Kalidou Koulibaly

Senegal's captain and defensive talisman, Kalidou Koulibaly turned 35 on 20 June 2026, just days before facing France. Born in France to Senegalese parents, he became one of the world's most respected centre-backs across eight seasons at Napoli (236 league games), where his pace, reading and leadership made him a Serie A benchmark and earned the inaugural Serie A Best Defender award. After a season at Chelsea, he moved to Al-Hilal in 2023, winning the Saudi Pro League and multiple domestic cups. He led Senegal to their first-ever 2021 Africa Cup of Nations title, scoring in the final against Egypt, and has played at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and the 2019 and 2025 AFCON finals. With 104 caps, he is among Senegal's most-capped players. Despite earlier injury worries, Koulibaly started against France on 16 June 2026 in central defence, marshalling a back line that ultimately conceded three.