Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira is reportedly considering Ismaila Sarr and Pape Gueye as potential successors to Kalidou Koulibaly as captain of the national team.
Koulibaly, 35, is no longer considered an automatic starter under Vieira after being left on the bench for Senegal’s final two matches at the 2026 World Cup.
According to Match360, the Al-Hilal defender is also not expected to start Senegal’s upcoming matches during the current international window.
Instead, Vieira could use Koulibaly in a supporting role, with the experienced centre-back expected to help guide a younger generation within the squad.
Koulibaly has made 105 appearances for Senegal and scored twice. Only Idrissa Gueye, who has more international appearances, is older among the players currently in the squad.
The captaincy debate has therefore opened the door for two players who reportedly enhanced their standing during Senegal’s World Cup campaign.
Crystal Palace forward Sarr is one of the leading candidates. The 28-year-old has earned 87 caps and scored 23 goals for the Lions.
Sarr enters the international window in strong form for his country, having contributed six goals and assists across his last three appearances.
He scored twice against Norway before scoring and assisting in Senegal’s 5-0 victory over Iraq, which secured their passage to the knockout stage. He also continued his positive performances against Belgium in the round of 16.
Villarreal midfielder Gueye is the other player reportedly under consideration.
Gueye impressed during the World Cup, particularly in Senegal’s knockout-stage meeting with Belgium, despite not registering a goal or assist.
His leadership credentials are also notable. The midfielder had previously called for a change in Senegal’s technical leadership and said he would not continue playing for the national team while Pape Thiaw remained coach.
Vieira must now decide whether to hand the armband to an established attacking figure in Sarr or a midfielder in Gueye who has also emerged as an influential voice within the squad.
The decision could come before Senegal begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
The Lions are scheduled to face Mozambique on September 25 before travelling to meet Ethiopia on September 29. They will then take on Comoros in a friendly in Marseille on October 4.
