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Dakar, Senegal — Dakar 2026 has secured one of African football’s most respected figures to champion the continent’s first-ever Youth Olympic Games (YOG), with Senegal national team captain Kalidou Koulibaly officially unveiled as an ambassador for the global event.
The announcement marks a major milestone for the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee, reinforcing the visibility and international stature of the Games as Senegal prepares to host the world’s top young athletes.
Koulibaly, a celebrated defender who rose from FC Metz to global prominence during an iconic spell at SSC Napoli—where he played more than 300 matches and lifted the Italian Cup—also featured for Chelsea FC before joining Saudi giants Al‑Hilal, one of Asia’s most decorated clubs.
For Senegal, his leadership extends beyond club football. He captained the Teranga Lions to their historic 2022 Africa Cup of Nations title, becoming a national symbol of resilience, unity, and excellence.
“See you in 2026 for this major event in Senegal — an African first,” Koulibaly said in a video message shared by the Dakar 2026 committee, emphasizing his pride in representing an event that will introduce a new generation of youth athletes to the Olympic movement.
A Growing Family of YOG Ambassadors
Koulibaly joins a distinguished roster of ambassadors already supporting Dakar 2026, including:
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Abdou Diallo, former defender for AS Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, and Paris Saint‑Germain
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Elzo Jamdong, acclaimed Senegalese artist
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Oumy Diop, rising national swimming talent
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Amadou Gallo Fall, President of the Basketball Africa League (BAL)
The selection of Koulibaly further strengthens Dakar’s strategic positioning ahead of 2026, leveraging the defender’s global popularity and his deep connection with Senegalese youth.
Africa’s First Youth Olympic Games
Dakar 2026 will mark the first Olympic event ever hosted on African soil, representing a historic shift in the global sports landscape. Preparations continue across infrastructure, athlete engagement, and cultural programming designed to showcase Senegal’s sporting heritage, creativity, and values.
As anticipation builds, Koulibaly’s involvement adds both international visibility and national pride, aligning with the Games’ mission to inspire young athletes, expand access to sports, and celebrate Africa’s growing influence on the world stage.
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