Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph has been capped with national recognition after the players and head coach Pape Thiaw were formally awarded state honours for their historic achievement.
At a ceremony held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye conferred on the squad and their coach the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Lion, one of the country’s most prestigious distinctions.
The honour was granted in recognition of their outstanding performance at the 2025 AFCON.
The head of state personally decorated Thiaw and the players, acknowledging the role they played in bringing pride to the nation through their success on the continental stage.
The President of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, received the highest distinction of the day in appreciation of what was described as his exceptional leadership, which was credited as a key factor behind the team’s victory.
The rank of Commander is the third-highest class within Senegal’s top national order of merit and is reserved for individuals who render remarkable civil or military service to the country.
The honours followed Senegal’s dramatic 1–0 victory over host nation Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final. On their return home, the champions were greeted by massive crowds at the airport, with fans waving national flags, sounding horns, and chanting in celebration.
Festivities continued on Tuesday as the two-time African champions paraded the AFCON trophy through the streets of Dakar, drawing thousands of jubilant supporters who turned out to celebrate the Teranga Lions’ success.