Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye has announced he is taking an indefinite break from international duty with the national team, following their elimination from the World Cup at the round of 16 stage against Belgium. The 27-year-old revealed his decision via an Instagram story, stating he would pause his involvement with the national team while the current technical staff remains in place.
Gueye was a key player for Senegal during the group stage, scoring twice in their 5-0 victory over Iraq, a result that briefly reignited their World Cup hopes. However, the subsequent defeat to Belgium proved decisive, and appears to have triggered a significant falling out with the coaching staff.
The player’s statement directly criticizes the leadership of head coach Pape Thiaw and his team. Following the match against Belgium, Thiaw justified some substitutions by citing player fitness levels. Gueye publicly refuted this claim, stating in the mixed zone that he felt physically capable of continuing and that no one had asked him about his condition, indicating a breakdown in communication.
Gueye currently plays his club football for Marseille, where he has established himself as a regular starter. He joined the French side in 2021, having previously played for Hawkhawks and Metz. His absence from the Senegal squad will be a significant loss for the team, as he provides both defensive solidity and attacking impetus from midfield. The situation raises questions about the future direction of the national team and the relationship between players and management. This pause in his international career could potentially impact Senegal’s preparations for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
