A wave of congratulations from Europe’s top footballing institutions flooded social media following Senegal’s dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye emerged as the hero of the night, unleashing a thunderous strike that secured the Teranga Lions’ second title in five years.
While the match featured a high-stakes penalty save by Edouard Mendy from Brahim Diaz, the focus shifted to the domestic clubs celebrating their returning champions and offering support to those who fell just short.
Villarreal led the tributes, hailing their match-winner Pape Gueye as a “national hero” for his decisive role in the final. Bayern Munich celebrated striker Nicolas Jackson’s success, while Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace sent warm messages to Pape Matar Sarr and Ismaïla Sarr respectively. Everton signaled their eagerness to welcome back their African champions, and Monaco lauded the triumph of Lamine Camara and Krépin Diatta. Across the continent, Lazio and Olympique Lyonnais also joined the chorus of praise for Boulaye Dia and Moussa Niakhate.
In contrast, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain offered messages of commiseration to Morocco’s Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi. Despite the Atlas Lions’ heartbreaking defeat on home soil, both clubs expressed immense pride in their players’ journeys throughout the tournament. These reactions underscore the global significance of the AFCON tournament, as European giants prepare to reintegrate their decorated African stars back into domestic league action.
The following reactions from ten European clubs capture the spirit of the final:
Bayern Munich: “Congratulations Nico & Senegal!!AFCON Champions.”
Manchester United: “Commiserations to Nous, after Morocco were beaten in the #AFCON final. We are proud of your journey.”
Villarreal: “African champion and national HERO! Pape Gueye’s Senegal are champions of the #AFCON25 after defeating Morocco in the final (1-0) with a STUNNING goal from the Yellow Submarine’s star in extra time! We are so proud of you, Pape! Congratulations.”
Monaco: “CHAMPIONS Senegal. Lamine Camara and Krépin Diattá win the Africa Cup of Nations!Congratulations also to our former player Ismail Jakobs!”
Crystal Palace: “Huge congratulations to Ismaïla Sarr and Senegal on winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Everton: “Lighting up our home for you, Senegal! Proud of our #AFCON2025 champions. See you in a few days, lads!”
Lazio: “Senegal di Dia ha vinto la Coppa d’Africa. Complimenti, Boulaye.”
Tottenham Hotspur: “AFCON champion. Congratulations, Pape!”
Paris Saint-Germain: “Ibrahim Mbaye, winner of the #AFCON2025. Congratulations also to Achraf Hakimi for his run in the competition.”
Olympique Lyonnais: “Proud of you Moussa, our African Champion #CAN2025.”
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