On the eve of his fifth Africa Cup of Nations finals, Kalidou Koulibaly displays undiminished pride and renewed determination. The captain of the Lions of Teranga approaches this 2025 edition with the maturity of a leader and a clearly stated ambition: to bring a second continental trophy back to Senegal.

Having joined the national team at a very young age, the central defender has never hidden his deep attachment to this competition. "From my very first days with the national team, my goal was to play in this competition and win it," he recalls. Crowned African champion in 2021 in Cameroon, he insists that the hunger for success remains undiminished: "We've won once, but we're still thirsty for victory."

For Kalidou Koulibaly, this fifth appearance is unlike any other. "I'm approaching it very differently. I have more experience," he explains, aware that Senegal's status as favorites demands calm and composure. In this context, his role now extends beyond the purely sporting realm. "My job is also to bring tranquility and guide the younger players," he emphasizes.

With his extensive experience across the continent, the captain is intimately familiar with the demands of African football. "I've traveled extensively in Africa, I know the stadiums, the teams, and the specific characteristics of this competition," he states. He shares this expertise with the core group of key players in the national team, including Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gana Guèye, Ismaïla Sarr, Abdoulaye Seck, and Édouard Mendy.

The alliance between the veteran players and the new generation of talent is, according to him, Senegal's major asset for this Moroccan campaign. "This diversity should allow us to go as far as possible in the competition," the captain insists.

More than ever, the goal is to connect with the Senegalese people through a new epic journey. Driven by the dream of lifting the Africa Cup of Nations trophy again, Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates are preparing to take on this challenge with unwavering ambition.