At just 17 years old, Ibrahim Mbaye made a lasting impression during the Senegal-Sudan match at the Africa Cup of Nations. According to OptaJean, the Paris Saint-Germain striker became the youngest goalscorer of the 21st century in the competition. A record full of significance.
This goal against Sudan wasn’t a flash of brilliance, but the culmination of a clear rise in form observed in recent weeks. Ibrahim Mbaye has gradually reached a new level: more precise in his runs, more lucid in his decision-making, and above all, more incisive in crucial areas. What was only recently glimpsed has now become a consistent feature.
At Paris Saint-Germain, the young striker has gained confidence and impact, to the point of approaching the Africa Cup of Nations with real influence on the game. Scoring at 17 years and 344 days old for Senegal, in a major tournament, validates this upward trajectory. The context, the stakes, the adversity: nothing seems to hold Mbaye back. More than a record, this goal tells the story of a player who is progressing rapidly, very rapidly, and who is beginning to truly establish himself.
