Senegal’s AFCON 2025 heroes honoured after jubilant welcome

Senegal’s triumphant 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions were welcomed home as national heroes on Monday, receiving the country's honour in recognition of their dramatic second continental title.

After a victory parade through the streets of Dakar cheered by thousands of fans, the players and coaching staff attended a private ceremony with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

There, each member of the squad was awarded the prestigious National Order of the Lion, cementing their legendary status in Senegalese sporting history.

The honour follows a tense and controversial final in which the Teranga Lions defeated Morocco 1-0. The match was marred by a major incident when head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to temporarily leave the pitch to protest a penalty decision, a move that has sparked debate.

Veteran captain Sadio Mané successfully urged the team to return, and goalkeeper Édouard Mendy’s crucial save from Brahim Díaz’s penalty sent the game to extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the historic winning goal.

The celebration in Dakar marks the climax of a successful campaign that solidifies Senegal's position as a pre-eminent force in African football, uniting the nation in jubilation behind its champion team.