Senegalese defender Abdoulaye Faye says representing his country at senior level remains a lifelong ambition as he continues to develop his career in European football.
The 21-year-old centre-back, currently on loan at French Ligue 1 side FC Lorient from Bayer Leverkusen, spoke about his journey, recovery from injury and long-term goals in an interview with L’Observateur.
Faye has gradually been working his way into top-flight football after spells in Sweden and Germany.
His progress in Europe has not been without setbacks. A serious injury disrupted his early adaptation after he suffered a fractured metatarsal, keeping him sidelined for several months.
“At first, it was a bit tough for me because I was coming back from injury. I was out for five months with a fractured metatarsal. But little by little, I adapted.”
Since returning to action, Faye has begun to find his rhythm in Ligue 1, where he is continuing his development under Lorient’s coaching setup.
The defender admitted the step up in quality was immediate and demanding.
“After my first real match, I thought, ‘Wow!’ The level is very high, and there’s also the intensity.”
Working under coach Olivier Pantoloni, Faye believes he has made clear progress, particularly in his defensive positioning and tactical awareness.
“I had weaknesses in my positioning, but I’ve improved a lot in that area. The coach helps me enormously; he guides me like a father.”
Faye’s football education has been strongly influenced by his family background.
He is the son of Pape Ibrahima Faye, a former coach of Senegal’s U17 national team, who has played a key role in his development since childhood.
“He is my first coach. After every match, he is the first person I call. He tells me what I need to correct.”
That discipline, he says, was shaped during his early years at Diambars FC, a well-known Senegalese academy that has produced several professional players.
According to Faye, the environment demanded consistency and mental strength from a young age.
Now gaining experience in Europe, Faye has set his sights on returning to Bayer Leverkusen and competing at the highest level of club football, including the UEFA Champions League.
“After this loan, I dream of playing for Bayer Leverkusen, especially if they’re in the Champions League. I want to seize my opportunity.”
On the international stage, Faye has already represented Senegal at youth level, including helping his country win the WAFU U17 Championship in 2021.
However, his ultimate ambition remains a place in the senior national team.
“Representing your country is a wonderful thing. If it happens, great, if not, I’ll keep working. But playing for the national team is something we all dream of.”
As he continues his loan spell at Lorient, Faye remains focused on establishing himself in Ligue 1 while keeping one eye on future opportunities at both club and international level.
