeat to Belgium. First-half strikes from Habib Diarra and Ismaïla Sarr had put the West Africans firmly in control before Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans scored late in normal time to force extra time. Tielemans then converted a controversial penalty in the 125th minute to complete Belgium’s remarkable comeback.
Gueye started the match but was replaced by Lamine Camara in the 66th minute. Although he did not elaborate on the reasons behind his decision, his announcement comes amid growing scrutiny of Thiaw’s leadership since taking charge of the national team in December 2024.
Thiaw’s tenure has been overshadowed by controversy, including a corruption scandal that resulted in Senegal being stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, fuelling widespread dissatisfaction among supporters and sections of the playing squad.
Gueye’s decision is likely to intensify the pressure on the Senegal coach, with calls for change expected to grow following the country’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
The Senegalese Football Federation has yet to issue an official response to Gueye’s announcement. Should the midfielder maintain his stance, Senegal would be without one of their most experienced players as they begin the process of rebuilding after their earliest World Cup exit in more than a decade.
