Ismaila Sarr

Ismaila Sarr is Senegal's most explosive wide forward and one of the Premier League's most improved attackers of recent seasons. At the 2026 World Cup he scored both of Senegal's goals in a 3-2 defeat to Norway at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on 22 June, first with an acrobatic finish while falling in the 53rd minute and then with a stoppage-time strike in the 90th+3 that briefly gave Senegal hope of a comeback point. The brace showcased his trademark combination of pace and technical invention, even in defeat.

Born in Saint-Louis, Senegal in 1998, Sarr joined Metz before moving to Rennes and then Watford in 2019. He was a key part of Watford's promotion and Premier League presence before leaving for Marseille in 2023. Crystal Palace signed him in 2024, and his first season at Selhurst Park proved exceptional: he became the first Palace player to score 20 goals in all competitions in a season since Glenn Murray in 2012-13 and was named best player as Crystal Palace won the UEFA Conference League in 2025, his debut season at the club.

At international level, Sarr has been a fixture in the Senegal squad since 2016. He appeared at the 2018, 2022 and 2026 World Cups and contributed to the team's AFCON 2021 triumph. His double against Norway confirmed his standing as Senegal's primary attacking outlet when Sadio Mane is absent or out of form, demonstrating the relentless running and finishing that has made him one of African football's most marketable players.