FC Metz: Habib Diallo's first words on his return to the Grenats | OneFootball

The Senegalese striker returns five years after his departure to help Metz stay in Ligue 1.

Habib Diallo / FC Metz

Habib Diallo made his return to FC Metz official on August 31, 2025. The Senegalese center forward has signed a three-year deal with the Lorraine club and was presented to the local media on Tuesday, September 9. He aims to use his experience to help Metz remain in Ligue 1, but he made it clear he never intends to achieve this goal alone.

Habib Diallo has come back to FC Metz after spells at Strasbourg and then in Saudi Arabia. The Grenats, who have struggled at the start of this season, managed to secure his return just before the match against Paris FC. At 30, the striker chose to return to his boyhood club, turning down other offers.

A clear determination to relaunch the club

The Senegalese international spoke of his attachment to the city and to his family, who are settled in Lorraine. He didn’t hide his ambitions for this new chapter with Metz.

“It feels great to come back to where I started my career. My daughter and my whole family are here. I had other offers but I preferred to return to Metz. I can’t wait to play again in front of the Saint Symphorien crowd. I haven’t set myself a goal tally—mentally, I just want to score every time I’m on the pitch,” Habib Diallo said at his unveiling.

The Africa Cup of Nations winner wore the captain’s armband during his previous spell at Metz. He reminded everyone that leadership is not about status, but about commitment on the pitch and in the dressing room. The club is counting on him to mentor the young attacking talents and bring stability to a rebuilding side.

“I’m here to help the club stay in Ligue 1. But one person can’t do it alone. There are eleven of us on the pitch, and we all have to count on each other. I won’t keep the club up by myself—if Metz stays up, it’ll be thanks to everyone, even the substitutes,” Habib Diallo concluded.