Moustapha Mbow’s rise at Paris FC, the defender Antoine Kombouaré loves | OneFootball

Senegalese centre-back Moustapha Mbow has become central to Paris FC’s rise to Ligue 1 and their current revival. L'Équipe reports that he has adapted smoothly to the top flight and convinced both Antoine Kombouaré and former coach Stéphane Gilli.

There were dips, notably against Lyon 3-3 and Toulouse 0-3. Since then, showings against Nice 1-0, Lyon 1-1 and Strasbourg 0-0 have anchored a near impenetrable back line.

He hates losing, sometimes withdrawing to brood despite an otherwise jovial, outgoing nature. That streak dates back to Darou Salam academy in Dakar, which he joined in 2011 aged 11.

He moved to Reims seven years later and impressed at once. Christophe Raymond, then a youth coach and now Paris FC under-19s boss, remembers a diligent defender who loved duels and defending.

Gilli installed him alongside Timothée Kolodziejczak in 2023, a pairing central to the club’s historic 2025 promotion. He praises a quick learner, often first in the gym, who stepped up from Ligue 2 and, despite a lean frame, is formidable in duels. Former assistant Armand Sène also notes standout endurance and speed.

Kombouaré values his two-footed ease, though he is right-footed, and has used him on the left of central defence. He says Mbow has met the level required but must sharpen concentration because the highest level punishes errors. That progress could prove key to staying up and to any hope of a Senegal World Cup call-up.

Source: L'Équipe