Biography
Who is Idrissa Gueye?
Early career and rise in France
Idrissa Gueye began his football path in his hometown of Dakar, Senegal, at the Diambars football academy. In August 2008, he moved to France to join the reserve team of Lille OSC. He earned a spot on the first team by the 2010 to 2011 season, making eleven league appearances as the club secured a Ligue 1 title. That same year, he started in the Coupe de France final victory against Paris Saint-Germain.
Over the next four years, he became a consistent starter for the club in both league play and the UEFA Champions League. He recorded his first goal for the team during a UEFA Europa League match against PSV Eindhoven in February 2011.
Time in England
In July 2015, the midfielder transferred to the Premier League to play for Aston Villa. He made his debut in August against AFC Bournemouth. During his single season with the club, he played in thirty-five league matches before the team faced relegation.
Following this, Everton signed him in August 2016 for a reported fee of over seven million pounds. He quickly established himself as a defensive force, leading Europe's top five leagues in successful tackles and interceptions throughout the 2016 calendar year. He remained with Everton until 2019, earning recognition as the club's joint Players' Player of the Year for the 2018 to 2019 season.
Paris Saint-Germain and later years
In July 2019, he signed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain. His debut occurred in August during a victory over Toulouse. During his first season in Paris, he won a domestic treble and reached the final of the Champions League.
He eventually returned to England, signing a new contract with Everton in September 2022. By the 2024 to 2025 season, he recorded the highest number of tackles in the Premier League. In August 2026, he moved to the Saudi Pro League club Al-Diriyah on a one-year contract.
International career
Idrissa Gueye made his debut for the Senegal national team in November 2011 during a friendly match against Guinea. He represented his nation at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Throughout his career, he has participated in three FIFA World Cup tournaments and six Africa Cup of Nations events.
In 2022, he helped Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations final. He achieved a major milestone in March 2023 by playing his 100th international match in a victory over Mozambique, becoming the first Senegalese player to reach that total. In 2026, he captained the team to a second AFCON title after defeating Morocco.
Personal life
Outside of football, Idrissa Gueye is married to his wife, Pauline, and they have two sons together. As a practising Muslim, he has completed the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca. Following Senegal's 2021 Africa Cup of Nations victory, he received the title of Grand Officer of the National Order of the Lion from the President of Senegal.
He is also active in philanthropy, holding a charity dinner in 2022 to raise millions of euros for children in Africa dealing with cancer and HIV or AIDS.
Birthday and age
Idrissa Gueye was born on September 26, 1989, which makes Idrissa 37 years old today. That birthday falls under the Libra sign. Idrissa shares the date with 43 other famous people.
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