Mamadou Sarr set to join Real Sociedad after choosing Senegal over France | OneFootball

Mamadou Sarr, set to join Real Sociedad, has opted for Senegal over France after rising through the latter’s youth ranks.

Diario Vasco reports that Sarr requested clearance to represent Senegal last year and debuted on 18 November 2025 in an 8-0 win over Kenya. His switch was ratified in December, he was called up on 13 December for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and made his competitive bow on 31 December in a 3-0 victory against Benin.

Weeks later Senegal were initially crowned champions after a contentious final with Morocco, when his team-mates left the pitch following a disputed penalty that Brahim missed with a Panenka. CAF later stripped them of the title. Sarr completed 120 minutes at right centre-back alongside Moussa Niakhaté of Olympique Lyon.

He has eight caps and was selected for the 2026 World Cup, although he did not play. Coach Pape Thiaw preferred Kalidou Koulibaly and Niakhaté, and against Iraq chose Abdoulaye Seck. He follows his father Pape Sarr, a Senegal international at the 2002 World Cup.

For Senegal he has mostly operated on the right of central defence, also playing left in a back five against Gambia and centrally in a back three. Born in Martigues, he holds French and Senegalese nationality. With France’s youth teams he played alongside Warren Zaïre-Emery and Senny Mayulu, and as under-17 captain lost 0-6 to Spain.

Source: Diario Vasco

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