President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has formally honoured the Senegalese national football team with national awards following their victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Dakar, days after the Lions of Teranga returned home as continental champions. Senegal defeated host nation Morocco in the final to secure their second AFCON title, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s leading football nations.
During the official reception, President Faye decorated the players, coaching crew, and technical officials with Senegal’s national honours.
Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw and members of the squad were elevated to the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Lion, one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions. The awards were presented in recognition of their sporting excellence and their contribution to national pride.
In addition to the national honours, the Senegalese government announced a comprehensive rewards package for the team and delegation.
Each player is to receive: 75 million CFA francs, and a 1,500 square-metre plot of land located along the Petite Côte.
Officials and members of the wider delegation will also benefit from financial rewards and land allocations. According to government sources, the total value of the rewards package is estimated at over 3 billion CFA francs.
The team earlier received a hero’s welcome upon their arrival in Dakar, with supporters lining major routes in the capital to celebrate the champions. The celebrations culminated in the formal state reception where the honours were officially conferred.
Senegal’s AFCON 2025 success adds to the country’s growing football legacy and sets the tone for upcoming international competitions, including World Cup qualifiers and future continental tournaments.