Senegal has once again made its mark on the international beach soccer stage, with its star players being nominated for the prestigious Beach Soccer Stars 2024. The announcement, made by Beach Soccer Worldwide (BSWW), reveals a shortlist featuring 120 male players, 50 female players, and 45 coaches from around the globe.
This year's nominations include four top players from Senegal's national team, known as the Lions of the Beach. Raoul Mendy, Jean Ninou Diatta, Mamadou Sylla, and Seydina Mandione Diagne have been recognized for their impressive performances over the past year. Mendy, in fact, holds the distinction of being the only Senegalese player to have ever won an accolade at the Beach Soccer Stars, taking home the 'Revelation of the Year' award back in 2021.
Al Seyni Ndiaye, who serves as the captain of Senegal's national beach soccer team, is the sole goalkeeper nominated from Senegal. Since 2017, he has been on the nomination list, and back in 2021, he placed among the top three goalkeepers worldwide. With over 180 caps for the national team, Ndiaye's experience has proven invaluable on the field.
Adding to the list of Senegalese nominees is coach Ngalla Sylla, who is among the top 45 coaches recognized globally this year. His strategic acumen led the team to its eighth continental championship title last October, overcoming Mauritania to secure the title. Sylla has been consistently nominated for top coaching honors, having previously been among the top 12 coaches globally in 2021.
The Beach Soccer Stars event has been held annually since 2014, celebrating talent and excellence across beach soccer disciplines. The anticipation for this year's gala is high, particularly as Senegal seeks to continue its strong representation and perhaps add more accolades to its storied history.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the nominations will turn to victories when the event is held; details about the date and venue for the Beach Soccer Stars 2024 are still forthcoming. The pride associated with Senegalese beach soccer is palpable, and this year's nominations highlight not just individual talent but also the nation's status as a powerhouse in the sport.
With such accolades and recognition, Senegal is determined to remain at the forefront of beach soccer, showcasing its players and coaching prowess on the world stage. This year may very well be another historic moment for these Lions, setting the tone for the future of beach soccer both domestically and internationally.