“I hoped to be at the World Cup”: Malang Sarr reflects on his absence and return with the Lions

Malang Sarr said he had hoped to play for Senegal at the 2026 World Cup and found missing out difficult to accept. The defender says he has moved on and wants to repay the trust of the coaching staff and head coach after receiving his first national-team call-up. With the Lions going through a transition, he is ready to take on responsibility and help guide the younger generation.